New Delhi, June 22 -- In the arena of global diplomacy, where visible gestures are often decoys and true intentions remain hidden, last week's overture of US President Donald Trump towards Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, needs to be understood not as a standalone event, but in the context of America's weekend strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities: i.e., as part of a calculated manoeuvre rooted in both expediency and ignorance.

That Trump "was honoured" to meet Munir and publicly claimed Pakistanis "knew Iran better than most" was not casual talk. It was a premeditated message that underscored America's need of Pakistan on its side both diplomatically and potentially as a military partner. Courting the Pakistani gene...