Pakistan rejects US special envoy Grossman`s visit

Pakistan has denied Marc Grossman’s request to visit as a special envoy for the United States. There have not been any reasons given for such a denial, but it certainly is not doing anything to decrease tensions between the two countries. According to a Pakistani government official, Ambassador Grossman was simply told that a visit was not possible at this time. With the relationship between Pakistan and the United States on very shaky ground, the denial of Ambassador Grossman’s visit is not likely to be taken well. Pakistan’s cooperation with the United States is necessary for the U.S. to begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan because of the country’s association with the various militant groups in the region. The Pakistani government has been trying to persuade the Taliban into joining talks to end the violence.

Ambassador Grossman is scheduled to visit Qatar and Afghanistan this week, according to statements made by U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Last December, Pakistan said that its parliament would be reviewing its cooperation with NATO and the U.S. There has been no time frame given as to when there will be a decision made; however, there are reports that the review will be finished before Ambassador Grossman will visit the country again.

In May of last year, Pakistan’s powerful military forces were embarrassed and very angered by a United States operation that ended in the death of Osama bin Laden. The raid, according to military and government officials, was a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. There was no advance warning given by the United States that the operation was to happen.

In addition to the tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan, the military and the government are at odds right now, as well. Yesterday, the Supreme Court threatened to hold the prime minister in contempt if he did not appear before them. The Supreme Court wants to know why there has been no investigation into allegations of corruption by the president of Pakistan and other senior officials.

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