U.S.–Pakistan Relations: A Historical Overview

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been marked by fluctuations and a complex interplay of strategic interests, influenced by regional and global dynamics.

Pakistan's Strategic Alliances

• Since Partition, Pakistan's military has primarily focused on countering India.
• Strategic partnerships were initially formed with the U.S. during the Cold War, shifting towards China in recent times.
• Recent engagements with the U.S., including visits by Pakistan’s army chief to Washington, highlight renewed interest but unsettle India.

Evolution of U.S.–Pakistan Relations

• The U.S.–Pakistan relationship unfolded in distinct phases, beginning with the Cold War.
• Phase 1 (1950s–1970s):
  • 1954: Signing of a Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement.
  • Pakistan became part of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).
  • 1962: U.S. military aid to India during the China-India war strained relations.
  • 1965: U.S. neutrality during the India-Pakistan conflict led to disappointment in Islamabad.
• Phase 2 (1980s–1990s):
  • 1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan shifted U.S. focus to supporting Afghan resistance through Pakistan.
  • Pakistan received close to $5 billion in aid through the 1980s.
  • Post-Soviet withdrawal, U.S. interest waned, leading to sanctions and a shift towards India.

21st Century Dynamics

• Post-9/11: Pakistan joined the U.S.-led "War on Terror," receiving significant aid but continued skepticism from Washington.
• Discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in 2011 further eroded trust.

Sanctions and Strategic Shifts

• The U.S. has frequently imposed sanctions on Pakistan, driven by strategic disagreements and concerns over terrorism.
• Sanctions reflect U.S. frustration with Pakistan's unpredictability and perceived duplicity.
• Pakistan's growing alignment with China serves as a counter to U.S. sanctions.

Current Tensions and Paradoxes

• Anti-Western sentiment persists in Pakistan, complicating its partnership with the U.S.
• Pakistan's double game involves securing U.S. aid while tolerating militant networks opposed to Western interests.
• The U.S. views engagement with Pakistan as beneficial for counterterrorism and regional stability.

In conclusion, U.S.–Pakistan relations are characterized by strategic necessity but marred by mistrust and divergent goals. The partnership remains complex, fragile, and unpredictable, shaped by overlapping interests but undermined by internal contradictions.