12. Pakistan-U.S. Relations: Analysis
Analysis from Pakistan: Mir Jamilur Rahman argues that a U.S. decision to skip
over Pakistan would be more than symbolic: it would be followed by still more
hostile U.S.- Pakistan relations. Farukh Saleem argues that the U.S.'s shifting
emphasis from Kashmir to terrorism benefits the leaders of all three countries;
the benefit to Musharraf is an implicit right to proceed as he chooses
domestically. Two scholars, Edward Said and Nadeem Shahid, use "Waiting for
Godot" as a metaphor for the Clinton (non)visit, that is, it is unclear both
whether or not Clinton will come and, if he does, what benefits might accrue to
Pakistan. A Dawn editorial urges India not to celebrate their visit in the form
of increased provocations on the LoC because Pakistan will be ready to respond.
"An unmitigated disaster," Mir Jamilur Rahman
"Roots of terrorism," Farukh Saleem
"Waiting for the change,"
Edward Said
"Waiting for Clinton"
Nadeem Shahid
"A journey too far," DAWN Editorial
Analysis from India: The Times of India editorializes that Clinton is right to
shift from the U.S. traditional support of dictators around the world toward
promotion of democracy in the new millenium. Mahendra Ved argues that Clinton's
choice demonstrates, for the first time, a firm and measurable commitment by the
U.S. to curb terrorism worldwide. K. Subrahmanyam congratulates the U.S. on its
decision not to accede to Pakistan's "sophisticated blackmail."
"Pakistani
Connection"
"Clinton's visit seen
as test of US Pak policy Mahendra Ved"
"A One-Way Friendship
K. Subrahmanyam"
Analysis from the United States: Aziz Haniffa provides the thumb-nail
impressions of several South Asia scholars and policymakers on Clinton's
proposed tour.
"Experts divided on
Clinton's Pak visit"