Sarmad Gilani, a Pakistani-American, discusses the US/NATO strikes on Pakistan, and the fractured nature and future of US-Pakistani relations. (From WJBC)

A quick stroll through opinion pieces routinely shows a defeatist and perpetually critical attitude. Even August 14 is not spared, with recurring themes such as “what is there to celebrate?” Is it any wonder that people are depressed? At least for one day, let’s have the audacity to celebrate our nation and our identity, and motivate ourselves to move forward even stronger. Without regressing into a history lesson, it is important to remember how Pakistan fared at its dawn. While India inherited much of the colonial infrastructure, Pakistan was left to fend for itself in setting up the economy....

Imagine a loved one being in trouble, having accusations hurled at from all directions. Of course, your instinct would be to protect them, to give them support, and to understand the situation. And since everyone has flaws, you would want to work with them to remove theirs and to restore their confidence. Of course, that’s true only if your love for them is sincere–if you see them as your own. Otherwise, it is human nature to be quick to pass blame and to see the truth through the prism of our opinions. The fallout from this approach is never pretty and leads to contentment and mistrust, and you...

By now, we have had more than enough debate about politics and finger-pointing about the terrorist attack at PNS Mehran. The news channels let us retreat into a passive shell and consume the drama, and we miss the most important lessons: who we are a society, and what each of us must do. But that’s not nearly enough. It has almost become fashionable to flaunt our flaws, as if merely re-hashing our social ills will accomplish anything more than further demoralizing people. It’s time to uplift ourselves and push forward. It’s no secret that dishing out conspiracy theories are our...

It’s just not working out between us anymore. I remember when you threw a ticker-tape parade for me in New York when we first started to test the waters as a couple. You told me that I was your favorite. You showered me with money, gave me gifts, and pretty soon I was hooked. I liked being with you so much that I neglected my friends and family; but I was so enamored with you that it didn’t matter. Soon enough, you started abusing me and disrespecting me. My friends kept telling me to stay away and that I could do better, but I was too blinded to see you for what you really are, until...

While there is still an alarming lack of transparency about the operation in Abbottabad, the statements emanating from Washington do make one thing clear: the era of friendly cooperation between the CIA and ISI is likely over. Behind the media blitz and rhetoric, the ISI now has a golden opportunity to take the country into confidence and actively pursue national interests, if it so chooses. Choosing not to would be suicidal. Leon Panetta, the outgoing CIA chief, has lifted the lid on Langley’s true thoughts about their Pakistani counterparts. Despite the fact that Pakistan has lost over 30,000...