The extremely well choreographed show is over and the performer is returning in the comfort of her dressing room in the air, with satisfaction writ all over. Indeed it was a command performance amply facilitated by the traditional Pakistani fervour and hospitality.
Hillary is a talent of all seasons and all occasions. Her just concluded act in Pakistan was a side of her rarely seen. She has carved her place in the performance domain leaving Sarah Palin far behind. Her eyes are clearly on a much cherished ball, unlike the Alaskan Hockey Mom who has succumbed to making hay and lots of money while the sun continues to shine.
The performances on the side of Pakistani groups and audiences must be equally recognised and credited. The head to head encounters with TV Anchors and Talk Show Hosts and another one with the all female TV Anchors; the open forum with youthful students of Government College University Lahore; the one-on-one TV interviews all showed a class act unexpected and unknown of Pakistani civil society. In all these groups’ relatively younger persons and in particular the younger women were shining and that is a tremendous signal of hope for the future.
The fact that Hillary’s handlers focussed on these groups also shows the perceptions the Americans have about Pakistani civil society. Absent were the talking heads of the print media who have squirreled their way into the high-tech electronic media of modern times but lack the ability to think on their feet and speak convincingly and coherently in real-time live telecasts. It also confirmed in stark reality, the disconnect Pakistan’s establishment shows towards these groups – the youth; the women and the new breed of media names and faces.
While at times Hillary was caught fleet-footed in her response, her counterparts also often showed a degree of timidity, particularly when she offered empty goal posts where the follow-up questions went a begging. One such opportunity was when she pronounced that the aid to Egypt and Israel approved by the US Congress had similar requirements; she should have been challenged if the kind of language of KLB existed in the legislation for aid to these countries as well. Another occasion when she rhetorically stated that Pakistan can always refuse this aid, she should have been reminded that “true friendships†avoid such entreaties.
She walked into lion’s dens and hornet’s nests single handedly and unsupported by aides or embassy experts and faced everything head-on. She went to the business world tycoons, the lawyers, the saints and sages, the opposition politicians and ceremonial government occasions undeterred and apparently unprotected and, defended her American positions as one would expect of her. There she also spoke with alacrity and coherence on issues intrinsic to Pakistan that none of the political leadership or intellectuals dare touch upon in such manner and given the short time at her disposal.
The Secretary of State was bright-eyed and bubbling upon landing in Islamabad. At the end of three days of Blitz her face and demeanour betrayed tiredness. But there was also present therein the unmistakable hallow of a catharsis – a Mona-Lisa like smile of satisfaction.
It was also clear from her pronouncements as she went along her journey that she was changing her understanding and perceptions of Pakistan and the dynamism of its people. That’s where rest the core and mutual benefits of her visit.
There are no friends or foes, only national interests. Primarily its the economic ties which bond countries together and nothing else. US was at war with England in the 18th century, most European countries fought each other for centuries and look at them now. Economically well off and dependant upon each other.
It’s in the US national interest to use us for their “War on Terror,” and other agendas but rewards us with aid etc in return. They will go all out and do anything if it is in their national interest, and so would any country.
Unfortunately, Pakistan is on its knees at the moment (mostly by our own fault) and is desparately seeking friends. Like it or not, only the US has come to help (i.e. KLB and billions provided in the past). Where is “Pak-Cheen dosti,” or “Friends of Pakistan” which our “Accidental President” was running after for help?? Zero, Zilch, Nada, Niente!!
So lets not balme the Americans, use them for our national interest!
Mrs. Clinton did a great job of answering the probing questions posed by the journalists and the panel of female journalist, so I’m really not sure what you’re talking about. This is not US versus THEM. She was in Pakistan to convey the real message of the Kerry-Lugar Bill and try to help Pakistanis understand what it entails.
The biggest problem that Pakistan faces today when speaking of public perspective towards the U.S. is the constant brewing of conspiracy theories. This trip was an obvious attempt to approach the so called Pakistani “intellectuals” and get to know what THEY actually think of the U.S. She was trying to dispel the myths and misconceptions that people like you are persistently trying to spread.
She said numerous times that she’s trying to “turn a new page” in the relation between the United States and Pakistan. This of course means that she acknowledges that there has been mistrust and disloyalty on both sides, if you will. THAT is exactly what she aims to change, and yes, I understand that’s not an overnight process, but this visit was an effort – more than nothing.
We can argue for hours about what a bad job Clinton did at answering questions, and that’s just a perspective with no credence. You’ll say she failed because you see this as a petty battle between us and her (she apparently represents hegemony and imperialism to you).
However- whether you admit it or not- it’s apparent that no matter HOW much any American official makes the effort to make amends, it will never be enough for the people of Pakistan because we love dwelling on the past and picking past bones, as if we have never done anything wrong.
Hilary’s attempts at public diplomacy were failures. But that does not mean people hate Americans, as evidenced by the fact that Americans like Greg Mortenson and Todd Shea are warmly welcomed and loved in Pakistan.
Read more at http://www.riazhaq.com/2009/10/hillarys-public-dip lomacy-draws.html
Let’s first decide if US is a friend to anyone in the Muslim world except who go and approve their versions of everything that exists on the earth and not exist on the earth. They are all over, in Africa, Asia, and I mean allover the world. They are our friends if we approve their idea of how to live our lives and see the world in their perspective, if not then we should have a good reason to not share their beliefs………Do we have a theguts to plan on our own, are we capable of having an honest mentality to venture on what we believe? I guess the answer lies in our own hearts…..we need to have our own perspective of the world and everything in it and beyond it. To achieve that we first need to be honest in accepting the fact that we need to change, from grass root level up to the leadership level and the odds of seeing that happen in our lives right now are really dependent upon each of us individually.
Would her words and speeches here, remove the past US actions of the past, in the minds of Pakistanis ??