Anti Americanism doesn’t seem to go away in Pakistan. Normally, you’d think that because of America’s aid and assistance to help Pakistan, there would be widespread support for Washington in the country, but that is not the case. On the contrary, everyone in the country is all worked up and listening to these people, and their leaders who are the anchors on different T.V. channels in Pakistan, it seems that if only Pakistan cuts off all links with America, everything will change and change for the good in Pakistan.
Because of this non serious and unrealistic attitude displayed by the people, I am tempted to think that this resentment and anger towards America is the result of lack of understanding on the part of Pakistan, but given the media explosion in the country, there is no justification for this attitude. In fact, there is no reason to be angry with America if people and leaders of Pakistan have failed to fix their problems on their own. Also, the people in Pakistan should not worry about American presence in Iraq or Afghanistan because Pakistan has too many issues to tackle and their energies and efforts should be directed towards internal issues that threaten Pakistan’s existence.
America, just like any other country is not perfect. But, this imperfection should not be seen in Isolation. People in Pakistan should understand that America, and for that matter, every other country would do whatever these countries believe is in their national interest. Therefore, if it is not in Pakistan’s interest to certain things, the country must learn to say no, especially to Washington, if that is what it takes, but one should also be realistic and honest about the options at Pakistan’s disposal. Pakistan has not, and it cannot survive without the aid and help that it receives from America and there is no point in trashing America or American policies day and night. People of Pakistan must learn to be thankful that Americans have always given to Pakistan generously and blaming American for all Pakistan’s fault is just stupid.
Today, America is the biggest contributor if one looks at the total aid that has been given to the people of Swat who were forced to leave their hones and ended up living in the tents. Before this, America was the single largest contributor for the victims of earthquake that devastated Pakistan’s northern areas. And this list of bailing out Pakistan goes on and one, but there is no effort, neither by the Americans, or by the Pakistani governments or the media to let the public know that the big Satan, the U.S.A. is actually one of the biggest donor for Pakistan. Otherwise, the country would have defaulted long time ago given Pakistan’s overall economic deterioration over the decades. So, while acknowledging the room for disagreement, there has to a thank you as well for Washington for being a friend for a very long time.
Thank you American for doing so much for the country!!!