Kahkashan Noor
Historically, Pakistan–United States relations – which are as old as Pakistan itself – have never been consistent. There exist various episodes of convergence and divergence with regard to the national interest of the two countries. From being the ‘most allied ally’ of the US in the 1950s, 1980s and in the wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, to also being a country against which considerable US pressure has been exerted in the form of sanctions, threats, blame-game or the need to “do more,” it can be said that the relations of the two countries are not all-weather. Even though national interest remains a defining feature of Pak-US ties but one factor that has always been underscored in the US foreign policy and which no country can deny is the geostrategic position of Pakistan.
By late Nineteen Seventies, Pak-US relations had deteriorated to an excellent extent, reaching the bottom ebb, because the U. S. was found opposing Pakistan’s nuclear quest during a staunch manner and was additionally defendant of being concerned within the nice house of worship attack in Makkah.
It absolutely was when the Soviet invasion of Asian nation, in 1979, that there was a notable modification within the U.S. policy towards Asian country. The foreign invasion had taken place in Pakistan’s immediate neighbor within the northwest, with that Asian country shares a pair of, 430 kilometer-long border, referred to as the Durand Line. Because of its geopolitics position, in such a tense regional atmosphere, it absolutely was Asian country whose support as a frontline state was seriously required for the North American nation.Thus Pakistan fought a US-aided war by acting as a middle-man in providing weapons, training and funds to the Mujahedeen, who fought against the Soviet forces in Afghanistan
Following the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, its ultimate disintegration, and the end of the Cold War between the two superpowers, the US emerged as a sole superpower in the new international system. It no longer required Pakistan’s support. But it was in the wake of the September 11, 2001 event, that a new chapter was initiated in Pak-US relations. Pakistan became a key US ally in the War on Terror. In return for its assistance, there was restoration of military and economic aid for Pakistan and sanctions that had been imposed against Pakistan’s possession of nuclear explosive devices had been lifted.
From St. George W. Bush to Barack Obama and currently Donald Trump, the Afghan War has been a protracted journey for each Asian nation and also the North American nation. Participation within the extended Afghan war has grave short and long repercussions for Asian nation. Varied issues during this regard, still beset the political, strategic, social and economic landscapes of Asian nation.
Additionally thereto, Pak-US relations became a lot of complicated than ever. The United States country has habitually suspect Asian nation of providing safe havens to the militant teams targeting American troopers in Islamic State of Afghanistan. To boot, it’s maintained pressure on Pakistan country to “do more” and has suspended security help to Pakistan.
The other facet of the coin is that Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been systematically registering its security issues to the USA over the presence of anti-Pakistan militants on the Afghan soil and has expressed its annoyance with the USA because it has taken very little notice of its legitimate security issues. During this context, trust deficit has remained associate degree underlying facet of Pak-US ties. Still, peace in Islamic State of Afghanistan remains the common goal for each Islamic Republic of Pakistan and therefore the USA.
So far, one factor that has been established is that while not Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the USA cannot resolve the Afghan problem. Pakistan was urgently required once the USA sought-after a military answer to the Afghan downside and Pakistan additionally incorporates a crucial role to play within the Afghan social process.
Whether Islamic State of Afghanistan could be a purpose of convergence or some extent of divergence in Pak-US relations are a few things which will be debated upon and weighed.
However what remains noteworthy is that the indisputable fact that because of the Afghan issue, Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been ready to assume a vital role within the Yankee government and has become a vital player within the international arena.
(Kahkashan Noor writes on matters of national defense and diplomacy and has special interest in Pakistan’s relations with U.S. and Afghanistan. She pursues an honor degree in Defense and Diplomatic Studies from Fatimah Jinnah University. She can be reached at kahkashannoor01@gmail.com.)
