Pakistan is strategically very important for US to sustain in Afghanistan, three-quarters of supplies for US troops in Afghanistan moving either through or over Pakistan.
Ever since, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world had always been in search of alliances for its security, survivability and sustainability. The history of Pak-US relations has had a history of roller coaster rides. During the period of ties between the two nations, there have been more ebbs than flows. Due to trust deficit on the both sides, these relations always remained tumultuous.
Being a Muslim state and anticommunist which had its roots from Khilafat movement went for Capitalist bloc (US). The US policy based on self interest towards the world in general and Pakistan specific. "No permanent friend and no permanent enemies in international politics only interests are permanent" is the rule of game in international playground and US is the main player of this game among the nations of the world
In 1950s Pakistan's inability to match India in military and economic sphere and for search of security lead it to enter into pacts like the Baghdad Pact, central treaty organization CENTO and south Asian treaty organization SEATO. Although these pacts were actually to contain soviet backed communism but this fact cannot be altogether denied that these pacts really strengthened relations between the two nations. At the time, its relationship with the US was so close and friendly that it was called the United States' "most-allied ally" in Asia.
The US suspension of military assistance during the 1965 Pakistan-India war generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was not a reliable ally. We can take the example of Kashmir in the early period of Pakistan-US relations and analyze the sincerity of US towards Pakistan then India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 also give clear indication of US dualism towards Pakistan. Even though the United States suspended military assistance to both countries involved in the conflict, the suspension of aid affected Pakistan much more severely, as India still received aid from Soviet Union.
Gradually, relations improved and arms sales were renewed in 1975. Then, in April 1979, the United States cut off economic assistance to Pakistan, except food assistance, as required under the Symington Amendment to the US Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, due to concerns about Pakistan's nuclear program.
US policy took a U-turn after the Soviets intervention in Afghanistan and Pakistan fought a proxy war as a part of US containment policy against the soviets Communism. When soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 the convergence of interests between the US and Pakistan again brought the two nations closer to each other. Both the states agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance program for Pakistan's help for its security needs and economic developments. With the US assistance in the largest covert operation in history, Pakistan trained, armed and supplied anti-Soviet mujahedeen in Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in 1988.
After the disintegration of former Soviet Union and victory of western bloc, Pakistan did not remain that much dear to the US and the bright colors of their close relations got dim and fade soon after the soviets' withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was the period when Pakistan had to suffer immense pressure and due to its ongoing nuclear program to match with India, to which Pakistan was determined and committed to accomplish considering it the weapon of its survival.
To maintain its hegemony the US needed allies since the phenomenon of regionalism has emerged. After tragic incident of 9/11, US started the so called war on terrorism and Pakistan became its frontline, major non-NATO ally. When US geo-strategic interests so dictated, relations with Pakistan warmed, followed by military aid and economic assistance. One factor of mistrust remained pinching to Pakistan as Pakistan armed forces started its operation in the tribal areas of Pakistan which were the sanctuaries for Taliban and al-Qaeda leader and activists, still Pakistan and its premier intelligence agency ISI is accused of covertly supporting Taliban and providing them assistance to launch their operations in Afghanistan against US-lead allied forces. Because of US dualism policy since the independence of Pakistan, anti-American sentiments are found between the both common people and official level of Pakistan.
Before 9/11 Pakistan was under four US sanctions, First, President Bush (Senior), under Section 620-E of Foreign Assistance Act or the Pressler Amendment, it is normally known as suspended economic assistance and military sales to Pakistan in October 1990. Second, after the nuclear explosions by Pakistan, another set of military and economical sanctions were imposed on Pakistan under the Arms Export Control Act.
Being a Muslim state and anticommunist which had its roots from Khilafat movement went for Capitalist bloc (US). The US policy based on self interest towards the world in general and Pakistan specific. "No permanent friend and no permanent enemies in international politics only interests are permanent" is the rule of game in international playground and US is the main player of this game among the nations of the world
In 1950s Pakistan's inability to match India in military and economic sphere and for search of security lead it to enter into pacts like the Baghdad Pact, central treaty organization CENTO and south Asian treaty organization SEATO. Although these pacts were actually to contain soviet backed communism but this fact cannot be altogether denied that these pacts really strengthened relations between the two nations. At the time, its relationship with the US was so close and friendly that it was called the United States' "most-allied ally" in Asia.
The US suspension of military assistance during the 1965 Pakistan-India war generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was not a reliable ally. We can take the example of Kashmir in the early period of Pakistan-US relations and analyze the sincerity of US towards Pakistan then India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 also give clear indication of US dualism towards Pakistan. Even though the United States suspended military assistance to both countries involved in the conflict, the suspension of aid affected Pakistan much more severely, as India still received aid from Soviet Union.
Gradually, relations improved and arms sales were renewed in 1975. Then, in April 1979, the United States cut off economic assistance to Pakistan, except food assistance, as required under the Symington Amendment to the US Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, due to concerns about Pakistan's nuclear program.
US policy took a U-turn after the Soviets intervention in Afghanistan and Pakistan fought a proxy war as a part of US containment policy against the soviets Communism. When soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 the convergence of interests between the US and Pakistan again brought the two nations closer to each other. Both the states agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance program for Pakistan's help for its security needs and economic developments. With the US assistance in the largest covert operation in history, Pakistan trained, armed and supplied anti-Soviet mujahedeen in Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in 1988.
After the disintegration of former Soviet Union and victory of western bloc, Pakistan did not remain that much dear to the US and the bright colors of their close relations got dim and fade soon after the soviets' withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was the period when Pakistan had to suffer immense pressure and due to its ongoing nuclear program to match with India, to which Pakistan was determined and committed to accomplish considering it the weapon of its survival.
To maintain its hegemony the US needed allies since the phenomenon of regionalism has emerged. After tragic incident of 9/11, US started the so called war on terrorism and Pakistan became its frontline, major non-NATO ally. When US geo-strategic interests so dictated, relations with Pakistan warmed, followed by military aid and economic assistance. One factor of mistrust remained pinching to Pakistan as Pakistan armed forces started its operation in the tribal areas of Pakistan which were the sanctuaries for Taliban and al-Qaeda leader and activists, still Pakistan and its premier intelligence agency ISI is accused of covertly supporting Taliban and providing them assistance to launch their operations in Afghanistan against US-lead allied forces. Because of US dualism policy since the independence of Pakistan, anti-American sentiments are found between the both common people and official level of Pakistan.
Before 9/11 Pakistan was under four US sanctions, First, President Bush (Senior), under Section 620-E of Foreign Assistance Act or the Pressler Amendment, it is normally known as suspended economic assistance and military sales to Pakistan in October 1990. Second, after the nuclear explosions by Pakistan, another set of military and economical sanctions were imposed on Pakistan under the Arms Export Control Act.
"No permanent friend and no permanent enemies in international politics only interests are permanent" is the rule of game in international playground and the US is the main player of this game among the nations of the world.
Third, under the democracy law, sanctions were applied on Pakistan after General Musharraf's assumption of power on October 12, 1999. Fourth, in November 2000, the US imposed 2-years sanctions on Pakistan's Ministry of Defense and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Organization on receiving missile technology and equipment from China.
Pakistan is perhaps the most important U.S. partner in the war on terrorism. Not only has Pakistan lost more personnel in this conflict than any other ally, critical fuel for vehicles and aircraft used in the war effort in Afghanistan moves through Pakistan without problem. Without this logistical support, both Operation Enduring Freedom and NATO operations in Afghanistan would prove very difficult to sustain without interruption.
While there is no doubt that Pakistan is a crucial ally of the United States, these include defeating terrorism and eliminating violent extremism from the region, strengthening peace and stability in nuclear South Asia, and promoting the economic and social development of Pakistan to strengthen its long-term stability as a strategic priority. Rodney Jones divides the US policy interests in South Asia as: Strategic; Preventing proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction; Regional security and conflict-resolution; Promoting economic development and trade; and Democracy promotion.
Top US officials stated so many times that regional stability and Pakistan's security is the top priority of US foreign policy, but on the other hand US-India readjusted its relations in term of military and economic ties. Washington-New Delhi signed a nuclear deal which is known as Indo-US nuclear deal. This Indo-US strategic relationship, despite the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States increase the asymmetry in the balance of power between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has suffered tremendous loss of life since 9/11, in part because it decided to cooperate with the US in the war on terrorism.
Pakistan is strategically very important for US to sustain in Afghanistan, three-quarters of supplies for US troops in Afghanistan moving either through or over Pakistan.
The US allowed its forces to raid in South Waziristan and drone attacks. These US forces actions have resulted in civilian casualties and US violating Pakistan's sovereignty, which have outraged the Pakistani public. The US adopted a policy of "do more" while, the Pakistan army has deployed up to 100,000 regular and paramilitary troops in western Pakistan. Pakistan army fight on three fronts: the Swat valley, and the Bajaur and South Waziristan tribal agencies.
Trust is the main factor for sustainable relations between the states. This factor is unfortunately missing in the case of Pakistan-US relations and both are suffering from the disease of trust deficit. From the very beginning to till the present time US has been using Pakistan as a tactical level instrument and never trusted Pakistan as its strategic ally.
Pakistan is perhaps the most important U.S. partner in the war on terrorism. Not only has Pakistan lost more personnel in this conflict than any other ally, critical fuel for vehicles and aircraft used in the war effort in Afghanistan moves through Pakistan without problem. Without this logistical support, both Operation Enduring Freedom and NATO operations in Afghanistan would prove very difficult to sustain without interruption.
While there is no doubt that Pakistan is a crucial ally of the United States, these include defeating terrorism and eliminating violent extremism from the region, strengthening peace and stability in nuclear South Asia, and promoting the economic and social development of Pakistan to strengthen its long-term stability as a strategic priority. Rodney Jones divides the US policy interests in South Asia as: Strategic; Preventing proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction; Regional security and conflict-resolution; Promoting economic development and trade; and Democracy promotion.
Top US officials stated so many times that regional stability and Pakistan's security is the top priority of US foreign policy, but on the other hand US-India readjusted its relations in term of military and economic ties. Washington-New Delhi signed a nuclear deal which is known as Indo-US nuclear deal. This Indo-US strategic relationship, despite the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States increase the asymmetry in the balance of power between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has suffered tremendous loss of life since 9/11, in part because it decided to cooperate with the US in the war on terrorism.
Pakistan is strategically very important for US to sustain in Afghanistan, three-quarters of supplies for US troops in Afghanistan moving either through or over Pakistan.
The US allowed its forces to raid in South Waziristan and drone attacks. These US forces actions have resulted in civilian casualties and US violating Pakistan's sovereignty, which have outraged the Pakistani public. The US adopted a policy of "do more" while, the Pakistan army has deployed up to 100,000 regular and paramilitary troops in western Pakistan. Pakistan army fight on three fronts: the Swat valley, and the Bajaur and South Waziristan tribal agencies.
Trust is the main factor for sustainable relations between the states. This factor is unfortunately missing in the case of Pakistan-US relations and both are suffering from the disease of trust deficit. From the very beginning to till the present time US has been using Pakistan as a tactical level instrument and never trusted Pakistan as its strategic ally.
The US allowed its forces to raid in South Waziristan and drone attacks. These US forces actions have resulted in civilian casualties and US violating Pakistan's sovereignty, which have outraged the Pakistani public.
Throughout the history of their relations, US never intended to build long-term and equal bilateral relations with Pakistan. It always saw Pakistan as a tissue paper to use and disposed at the time of need. Due to this history of policies of the US and the west, they have developed long lasting and irreparable anti-American sentiments among Pakistanis.
Pakistanis give three kinds of reasons for negative feelings about America. One involves US policies toward Pakistan such as failure to come to Pakistan's aid during the Bangladesh crisis, using Pakistan for its own interests, and opposition to Pakistan's peaceful nuclear program.
A second deals with American global policy, including support of Israel, opposition to Iran's present government, and use of force against small Third World nations. The third includes American involvement in Pakistan¬ for example, support of the military regimes and now violence of Pakistan's territorial integrity and accusing Pakistani government of playing dual game with US despite of the sacrifices given by its soldiers and civilians during this war on terror.
In these circumstances, it has become imperative for both Pakistan and the United States to engage in an honest, pragmatic and realistic dialogue with each other as well as with in their countries in order to pull back their relations from the brink and meaningfully cooperate against the common threat of terrorism.
First of all, they should remove the trust deficit and ensure full cooperation to exterminate this common enemy from this region which can hurt both US and Pakistan's interests in this region of south Asia.
Then the US should also review its policies towards weak Muslim states and should play a serious role in solving the issue of Kashmir. They need to remove the mutual trust deficit and build a relationship rooted in the ground realities and driven by mutual benefit.
They must strengthen cooperation in the areas where their interests converge and agree to disagree where they do not. The US should not extend its war against terrorism to the territory of Pakistan and let the Pakistan armed forces do their job, as they are well-versed and well trained to perform their duties.
Pakistanis give three kinds of reasons for negative feelings about America. One involves US policies toward Pakistan such as failure to come to Pakistan's aid during the Bangladesh crisis, using Pakistan for its own interests, and opposition to Pakistan's peaceful nuclear program.
A second deals with American global policy, including support of Israel, opposition to Iran's present government, and use of force against small Third World nations. The third includes American involvement in Pakistan¬ for example, support of the military regimes and now violence of Pakistan's territorial integrity and accusing Pakistani government of playing dual game with US despite of the sacrifices given by its soldiers and civilians during this war on terror.
In these circumstances, it has become imperative for both Pakistan and the United States to engage in an honest, pragmatic and realistic dialogue with each other as well as with in their countries in order to pull back their relations from the brink and meaningfully cooperate against the common threat of terrorism.
First of all, they should remove the trust deficit and ensure full cooperation to exterminate this common enemy from this region which can hurt both US and Pakistan's interests in this region of south Asia.
Then the US should also review its policies towards weak Muslim states and should play a serious role in solving the issue of Kashmir. They need to remove the mutual trust deficit and build a relationship rooted in the ground realities and driven by mutual benefit.
They must strengthen cooperation in the areas where their interests converge and agree to disagree where they do not. The US should not extend its war against terrorism to the territory of Pakistan and let the Pakistan armed forces do their job, as they are well-versed and well trained to perform their duties.
The most of above the US really has to revise its policy towards south Asian
India and it must consider Pakistan request of offering Pakistan a civil nuclear deal parallel to the one gifted to India.
According to the recent reports, Indian, by using its secret agency RAW, is exploiting these circumstances of Pakistan to destabilize Pakistan and it is crystal clear that a destabilize Pakistan is not in the interest of US as it will obviously be their cooperation in their efforts to eliminate and wipe out terrorism from this area.
On the other hand, the US is extending its hands toward Indian by signing and doing nuclear deal with India. This discriminatory attitude of US should be changed if it is really want to ensure Pakistan's unrestricted and full cooperation of Pakistan in this ongoing war. If the US really wants to minimize the anti-US sentiments in Pakistani people it must help Pakistan in energy sector and should assure its assistance money reaching these sectors.
The most of above the US really has to revise its policy towards south Asian region abandoning its discriminatory attitude towards Pakistan as compare to India and it must consider Pakistan request of offering Pakistan a civil nuclear deal parallel to the one gifted to India. US must respect Pakistan's sensitivities so have to Pakistan.
On the other hand, the US is extending its hands toward Indian by signing and doing nuclear deal with India. This discriminatory attitude of US should be changed if it is really want to ensure Pakistan's unrestricted and full cooperation of Pakistan in this ongoing war. If the US really wants to minimize the anti-US sentiments in Pakistani people it must help Pakistan in energy sector and should assure its assistance money reaching these sectors.
The most of above the US really has to revise its policy towards south Asian region abandoning its discriminatory attitude towards Pakistan as compare to India and it must consider Pakistan request of offering Pakistan a civil nuclear deal parallel to the one gifted to India. US must respect Pakistan's sensitivities so have to Pakistan.
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