Both cordiality and strain are contradictory but consistent characteristics of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship.

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But delegates to the Cairo meetings, who were split into committees to tackle specific issues, reported cordiality and progress.

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The Vatican said Pope Francis welcomed Benedict "with great and fraternal cordiality".

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Despite the cordiality, there has always been a strain.

FORBES: Indian Expert: Pakistan Hit Bin Laden

Not everybody gets it the first time, but he is terrific and he's a very nice guy and I think anyone who makes the mistake of thinking that his cordiality or softness is making a serious error because he's one tough kid.

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