U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had to do some elaborate diplomatic two-steps during their swing across the Indian subcontinent during the first week of September. And that goes way beyond simply being forced to deny that neither was the anonymous author of the stunning New York Times column disclosing that senior administration officials were "working diligently from within to frustrate parts of (Trump's) agenda and his worst inclinations."
Beyond the backdrop of reported tension over Trump's mimicking of the accent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there were the Gordian-like questions of choosing the United States' greatest friend between arch neighbors, India and Pakistan; which of the two is the most effective bulwark against Chinese expansion and Taliban militants, and which could be the most reliable partner in trade and commerce.
The visit did not get off to a very auspicious start. Back in January, Trump accused Pakistan of rewarding past U.S. military assistance with "nothing but lies and deceit" by continuing to grant safe haven and support to Taliban insurgents waging an unrelenting war against American forces in Afghanistan. Congress promptly withdrew $500 million in aid funds, then on Sept. 1, the Pentagon canceled another $300 million in military assistance, bringing the total to $800 million. A Pentagon spokesman attributed the action to "a lack of Pakistani decisive actions in support of the South Asia Strategy."