Converting weaknesses into strengths

General perception regarding Mr Zardari's credentials to lead the nation, both as president and supreme commander of the armed forces is clouded by his murky past reeking of corruption, though unproven. Since he has been elected as a result of a democratic process, the will of the people must be respected and Mr Zardari deserves a chance to prove his mettle.
After listening to Mr Zardari's extempore speech at the foreign office last Wednesday, one may be strained to rethink one's negative opinion of him as a credible leader. His punch line was "converting weaknesses to strength". Mr Zardari frankly admitted the challenges ahead and the grim situation facing Pakistan.
The notable aspect was that instead of being pessimistic, he was sanguine enough to recommend measures to exploit the hopelessness of the situation to Pakistan's advantage. I am constrained to screen details of the solutions recommended by the president owing to the classified nature of the briefing, however, suffice to say that his urging the Foreign Service officers to work with a strategic vision and professional commitment and help turn these challenges into opportunities was very refreshing and provides a ray of hope for the future.
Regarding the US military operations inside Pakistani territory, Mr Zardari said, "As far as America is concerned, the fact that we are in the eye of the storm, I consider that an opportunity." It will require Herculean strength to clean up the Augean' Stable of the mess being created by the terrorists and their handlers in the tribal region, which is becoming more precarious owing to cross-border raids by US troops.
Exasperated by lack of results despite their perpetual demands of "Do more!" the US forces are now not only taking direct action flouting Pakistan's sovereignty, but also creating pressure points to make Pakistan succumb to their demands in pursuance of their aims.
A New York Times report, quoting senior US officials claiming that highest levels of Pakistan's security apparatus, including the Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani might have been aware of the plot to bomb the Indian embassy in July this year, is being maliciously re-circulated. Pakistan's premier security agency ISI is being maligned for its hypothetical role in aiding and abetting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.