Spearhead Analysis - 09.02.12
The coming of a new year brings hopes of a brighter and better future. Unfortunately, few would say it holds true for the US-Pakistani relationship. It sure hasn’t had a sunny past as a precursor. In the past year, the Raymond Davis affair, OBL raid by US Seals, Salala check post attack together with recurrent drone attacks and accusations of being in cahoots with the militants has caused this relationship to plummet into a deep abyss.
Pakistan reacted to these transgressions in a bold fashion by shutting down NATO supply routes, forcing US to vacate the Shamsi Airbase and threatening to shoot down any drones that enter its air space. However, it’s safe to say that to some degree the frozen relationship has thawed. Drone attacks have resumed and although the Pakistani government denies giving consent, it hasn’t shot down drones either. Officials on both sides speculate the reopening of supply routes most probably once certain conditions have been met by US. Reports claim that an imposition of taxes can be expected. This would probably be a better deal for the US forces which are paying up to six times more for the northern distribution routes.
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