Silicon Valley: The alliance of convenience between the United States and Pakistan, epitomised by the Presidential retreat at Camp David, has a sadly familiar pattern in ties between the two countries over decades, a media report said on June 30.

"While there were smiles at Camp David, American intelligence specialists privately consider Pakistan potentially one of the most dangerous countries in the world," Daniel Sneider, foreign affairs columnist for the 'San Jose Mercury News', wrote.

The paper said a succession of Pakistani military leaders, all of who came to power by overthrowing popularly-elected governments, had made themselves useful to the United States.

"The problem is that time and again we have bought the same idea - that military leaders, always portrayed as moderates ready to lead a troubled nation to Democracy and progress, are the only answer to Pakistan's ills," the daily said.

The US embrace of military rule began in the 1950s with Gen Ayub Khan's government, followed in the 1970s by General Zia ul-Haq, and culminating with its current love affair with Musharraf. This time, the Camp David retreat was a reward for Musharraf's co-operation in the war on terrorism.

PTI