T HE F-16 issue is only partially about the F-16s. That Washington was unimpressed became clear when the `do more` reappeared after Islamabad failed to get the Taliban to talks.

The message is clear: unless Islamabad moves on some specific actions, US lawmakers will not be comfortable tying more of their taxpayer money to our F-16 subsidy. That`s just how it is going to be from now on. Pakistan`s utility has clearly diminished since it proved unable to get the talks rolling. And as the need for our airbases and land routes has long since expired, if we can`t deliver in favour of the peace, then we`re little good for them in the present setting.

Frustrated with the back-and-forth about the Taliban engaging in talks, Ashraf Ghani finally pulled the plug on Pakistan and its role in the peace process. Then it was only a matter of time before Washington`s favourite `do more` mantra came into play; and it did quickly enough.

Our foreign policy gurus, meanwhile, clueless as they have been for years, are optimistic for unexplained reasons.

There is no chain of command, there is nobody lobbying Pakistan`s case on Capitol Hill, and the man supposedly in charge (the prime minister) is up to his neck in politics of survival.

Ayesha Aziz Karachi