US reaches out to Pakistan to foster diplomatic ties: sources

[El Sidd]

Its good to talk.

 

[Dalit]

Its good to talk.

Never a bad idea. We have been talking for the past 17 years so no damage done.

 

[El Sidd]

Never a bad idea. We have been talking for the past 17 years so no damage done.

70 years not 17 Sir

 

[Dalit]

70 years not 17 Sir

70 is fine too.

The gist of the matter is just keep talking and do whatever you have to do.

 

[El Sidd]

70 is fine too.

The gist of the matter is just keep talking and do whatever you have to do.

Any doubts on the latter?

 

[Dalit]

Any doubts on the latter?

None whatsoever.

 

[Meengla]

what has Russia to do with it here ? Pakistan is largely insignificant when it comes to contain Russia. Russia is not playing Syria in Afghanistan so don't overrate Pakistan's relations with russia which are just 'ok' as of now.

However, Pakistan's geo strategic position is immense important w.r.t US presence in Afghanistan and they badly need Pakistan support for their troops on security since Afghan Talibans are getting stronger every passing month. US will keep their troops in Afghanistan for many years to come now. They need base against China,Iran and to keep Pakistan nuclear assets in check so Afghanistan just provides them that luxury.

Correct on all counts.
I don't think Afghanistan now and for a long time to come will pose the kind of threat as posed before 9/11.

American presence in Afghanistan is almost certainly all about the region surrounding Afghanistan. Unfortunately for American interests, competing lobbies in America have made American policies a lot difficult by needling China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan at the same time; perhaps Pakistan is the most conforming one among those countries and so a few small gestures are 'peanuts' for Americans to throw at Pakistan.

But it can be still a win-win for Pakistan and America. Pakistanis are definitely not going to want to alienate a super power like America--PDF members aside.