The Cold Shoulder
The last minute invitation to President Zardari to attend the Chicago NATO Meeting has not generated the expected warmth from NATO members especially from the U.S. President. US Officials are quoted that it is due to the not opening of the NATO Supply Route through Pakistan and the U.S. is using a 'no meeting with Obama' pressure to force Pakistan to re-open the routes.
Secretary Clinton during her meeting with President Zardari presented Washington's demand list comprising opening of the NATO supply routes, ending support for the militants and taking the issue of apology off the list of issues to be addressed. President Zardari, however, in his usual disarming smiling way stuck to his guns, that "it is Parliament's decision to open the route, no Salala type repetition, no drone attacks etc.," that forced the US administration to have a second thought and indications are already there for a possible tripartite meeting between Barrak Hussain Obama, Hamid Karzai and Asif Ali Zardari.
How I wish, when the time for this meeting comes, President Zardari is caught up with 'common cold' and forced to take rest in his hotel suite till all NATO cows return to their homes. That would be the most befitting rebuff to Obama's cold shoulder to our President! It will not only immortalize AAZ but endear him immensely in to the hearts of 180 million Pakistanis also.
Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)
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