In World War II that attitude reached the horrendous level of "It is perhaps an irony that although the war on terrorism is in Afghanistan and not in Pakistan-- Pakistan is quite calm now-- that is misunderstood," she told the Earth Times in an interview in the ambassadorial residence here. "Some buyers have cut off their orders for Pakistani garments and this has put tens of thousand of Pakistanis now out of a job for this coming season. This is a real disappointment that the very people who come to America's aid are now suffering because of a misunderstanding of where Pakistan is and what Pakistan is doing to help America."

Chamberlin, 53, a career diplomat, engineered the diplomatic reversal that had the United States, cool to Pakistan before Sept. 11, court Pakistan's assistance as its number one ally in the war on terrorism.

Since then she has spent much of her time working on aid programs for the Pakistani economy which has lost at least $2 billion since September, according to unofficial but widely quoted figures. Her latest front-page picture was signing a deal which gave Pakistan $600 million with no strings attached.

Was it pure payback? she was asked.

"It's not about paying Pakistan back. It is about having a strong partner as we fight this war against terrorism together. We can't win this fight against terrorism in Afghanistan without Pakistan. We need them we need Pakistan to win this war. We have a strong ally a strong partner in President Musharraf and his government. He proves that daily in his commitment and his government's commitment to support the fight the war against terrorism. But in Pakistan President Musharraf is standing on a shaky platform. The economic indicators of Pakistan are among the lowest in the world. Pakistan is a debtor country. It has over 50 percent illiteracy rate. It has poverty. The needs of the people are great. So it is very much in American interest to make Pakistan strong, to provide economic system so that we have stronger partner."

Chamberlin, who was previously ambassador to Laos and has worked on anti terrorism and anti-narcotics jobs in Washington, said dealing with Musharraf is "satisfying."

"(He) has a style that makes it easy for an American. He is straightforward, he is genuine he says what he means. He gets to the point. You can disagree with him, and have an honest discussion with him and then you get to the business of solving the problem. I find it enormously refreshing and satisfying."

The ambassador and three Muslim-Americans on her staff are observing the month long daytime fast that most Muslims around the world during the holy days of Ramadan.