Pakistan: following suit.

Prompted and guided by self-interest, the world seems increasingly more centered to one's own needs rather than leaving some space for others. The age-old diplomatic language is gradually becoming obsolete. Intentions are no longer sugar-coated. No longer is the focus on others' sensitivities and sensibilities. Agreed, power has always been one of the main deciding factors in inter-state relationships. However, looking at events after 9/11, it seems strikingly clear that power is now the only deciding factor in inter-state or intra-state affairs.

Interfering in any other country's internal affairs is no longer considered a diplomatic crime. Previously, the decisions taken behind closed doors about running the affairs of any 'concerned' country were kept confidential. Now the arguments of such nature are floated and responded to in the open. In this way, the world has become an open theatre. All are welcome to comment on each and everything. No more mincing of words as words do not matter anymore. You issue a policy statement to be retrieved the next moment. U-turns have become an international norm. No wonder the inner self-interests are being professed and pursued in such a transparent manner. In case, a statement backfires, all you need to do is to issue a corrigendum. Matter clarified. Let's move on!

An example. Renegotiating China's debt to Pakistan is none of America's business, says Yun Sun. The Director of the China Program at the Stimson Centre would also like the US to not 'bad mouth' the Sino-Pakistan relationship. Daniel Markey of the US Institute of Peace, however, thinks 'At some level, of course, it is our business as every now and then Pakistan goes to the IMF and other lenders.' He feels that the US is justified in asking questions about the other forms of debts that Pakistan holds, including that from China.

Standpoints taken during debates at Think Tanks are usually considered as not-official. However, in this case, the two opposite positions on Pakistan's debt burden should be taken as official positions of China and the US. Only a couple of weeks ago, had Secretary Blinken urged Islamabad to engage China on issues of debt relief and restructuring so that Pakistan could recover from floods quickly. China was quick to retort. Terming Pakistan as a genuine friend and brother in times of need, it desired from Washington to desist from passing unwarranted criticism on Sino-Pakistan cooperation.

Not only 'my business' is my...