Howard Hughe was a great single minded American entrepreneur. His research and development contribution in the fields of Aviation, Films, Defence and Oil well drilling, had glorified the past century.

But for his revolutionary hardware inputs, this world, perhaps, could not have qualified for the inception of the computer revolution?

Mr Hughe and Reza Shah had one thing in common. Both were recluses during the better parts of their twilight periods. It was Howard’s option and Shah’s Compulsion! Both of them are not the subject of this column.

Ms Karen Hughe – the Under Secretary of State, for Public Diplomacy – is. For one, how could diplomacy be public?

And if it is for the public, it must have been – by the public. The sole super power must be exempt. Everything is in order. In United States of America WASP academics could easily verify the feasibility of war against Iraq. They must have co-opted some of the orientalists in exile, or ex-CIA operators having sought refuge. These part-time think-tanks have landed the American Administration into the quagmire – it finds itself in – these days.

Americans are a great nation; they know how to correct their course. Public Diplomacy happens to be one obvious option. After all high flying aircraft have been compensating for headwinds, tailwinds and sidewinds.

Ms Hughe, must have a huge agenda and matching funds to steer clear off the headwinds of negative global opinion. She, for sure, shall succeed. The information super highway would prove to be an excellent route. In place/s of interest, humen factors would have to be carefully resourced this once, If affordable, un-interrupted oil/gas supply happens to be the primary goal, global goodwill could not be relegated to the second position.

Energy security would be the Global Anthem at Davos. All participants: heads of Governments and delegates would rise up and listen most attentively. The Russian entourage would, however, be highly amused. They have the trump cards. They are the main suppliers of oil and gas to eastern and Western Europe, in addition to their access to Iran.

Alternate energy has been mentioned in the dispatches. If it was that feasible and economical – it certainly would have arrived by now. The buzz word is: It is subject to inordinate delay. This world would have to depend of fossil fuels – meantime.

Nuclear energy is an option but only for static use. Driving cars with MMND (mini-micro nuclear devices) shall remain a distant possibility – although it has been already empirically tested. Flying aircraft with MMND is very very remote.

Pakistan does have a consolation prize from Ms Karen Hughe. While conducting our Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, during a corporate fund raiser for quake victims, she was very supportive.

She fended all the thorny questions from the media, like thus:-

• President Bush has made five years commitment for three billion dollors in economic and security assistance to Pakistan. Plus US has made generous allocation for earthquake relief.
  
  
• Pakistan and United States have strong communication links and they would continue to grow. She dismissed the impression that there was an element of mistrust between the two countries.
  
  
• President Bush has reiterated the importance of partnership with Pakistan. And this partnership is based on shared interests. Pakistan is the global partner against terrorism.
  
  
• She complimented President Musharrf for the exemplary complementary role of Pakistan – against terrorism.
  
  

Ms Hughe confirmed US commitment/s of: mutual confidence; cooperations; coordinations; contributions; communications; considerations; consultations; contingencies; constraints; with consensus.

She also reiterated the control of the collateral damage plus adherence to the contractual obligations.

Ms Hughe’s huge agenda must cover the whole of this planet. The Russian Federation is frozen from Vladivostok to Baltic. She would have to change the weather with steaming carrot soup or sunshine warnings. Maybe, President Bush would serve the cuisine when he meets Vladimir Putin in a cozy environment.

Son of the soil Evo Morales has assumed the office of the President of Bolivia. La Paz has been a difficult place to breath for visitors and aliens.

As a selfish national, I have restricted myself primarily to Pakistan affairs.

Come spring, the 3rd of March, and we would have the honor to watch President George W. Bush’s visit to Islamabad and the gift packages he brings.