Americans as a whole don't know much about Pakistan, or its people. Not that I think we are ignorant or don't care, but rather we find the customs, traditions and people to be mysterious to us. However, Americans have always found it easy to accept and embrace others who share common interests and ideals, no matter how disparate their cultures may be. Perhaps it is America's own truly diverse society, which facilitates this acceptance, or perhaps it is our eternal optimism that people and their nations (but not necessarily their governments) are inherently good. In any event, American's have suddenly had the opportunity to meet Pakistan and its people, and discover these shared interests and ideals. In a period of only a few short weeks, Pakistan and the United States have become inextricably tied by current events. These current events will now serve as the force to develop a fuller, long lasting relationship between our two countries.

Why has America shown this significant support for and interest in Pakistan when historically there was little? Obviously the conflict in Afghanistan is central to this new relationship and our need for a reliable ally in the region. However, there is an additional and more powerful reason. Powerful in the sense of long-term importance. Simply put, American's are beginning to get a better and clearer understanding of who Pakistan is. As a result of this growing knowledge and understanding, there are the beginnings of a much
greater relationship and strong reason to believe it will endure well beyond the conclusion of hostilities in Afghanistan.

It often seems now days that everything is defined in relation to current events. Clearly recent terrorist acts and responses thereto have served to bring Pakistan and its people to the attention of America. Our televisions show Pakistan, quote Pakistani leaders and give many Americans their first real glimpse of Pakistan and its people. We can see that they too abhor terrorism, that they have committed to fight this terrorism even at great potential peril to their country and very way of life, and that both its leaders and people share many of the same morals, ideals and dreams as American's do. It has been
heartening to know that even in a location as foreign to many Americans as central Asia, that we do in fact have steadfast allies who we can work with, support and depend upon.

These events will certainly serve as a catalyst for closer ties between our two countries, but should not serve as its sole basis. With fuller understanding can come greater acceptance and friendship? It is these intangibles which will endure, and which will
bring the people of America and Pakistan closer together in a lasting relationship.

Beyond these intangibles, the United States needs to depend upon Pakistan as a force for stability in the region. Pakistan is, and will continue to play a central role in creating a lasting peace in central Asia. This dependency will necessarily increase the contacts between our two nations, diplomatically, militarily and perhaps most importantly, culturally.

Clearly a closer relationship between the United States and Pakistan is mutually rewarding. However, to say that Pakistan has sided with the United States and its allies in the fight against terrorism simply in order to curry favor from the west is both demeaning and does a great disservice to both Pakistan and the United States. Pakistan's reward will not come in the form of financial assistance, greater political or international
acceptance. Pakistan's decision to forcefully take a clear stand against those who threaten violence, and to proclaim to the international community that Pakistan stands among them, will serve to establish Pakistan as a regional leader. This is Pakistan's reward.

Mr. Brian Lower the writer is a Lawyer and a senior Business Executive in the travel industry and resides in Southern US. Mr. Lower is a non-political person but this article is to highlight how millions and millions of Americans feel right now. This sums up his writing "This article, "American's New Relationship with Pakistan" deals with my sense that the recent tragic events may very well serve as the foundation for significant and continuing ties between the U.S. and Pakistan, going well beyond the conflict in Afghanistan.

The theasianoutlook.com is grateful for Mr. Lower's contribution.