Not a bad start for Zardari

It appeared that Zardari managed to prevail over the US leadership as far as sovereignty issue was concerned. It appears that he has been able to bring home to US leaders the importance to draw new rules of engagement instead of its hot pursuits well inside Pakistan. No wonder, we all witnessed Bush ordering a review of US engagement in the region soon after his meeting with Pakistan's new President. It is not only US leaders he prevailed over. Before that he even brought around British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his meeting at London, declaring that US raids will not be helpful in the ongoing war in a well-thought out statement, issued a couple of days after the meeting.

He also defended very strongly the country's sovereignty issue in the face of US incursion in Pakistan. He also urged the world to be more supportive for young and fragile democracies. His position on this issue prodded Bush to say, "your words have been very strong about Pakistan's sovereign right and duty to protect you"

The meetings with top US functionaries, taking place with trust-deficit on the increase between the two countries would go a long way in building confidence, badly needed to ensure cooperation in the ongoing war in Afghanistan. It seemed that after Musharraf now the US-led West appeared ready to work with Zardari.

While a consortium has been established with the title of Friends of Pakistan, comprising representatives from G-8, Middle Eat and China during his stay in New York, it is not sure as yet how much aid this forum will be able to generate for Pakistan. More importantly, what conditions will be attached to any such aid. The consortium will meet next month to consider aid for Pakistan.

It is encouraging sign also that all the international financial institutions have started lending to Pakistan again with the World Bank promising 2.5b billion.  But the country needs a lot more to come out of the prevailing crunch.

E-mail: nadeemsyed@nation.com.pk