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Firstly, there is a dire need that the civilian and military leaderships undertake a dispassionate and exhaustive analysis of the geo-strategic situation currently obtaining in the domain of Pakistan-US relations. We must not allow the crises to spiral out of control. In accepting every US demand after 9/11, the Musharraf regime turned the country into a subservient state. While fighting terrorism and extremism was in Pakistans interest, it must not have allowed the US to dictate terms. Pakistan must not plunge headlong into the North Wazirastan operations under pressure from Washington. If at all any such decision is taken, it must purely be taken under our national domestic considerations. Such an appraisal of our priorities and policies must also spell out red lines for every country to respect and desist from crossing. This must involve the protection of the countrys core interests i.e. sovereignty, nuclear interests, and territorial integrity. In his concluding speech at the National Seminar on DeRadicalisation in Swat the other day, the Prime Minister talked of the red lines and asked the allies not to advance their narrow interests at the cost of Pakistans. These high-level statements need to be accompanied by comprehensive and consistent policies and not be a one-time media interaction. Coupled with this is the need of articulation of consensus-based and uniform policies by all streaks of national opinion. It would send a strong message to the international community and inject substance into Pakistans position on key policy issues. Any dichotomy of views between the civilian and military leaderships would betray the signs of weakness. The policy of putting all eggs in one basket is flawed to the core. Pakistan has pursued a Washington-centric uni-focal foreign policy so far. Our relations with the countries of the gulf region have weakened over a period of time. Islamabad should not only repair its relations with these friendly countries but also find new partners. However, what Pakistan needs the most is the setting of its own house in order. Foreign policy, by all intents and purposes, is a reflection and sum total of domestic policies. If a country is politically and economically strong, it has a better bargaining position and can sell its view point more effectively. This calls for crafting of national consensus on key issues of national security and foreign policy. These measures would enable the country to renegotiate the terms of engagement with the US. Pakistans leadership must articulate the national policy with confidence and optimism. Pakistan has what it takes to be a respectable country in the comity of nations. What it needs the most is leadership and good governance to reflect the dynamism of the nation. History shows that crises bring out the best from the states and societies. Let this crisis serve such a purpose in this case. *********