Acknowledges strained relationship after bin Laden raid
Tension was apparent when U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Pakistan’s leaders in Islamabad on Friday. Pakistani-U.S. relations have been notably shaky since May 1, when U.S. Navy Seals stormed a compound and killed Osama bin Laden. There has been speculation that Pakistan was aware that bin Laden was hiding out in their country. U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen accompanied Clinton during the visit as she met with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and the chief of Pakistan’s army. The New York Times reported that the meeting was noticeably “awkward and unsmiling.” Speaking afterwards, Clinton acknowledged the strained relationship, but said the talks were open and constructive. Mullen said trust between the two countries’ militaries must be rebuilt.