America's Tortured Relationship With Islamabad: A History of Mistrust, Misunderstandings, and Missed Opportunities

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been a complex and often troubled one. Despite being allies in the Cold War, the two countries have found themselves at odds on a number of issues, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and human rights. In recent years, the relationship has been further strained by the US drone strikes in Pakistan and the Pakistani government's support for the Taliban.

No Exit from Pakistan: America's Tortured Relationship with Islamabad

by Daniel S. Markey

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	262 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The Early Years

The United States and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947, shortly after Pakistan gained independence from British India. The two countries were initially close allies, and the United States provided Pakistan with significant economic and military aid. However, the relationship began to sour in the late 1950s, when Pakistan began to develop its own nuclear program. The United States was concerned that Pakistan's nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists, and it pressured Pakistan to abandon its nuclear program.

In 1965, Pakistan and India fought a war over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The United States supported India in the war, which further strained its relationship with Pakistan. In 1971, Pakistan and India fought another war, this time over the independence of Bangladesh. The United States again supported India, and Pakistan was forced to cede control of Bangladesh.

The Cold War

During the Cold War, the United States and Pakistan were allies in the fight against communism. Pakistan received significant economic and military aid from the United States, and it played a key role in the US-backed mujahideen resistance to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

However, the relationship between the two countries was often strained. Pakistan was concerned about the US presence in Afghanistan, and it feared that the United States was trying to overthrow its government. The United States was also concerned about Pakistan's nuclear program, and it pressured Pakistan to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The Post-Cold War Era

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and Pakistan continued to cooperate on a number of issues, including counterterrorism and nuclear non-proliferation. However, the relationship between the two countries was still strained by a number of issues, including the US drone strikes in Pakistan and the Pakistani government's support for the Taliban.

In 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks. Pakistan supported the US invasion, but it was also concerned about the potential for the war to spill over into Pakistan. The United States began using drone strikes in Pakistan in 2004, and these strikes have killed hundreds of civilians. The Pakistani government has protested the drone strikes, but the United States has continued to use them.

The Pakistani government has also been accused of supporting the Taliban. The Taliban is a militant group that has been fighting to overthrow the Afghan government. The United States has accused Pakistan of providing the Taliban with weapons and training. Pakistan has denied these accusations, but the United States has suspended some aid to Pakistan in response to the allegations.

The Future of US-Pakistan Relations

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan is at a crossroads. The two countries have a number of common interests, but they also have a number of disagreements. The future of the relationship will depend on whether the two countries can overcome their differences and work together to achieve their common goals.

There are a number of challenges that the two countries will need to overcome in order to improve their relationship. The United States will need to address Pakistan's concerns about the drone strikes and the US presence in Afghanistan. Pakistan will need to address the US concerns about its nuclear program and its support for the Taliban.

If the two countries can overcome these challenges, they can have a positive and productive relationship. The United States and Pakistan are both important countries in the region, and they have a shared interest in stability and security.

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been a complex and often troubled one. However, the two countries have a number of common interests, and they have the potential to have a positive and productive relationship. The future of the relationship will depend on whether the two countries can overcome their differences and work together to achieve their common goals.

No Exit from Pakistan: America's Tortured Relationship with Islamabad

by Daniel S. Markey

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	262 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE