Kerry’s Tilt!
- Lt Gen S M H Bokhari (Retd), Rawalpindi

IN a recent interview to an Indian Paper, Senator Kerry has said, ‘I will recognize the vital global role India would play in the 21st century. I will work closely with New Delhi and with members of Indian American community to strengthen a relationship built on shared values and interests. --- Time is long overdue for the US to distinguish, once and for all, between India and Pakistan and to treat each differently according to the demands of bilateral relations. ---I am troubled by the way the Bush administration implemented the decision of granting non-NATO ally to Pakistan. Secretary Collin Powell was in New Delhi before going to Islamabad but he did not even take India into confidence before dropping the bomb shell.--- Cross border terrorism must stop in Kashmir and Islamabad must also cease official or unofficial support to terrorist actions in Kashmir’.

His rage against Pakistan is clear from his statement. Indian lobby in the Democrats and Indian American Community have done a good job. Indians have reportedly supported his campaign financially and politically. His fondness for India is therefore well placed and is to be taken note of. India has traditionally been close to Democrats since the Nixon days when in 1971, it complained of US tilt in favor of Pakistan. The Senator is rather unkind in his remarks in that he has even disregarded Pakistan’ role in supporting US war against terrorism.

It appears that if voted to power, he will bring about some changes in US foreign Policy. He will chase Osama more vigorously and will bring pressure on Pakistan to do that. He will support Indian view on cross border terrorism and reopen the nuclear proliferation issue by our scientists. Our Non NATO Ally status will also come under scrutiny and subjected to more stringent controls. We have to be ready to meet him half way if he persists in his tirade against us. It appears unlikely that Pakistan will be dumped in the near future, but US long term world view will have to be kept in sharp focus while working out the future options.

Urgent steps need to be taken to portray Pakistan’s balanced image to the Democrats. Pakistani American Community should take a lead in this matter. It should organize itself into a cohesive body politically and make its presence felt. Our Ambassador in Washington has the right connections in the Congress and Think Tanks. He should use his diplomatic and professional skills to establish personal contact with Congressmen and women. This will help better understanding of Pakistan's cause.●

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