Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Why Pakistanis do not trust America: Dawn

Why Pakistanis do not trust America
By Shahid R. Siddiqi, Dawn, 16 May, 2010

THOSE were the good old days — the 1950s. Pakistanis enjoyed hip hop American culture that made inroads into their households without worrying about its mean political attitude. Majority of Pakistanis looked upon America as an icon of capitalism, progress and democracy.
It fascinated young minds with its ideas of freedom of thought and speech. Pakistan’s founding fathers aligned their country with America because its leadership evoked confidence. Sentimental Pakistanis took America to be a friend in literal sense.

But if one was to ask people in the streets of Pakistan today, 7 out of 10 will blame America for all of Pakistan’s ills. They will cite a pattern of deceit, exploitation and misuse of trust by America over five decades.
They perceive America to be an arrogant, war mongering superpower which, propelled solely by its global agenda and imperial hubris, foments trouble, attacks and destroys people and countries.

Over a period of 50 years, Pakistan’s admiration for America has turned into a feeling of suspicion, outrage, even scorn. This is reinforced by the emerging perception elsewhere in the world shown by the polls that America is the most hated country. The wide-eyed Washington beltway insiders shake their heads in disbelief and question this hatred.

For complete article, click here
Related:
Pakistan to America: What have you done for us lately? - Arif Rafiq
In Pakistan, money alone can’t buy US love - Dawn
US encouraged by Pakistani public opinion trends on ties - The News

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