US drones and 14 points

The United States' utter disregard of the sensitivities of Pakistan about the sanctity of its sovereignty, which were clearly reflected in the 14-point resolution unanimously passed by the joint session of the two houses of parliament on 22nd October, should no longer surprise political observers. Its policymakers must have dismissed the parliamentary consensus as a mere irritant worthy to be brushed aside, knowing full well that its wording, "the nation stands united against any incursions and invasions of the homeland, and calls upon the government to deal with it effectively," was not a hollow expression. But they had heard such sentiments forcefully expressed through the various forums time and again since their armed forces began violating our territory early 2006. They were confident that except for voicing protests, the Pakistanis would not dare do anything against the mighty superpower.

The periodic missile attacks naturally cause an outrage and create anti-American feelings across the country that should hardly be expected to serve Washington's most cherished cause of eliminating the curse of terrorism. But while the words of the resolution were still resounding in the main chamber of the National Assembly, the Pentagon's Predators took to pounding villages in the tribal area, as if it had heard nothing to stay their hands, and in the four aerial incursions beginning from the small hours of 23rd October have killed nearly 50 persons.