December 22, 2024

Time for caretakers to put diplomacy in top gear to win support in Washington

Capital Calling

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Two developments that took place on Wednesday in Washington have far-reaching effects for the world. Their impact will be felt in the regional conflicts that surround Pakistan.

In the first incidence, the US president and Australian prime minister held a lengthy session before holding an unusual press conference. It was well attended by journalists, whose majority could not get a chance to ask questions. The two leaders had to conclude the event amid raised hands and voices of journalists who intended to ask questions.

Second, the US president’s Democrat Party had to swallow a defeat by Republicans who succeeded in getting their nominated speaker elected to the US Senate. Both these developments took place almost simultaneously.

The good thing in all this is that the US president was not holding his mobile in his hands to make frantic calls to allies for the speaker’s election. No gatherings were held in the White House to buy candidates, as has been hallmark of Pakistani politics.

Now come to the first development. President Joe Biden described Australia as “an anchor to peace and prosperity” while standing alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House.

Albanese was on a state visit intended to deepen an alliance that’s increasingly viewed as a critical counterweight to China’s influence in the Pacific.

It was the ninth and most high-profile meeting between the two leaders, reflecting their work toward closer ties on climate change, technology and national security, reports Reuters.

The United States also plans to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia in the coming years, part of a collaboration with the United Kingdom.

“We renewed our commitment to defend the values that are at the heart of this alliance,” Biden said. “We continue to stand as one to forge a better future for both of us and all of the region.”

Second, U.S. House of Representatives elected Republican Mike Johnson, a conservative with little leadership experience, as speaker on Wednesday, ending a turbulent three weeks that left the rudderless chamber unable to carry out any of its basic duties.

The 220 to 209 party-line vote elevated Johnson to the powerful role that has been vacant since Kevin McCarthy was ousted on Oct. 3 by a small group of his fellow Republicans.

“We want our allies around the world to know that this body of lawmakers is reporting again to our duty stations,” Johnson, 51, said shortly after winning the speaker’s gavel.

His first act was to call up legislation to signal support for Israel, which has stepped up its bombings of Gaza following a cross-border killing and kidnapping spree by Hamas militants early this month.

Johnson made a provocative speech aimed at confining movement of migrants to the US.

On the basis of these two developments, we can conclude that tension in the South China Sea region is going to be hiked. With a Republican speaker in the House, hostilities against countries like Pakistan is also bound to rise. At this moment, there is need to up diplomatic efforts to win support in Washington for Pakistan’s interests. Let us see how do the caretaker government take up this matter.