IT was a hard decision for President Pervez Musharraf to assure cooperation to the Americans in their war against terrorism but needless to say it was under the circumstances the only viable course of action available to Pakistan. For little wonder he has been able to sell to the people the rationale for an otherwise unpopular choice. Siding with the Americans in any cause invokes instant suspicion among the people of Pakistan. The way we have been treated in the past by our erstwhile benefactor is a good enough reason for the people to suspect that perhaps we are once again being taken for a ride.

Nonetheless, saner elements could fully comprehend the consequence of ‘showing a red rag to the bull’, and the government was able to effectively put across the message that it was a question of safeguarding Pakistan’s national security. Why should we incur the wrath of an angry and furious superpower itching for revenge by acting brave was convincing logic.

Much water has flowed down the Indus since we were served with the ultimatum: ‘you are either with us or against us’. Pakistan has now been rehabilitated in the community of ‘civilized nations’. Its insolence to defy the nuclear non-proliferation regime has been condoned, and the seizure of power by the military is no longer an irritant. George Bush has been showering praises on Gen. Pervez Musharraf as a man of wisdom and courage whose regime, he says, should be strengthened and stabilized. Long-standing sanctions against Pakistan have been lifted and the remaining ones too are on their way out.

Taking their cue from Washington, America’s western allies have made haste to renew offers of friendship, cooperation and assistance to Pakistan. Ironically, British Prime Minister Tony Blair had no qualms about changing his opinion about a Pakistan under military rule. Last Friday he came calling and during his four-hour stay in Islamabad had dinner with President Musharraf even though Pakistan was still under military rule which had occasioned its expulsion from the Commonwealth two years ago.

The dramatic change in Pakistan’s isolation seems too good to be true. A section of the ruling elite in Islamabad is thrilled. The ‘godfather’ is pleased with us and quite prepared to generously reward us is how they look at the evolving situation. Needless to say, there is a sizable number of people in positions of authority and influence in the country who yearn for a return to the golden days of US patronage and benevolence.

They see no harm in complying with whatever demands the Americans may make on Pakistan in the context of the anti-terrorism drive.