Acknowledging mistakes is a prerequisite to building a healthy, honest relationship. Only then can a mutual vision be defined and pursued in the search of a better tomorrow.

Pakistan and the United States have ostensibly been allies since the early days of the Cold War. America has pumped billions into this country in the form of cash and weapons and we, in turn, have readily done its bidding, most notably during the fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan.

The US also bankrolled the Musharraf regime in the years following 9/11, a time marked by impressive economic ‘growth’ and a skin-deep sense of prosperity. Yet relations between the two have often been strained. Anti-American sentiment runs high among the general public and recent months also saw a marked souring of relations on the government-to-government level.

Washington’s public criticism of Islamabad’s inaction in the fight against the Taliban did not go down well with Pakistan’s power brokers. Such censure, it was felt, would have been better voiced privately. The army brass was particularly irked by the repeated slurs cast on the ISI. Questioning not just the capacity but also the motives of the Pakistan military vis-à-vis the battle against militancy certainly did not help.

Things are different now, and for good reason. Pressure from America to do more may be a factor, but mostly it is the visible shift in public opinion that has allowed the government and its security apparatus to crack down hard on the Taliban. The much-needed Malakand operation clearly enjoys broad public and political support within the country. America’s tone too has softened visibly and there has been no shortage of praise for the ongoing operation.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton again lamented America’s ‘incoherent’ dealings with Pakistan over the last 30 years. She made it clear that Washington had abandoned Islamabad once the Soviets were forced to withdraw from Afghanistan. It was also implied that the US had supported military dictators instead of the people of Pakistan. Now, according to Ms Clinton, the US is busy building a ‘clear, honest’ relationship with the popularly elected government in Pakistan. Also on Tuesday, she announced an additional $110m in emergency relief for persons displaced by the fighting in Malakand.

The suffering in the region is acute and America has done well to extend a timely helping hand. Food from the US will win more friends among the people than the delivery of weapons to the army.