Will Pakistan Soften It's Position On NATO Supply Lines?

Pakistani Official: Position To Soften On NATO Supply Line -- Christian Science Monitor

An assistant to the Prime Minister says the country will show flexibility on the issue after NATO clearly expressed its displeasure in Chicago.

As President Asif Ali Zardari concludes his trip to Chicago for the NATO summit, observers in Pakistan say that Pakistan has been put in a more awkward position, and he will now have to convince his own countrymen to soften their demands on the United States – a difficult task.

Government officials are already hinting at the change of attitude that Pakistan will pursue once the president returns.

“We have to show flexibility in our stance, because it is in Pakistan’s mutual interest,” says Chaudry Fawad, who is the special assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani.

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My Comment: I am very skeptical on what are Pakistani intentions. They want more money (this I understand) .... and even though some Pakistanis are now voicing concerns on what this approach may (or may not) bring .... the bottom line is most Pakistanis do not care .... and what is worse .... are probably happy to witness the problems that NATO is going through in Afghanistan right now.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was invited to the NATO summit because NATO expected him to announce an opening of the supply routes .... or at least a public announcement that Pakistan will accommodate and assist NATO/Afghanistan in their war against the Taliban. Instead .... he shows up demanding money and an apology. Talk about giving the wrong message to the dozens of governments who had to sit back and watch this spectacle.