"The US Central Command (Centcom) in Kabul has stated that Afghan, Pakistan and US soldiers joined efforts to defend the Afghanistan town of Shkin when it came under a rocket attack on November 3."
"Why do you use the word stated. The story I read said Centcom confirmed the attack."
"Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Major General Shaukat Sultan has categorically denied such an attack. He is reported to have said that on November 3 he was in Wana with a PTV team and it was absolutely quiet."
"Who do you believe?"
"Well, Pakistan has always maintained that our operations are independent of the US and though we know there is considerable co-operation somehow we were led to believe that there were no joint attacks. I mean the implication was that we would never agree to be like Poodleland soldiers in Iraq who are subordinate to the US command. Besides Karzai is not particularly a friend to Pakistan so why would we bother to defend one of their towns."
"One reason could be because the Americans asked us in no uncertain terms. But another reason could be related to the location of the Afghan town. You know Shkin is in the border region near Wana."
"Ah yes, but the ISPR guy said that he rejected American claims outright."
"Maybe he and the PTV team slept through the attacks. You know with little pressure to come up with news, no breaking stories other than those sanctioned by the government, good food, some liquid nourishment's..."
"Don't be facetious."
"Besides don't forget the ISPR chief is to the armed forces what Sheikh Sahib is to the civilians, right. I mean there is some disinformation..."
"For national interest."
"Right. But tell me why would you believe the Americans over our own people?"
"Because of the details Centcom provided. Apparently the US had handed over PRC-77 radios to Pakistani soldiers for co-ordinating the combined action against the rocket attack."
"And why do you think the Americans are not lying?"
"Because it is in a region where the Pakistani army is already engaged."
"Besides it's possible that the Americans are trying to embarrass us these days."
"Nope, not with a Bush re-election."
"Yes fears were allayed after the Bush victory, as the FO spokesman said."