NEWS: We have come a long way indeed from the time when the world listened to our entreaties on Kashmir with respect. We simply must ask the question whatever happened to us? Why do we stand at the very edge of the diplomatic precipice today? When the witch-hunt against the leadership of the People's Party was at its height, the government put out certain state secrets -- in the form of government letters exchanged between the High Commission in London and the Foreign Office -- which had to do with the setting up of a weekly newspaper that would give Pakistan's stand on Kashmir. This led to allegations that George Galloway, MP, had been paid to lobby for Benazir. All of our friends in the British parliament ran for cover lest they be sullied too in this domestic mud-slinging.

Then came the deft touches of our Foreign Office. Our foreign policy became so utterly stilted where the Taliban were concerned that we bumbled along foolishly even in the face of whisperedcriticism of the Chinese, the loud protestations of our dependable friend and ally (erstwhile) Iran, the Central Asian states and believe it Turkey too! With one fell swoop we turned our whole neighbourhood against us.

A dangerous drift in the air

THE FRIDAY TIMES (From an article by Najam Sethi): There is a definite sense of drift in the air. It suggests more than a hint of danger. It evokes more than a distant alarm. The ``never-say-die'' thunder of our ideologues doesn't seem to bind. The ``all-is-under-control'' reassurance of our politicians doesn't seem to inspire. In fact, it looks as though our leaders are groping in the dark and don't know what to say or do. Kargil is at the top of the heap. There are many simple questions but few straightforward answers. The irony is that everyone in Pakistan claims to ``know'' exactly what has happened even though nobody ``knows'' for sure what will follow.

Situation in India is worsening

DAWN: The (Indian) Government is nonplussed, claimingall sorts of excuses for the debacle and putting all the blame on Pakistan for the deteriorating situation. Fantastic allegations were levelled: Branding the militants first as Taliban, then as Islamic guerrillas, then mercenaries and last of all as regulars of the Pakistan army. Ridiculous and lame excuses were offered for the penetration of the two downed planes, over 15 km inside the Pakistan territory. The situation in India is worsening because there is no regular elected government in office at the Centre. There is a sort of power vacuum and the headstrong Army generals disregard the advice and orders of the interim regime. So without caring for the consequences, they are driving India towards another full-fledged war with Pakistan.