McCain's warning reflects changing mood in Washington towards Pakistan

The political mood in the United States, and particularly in national capital Washington, may change or shift with regard to Pakistan.

Senator John McCain's recent warning to the Pakistan establishment not to support perpetrators of terror such as The Haqqani Network, and others of their ilk, suggests that Washington may consider talking tougher with a one-time close ally, reports the Dawn.

McCain is said to have categorically conveyed this message to Pakistan's civilian and military leadership before flying off to Kabul.

McCain had tersely said earlier this week, "We have made it very clear that we expect they [Pakistan] will cooperate with us, particularly against The Haqqani Network and against terrorist organisations."

"If they don't change their behaviour, maybe we should change our behaviour towards Pakistan as a nation," he added.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had also said, "It is absolutely unacceptable that a country provides sanctuary to terrorist groups which are responsible for terrorist attacks inside another country."

A recent Pentagon report has described Pakistan as being solely responsible for the instability that prevails in Afghanistan because of its support to terrorists and terror networks from its soil.