US & Pak must divorce as allies, says ex-envoy | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

US & Pak must divorce as allies, says ex-envoy

Reuters | By, Washington
Aug 23, 2012 11:25 PM IST

The US and Pakistan should stop pretending they are allies and amicably “divorce”, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington said, citing unrealistic expectations in both countries that include US hopes Islamabad will sever its links to extremists.

The US and Pakistan should stop pretending they are allies and amicably “divorce”, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington said, citing unrealistic expectations in both countries that include US hopes Islamabad will sever its links to extremists.

HT Image
HT Image

“If in 65 years, you haven’t been able to find sufficient common ground to live together, and you had three separations and four reaffirmations of marriage, then maybe the better way is to find friendship outside of the marital bond,” Husain Haqqani said on Wednesday, addressing the Center for the National Interest, a Washington think tank.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A post-alliance future would allow both countries to hold more realistic expectations of each other, cooperating where possible but perhaps without the sense of betrayal, which has become acute in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan’s military needed to be under greater civilian control, adding Pakistan’s national interests are defined “by generals, not by civilian leaders”. He said it was just as unrealistic for Pakistanis to think that the United States would side with Pakistan by launching war on India as it was for the United States to think Pakistan would give up its nuclear weapons or sever ties with extremists.

But he also doled out criticism of US policymaking, saying it was too often short-sighted.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On