The very first day of Obama in office turned out to be a bitter experience for Pakistan, which is supposed to be one of US’ main allies in combating terror, post 9/11. Just after joining Oval Office, the Obama administration revealed its strong attitude towards demolition of terrorism. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden released their foreign policy agenda document, which said that America would be increasing non-military aid to Pakistan but at the same time holding them accountable for security in the border region with Afghanistan.

The US administration headed by Obama has cautioned Pakistan to act responsibly in its fight against terrorism, especially in the border regions of Afghanistan. Obama has clearly hinted at stopping aid to Pakistan if it fails to deliver goods as deemed. The statement said that Pakistan’s performance in the fight against terrorism would be linked to the financial aid to it. However, Pakistan responded to the statement by saying that it will review its options in the absence of a positive approach from Obama.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the US - Hussain Huqqani was quite vocal when he expressed - “Pakistan hopes that Obama will be more patient while dealing with Pakistan. We will review all options if Obama does not adopt a positive policy towards us.” Haqqani further hoped that Obama, in relation to war against terrorism, would also pay attention to the political, foreign policy factors and socio-economic matters of the region and not act in haste.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani military has also bristled against the suggestions of Washington that Islamabad needs to do more in the war against terror and termed the statements as unhelpful and uncalled for. Gen Tariq Majid, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee said that such unhelpful statements must stop, as they are not required.

Obama has definitely triggered a change in the air and Pakistan is already feeling the heat. He definitely seems to be adopting a different line of action as compared to his predecessor George Bush who had a soft inclination for Pakistan. Even Pakistan has accepted the fact that former President Bush was more inclined to getting his words accepted than listening to others and believing in use of force. Now, it would be interesting to see how Obama takes future steps to combat terrorism.