Those that are smiling with their brains at the praises that President Joyce Banda is getting from foreign capitals are always doing it with caution and inquisition.

They are applying caution to their smiles because their brains are inquiring into what the Western governments are gaining out of embracing President Banda.

The facts of history have remained that a Foreign Capital does not praise you for nothing. Their endorsements are never free of charge. They always expect a return on the investment of their kudos.

We will soon find out what President Banda is offering in return. Because as we know it, the western praises last as long as reciprocity in form of cooperation, even subservience, remains in existence.

Put it differently, being a darling to a Western government is as long as you are still useful to them to achieve their agenda.

Once that is achieved, the romance ends there and then even if you may be still be salivating at your wishes for its extension.

Students of history know that as the West fought the Mujahedin, during the cold war, the United States of America enlisted the services of Osama Bin Laden. They raised him, spoiled him, pampered him, trained him, connected him, financed him to fight for their interests.

Once their agenda was fulfilled, they dumped Bin Laden and looked the other side, pretending like they had not known him all along.

The man they made themselves turned to become the terrorist they were happy to hunt down and kill.

As they fought the influence of the Ayatollah of Iran, the Americans, with the allied support of Britain, endeared and supported Saddam Hussein.

When their interests changed, Saddam became their nemesis. They even had to make up a story of a non existent count down of chemical weapons standing to be triggered to have a basis for eliminating him.

When the West is flirting with you, keep your head and remain curious.