The Political Saas-Bahu Saaga….

The recent deteriorating Pak-US relation was the hot topic of international relations. The US allegations on Pakistan for providing safe havens to Haqqani network and continuous emphasis on Pak army to launch operations in North Waziristan and other tribal areas while adopting the do more policy was a real apprehension for Pakistan. On top of all, the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton visit to Pakistan to further normalize the relations and also to strengthen the strategic alliance with Pakistan was an event of critical attention for Pakistani media.

In a session with journalists one of the journalists entitled US as Pakistan’s mother in law to which Hillary Clinton shared a huge laugh and said that she understands the literal meaning of this title. As this incident was covered massively by the news channels, while I watched it I struck with a thought. I started imagining the whole situation considering the stakeholders reflecting the real life typical Pakistani family. And then I analyzed the scenario in my own way which I will be sharing as under.

Imagine Pakistan, a typical self-pity and devastating daughter-in-law as being portrayed by a journalist who has to tolerate the cruelty of her Mother-in-law (US in this case). U.S has been deliberately playing its typical role and always keeps intimidating Pakistan with do more policy. On the other hand India our very own not so friendly neighbor plays the role of a Husband’s sister (nand) who cannot miss the opportunity to brainwash U.S against Pakistan and also plan tactics to deteriorate the position of Pakistan in the eyes of U.S.

The next character is our possibly only savior China who can be portrayed as a husband who always plays its cards to strategically handle the situation with a little biasness towards his wife (Pakistan). Another important neighbor i.e. Afghanistan without whom this whole saga will be useless. Afghanistan is a spoiled, irritating and ill-mannered child. His behavior is disturbing for the whole family. He is the real reason that family bonding is loosened and there is tug of war between the family members. Each member is having its stake in this child and wants to pursue their interests by claiming their right on this brat. But this little devil is nowhere to be in control of anyone as it knows its worth and is not ready to compromise its individuality with anyone.

The last but not the least is the role played by Israel. Israel is a very sharp, cunning and long term planner. He is not actually a part of family but he is close enough to the family to have an influence on the family matters. His plans are properly followed by U.S who is very good friend with Isreal and considers his suggestions and action plans for handling home matters.

Other than these vital members of the family there are other relatives also which can be broadly divided into two main categories. The west or the EU can be described as a group of those relatives who are interested in family grapevines. They will never offer any constructive solution to family problems and will always try to give useless suggestions or opinions about the situation underway. The other group of relatives is the Arab world which is comparatively less concerned about the issues. They have a little soft corner for the daughter-in-law but as they have less influence in the family they are not given any chance to interfere in the family matters.

Adding up to this family tree, the final role is that of United Nations. Who else can best portray the role of poor father-in law than United Nations? Yes! Father-in-law is very much in the picture but only at the back end. UN is only a mediator or negotiator who always fails to put its best efforts to settle down the matters. But being a father-in-law, he has little say in the house and the whole family including him is under the spell of US. ;)