Pak-US relations remain stable despite many ups and downs: Mushahid Syed

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan enjoys stable relations with the United States despite many ups and downs during the year 2010, renowned analyst-cum-journalist and chairman of the Pak-China Institute and Regional Think Tank, Mushahid Hussain Syed, has said.

Talking to VOC, Mushahid said that there remained mutuality of interests on both sides, especially with reference to Afghanistan.

He said that he saw some confusion emanating from Washington, and then clarity from the Pakistan side, which was a pleasant change in the sense that the US policy towards Afghanistan seemed altered, the Daily Times reports.

Pakistan had done its homework well, and most of the credit went to army chief General Ashfaq Kayani in this regard, as he submitted his complete document to the US administration, which carried positive manifestation of Pakistan, he added.

Replying to a question about the Kerry-Lugar bill, Mushahid said that the bill had a lasting impact, as it not just brought US dollars but also growers.

“Now the ground realities have been changed a lot, so the US government should put forward our interests and objectives clearly and present them in written forms,” he added.

Mushahid also said that the year 2011 would be very difficult for the US, as it would be the beginning of a tough election campaign for Obama’s administration.

The issue of restoration of economy would also be a big challenge for Obama, and he would have to choose either economy or Afghanistan, he added. (ANI)