Resuming Nato supplies to help douse US Congress' increasing impatience with Pak

Islamabad - There has been a growing impression in the United States that if the Nato supply routes remain closed, Congress would continue showing impatience with Pakistan using legislation and remarks.

The Congressional mood regarding Pakistan has been described as 'increasingly impatient', but opening up of the blocked routes is expected to ease the deadlock in US-Pak relations.

"If the routes are opened, it will give both sides space, and they can keep things going until after the elections," The Express Tribune quoted a Senate aide, as saying.
 

Relations between Islamabad and Washington are struck in a stalemate since Pakistan insists on an apology for the NATO air raid on the Pak-Afghan borderthat killed 24 soldiers last year.

"Pakistan might not get an 'I'm sorry', but there are plenty of ways to communicate condolences and regret. The president and Secretary Clinton amongst others have already said that in a time of war, the US regrets loss of life," the Senate aide added.

"There is increasing impatience and frustration in Congress with Pakistan, which is empowering right wing elements in the country," the Senate aide said.

"The notion of a US-Pakistan strategic relationship is basically over. We are looking at more transactional things we can do together," another Congressional aide said.

This year by now has seen number of bills introduced by various Congressmen, which have asked for the right to self-determination for the people of Balochistan, US citizenship for Dr Shakil Afridi, blocking of military aid and all assistance to Pakistan, and lately a cut in military assistance with more conditions than ever before.