Pak-Us Relation Essay Example
Pak-Us Relation Essay Example

Pak-Us Relation Essay Example

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  • Pages: 12 (3172 words)
  • Published: June 1, 2017
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In 1947, Pakistan and the United States established official diplomatic relations. This took place amidst the emergence of the Cold War and its division into two opposing forces: Soviet and US. As a consequence, Pakistan and India had to take sides, leading to the establishment of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.

Throughout history, the connection between Pakistan and the United States has centered on financial aid and military assistance due to Pakistan's classification as a significant non-NATO ally. The bond has been likened to an unstable "roller coaster" due to its constant fluctuations. To address early obstacles and safeguard against India, Pakistan required economic support and defense in the 1950s following its founding in 1947.

In the 1950s, the Marshal Plan was put in place by the United States to help Europe recover and provide aid to various A

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sian countries. During Partition, Liaqat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first Prime Minister, received invitations from both the Soviets and Americans. However, he opted for reason over cruelty and chose to visit the United States instead, which ultimately strengthened Pakistani-US relations. Meanwhile, India established ties with the Soviets. On May 19th, 1954, Pakistan signed a Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with the US.

In the 1950s, SEATO and the Baghdad Pact were formed to address growing communism threats in South East Asia. Pakistan joined SEATO in 1954, aligning with the Western bloc, and later became part of CENTO with Britain, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. During this time frame, Pakistan received significant military aid totaling $1.5 billion as well as loans amounting to around $3 billion between 1954 and 1965.

Despite Pakistan's objection, the US provided India with unlimited military suppor

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during the Sino-Indian border conflict in the 1960s. The US disregarded Pakistan's disagreement, even though Pakistan was an ally and India was not.

During the 1965 conflict with Pakistan, India refrained from utilizing American weapons whereas Pakistan heavily relied on US arms including F-86 Sabers and F-104 Starfighters to establish air superiority, causing a strain in diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United States. Consequently, the Soviet Union escalated its arms provisions to India. To secure its Western borders, Pakistan received protection from King Zahir and was able to withdraw troops from that border. Furthermore, Iran granted access to airfields for the Pakistan Air Force.During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, China placed their troops near the India border while Pakistan sought peace through Soviet mediation. However, the United States stopped supplying aid to Pakistan and did not fulfill its promise of military assistance as outlined in the 1959 Agreement of Cooperation. The text is preserved with all necessary intact.

The United States' utilization of Pakistan's connection with China in the 1970s resulted in Henry Kissinger visiting China secretly in July 1971 while he was visiting Pakistan. This act caused many people in Pakistan to believe that the US was no longer a dependable ally. Furthermore, despite being part of SEATO and CENTO during the conflicts of 1971, the US did not offer any military assistance to Pakistan. Even though President Nixon informed them that the 7th Fleet was en route, newly disclosed records have shown that the US purposely endeavored to weaken Pakistan to appease India.

Pakistan acknowledged that the US could aid India in a potential confrontation with China but would not support Pakistan if it were

to face conflict with India. Consequently, Pakistan withdrew from SEATO and CENTO in 1972 and 1979 respectively. The tensions between Pakistan and the US resurfaced during 1976-77 as Pakistan requested nuclear technology for its domestic peaceful use. However, the Carter administration strongly opposed this request resulting in the discontinuation of military and economic assistance to Pakistan by September 1977.

While on his travels, Carter visited India and Iran but did not go to Pakistan. This led to a sense of betrayal in Pakistan towards the United States, prompting them to become part of both the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and later the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Ultimately, Pakistan formed partnerships with the Soviet Union who provided military support including the Mi-8 helicopter and assisted in setting up steel mills.

While Bhutto was in power, Pakistan made strides towards socialism, which led to the US becoming wary of their change. Despite this, there was no basis for such suspicion since Bhutto's social beliefs contradicted his position as a wealthy landlord. In his speeches, Bhutto openly challenged the US's antagonism towards Pakistan.

Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, Pakistan was recognized by the US as a crucial ally in maintaining global peace. This led to the renewal of military and financial aid to Pakistan.

Pakistan was a significant South Asian ally of the United States until 1987 and remained immune to the Symington and Glenn Amendments. During this period, with US support, Pakistan played a crucial part in terminating the Cold War by participating in the Afghan war. However, this partnership left Pakistan unsettled and experiencing its aftermaths. After working together for ten years during Afghan Jihad,

the US altered its position towards Pakistan in the 1990s. President George Bush declined to certify Pakistan as a non-nuclear state and accused them of creating nuclear weapons.

Pakistan faced consequences following its loyalty during the Afghan crisis, including the imposition of the Pressler Amendment. The supply of forty F-16 aircraft was withheld, despite Pakistan having already paid for them, and a suspended amount of $1.2 billion. Unfortunately, rather than strengthening relations and creating new cooperative methods, Pak-US relations deteriorated, particularly between 1990-1993. In an effort to normalize relations, Defense Secretary William Perry visited Pakistan in January 1995.

Additionally, this visit resulted in the revival of the Pak-US defense consultative group which had not convened since 1990. The Clinton administration sought to improve relations and revise the Pressler amendment, leading to the introduction of the Brown amendment. As a result, embargoed military equipment valued at approximately $368 million was released. For Pakistan, the symbolic significance of the Brown amendment was more important than the tangible benefits, as it marked the first concrete step towards normalizing relations with the US since 1990. Ironically, despite India's involvement in nuclear proliferation activities, all sanctions, embargos, and penalties were imposed solely on Pakistan.

Back in May of 1998, Pakistan faced sanctions due to their nuclear tests. These sanctions, known as the Pressler, Glenn, and Symington amendment, prohibited any military or economic support for countries involved with nuclear aid. Later on in October of 1999 when President Musharraf took over power in Pakistan, more sanctions were imposed on their democracy. However, after the events of September 11th, US-Pakistan relations improved greatly as they joined forces against the Taliban. Despite past

missteps by Pakistani leadership, they worked alongside the US and continue to face consequences for standing by them.

Despite Pakistan's significant contribution to combating terrorism and supporting the US since 2001, their sacrifices remain unacknowledged. Despite a decade-long fight against extremism, the US has not yet recognized Pakistan's crucial role.

Although Pakistan has made more sacrifices in Afghanistan than the NATO/US forces, it has been continuously criticized and pressured by the US to do more. As a result, Pakistan's global reputation has suffered and there is discontent within its borders. The raid on Osama bin Laden further deteriorated relations between the two nations and prompted a reassessment of their future interactions.

Pakistan is experiencing a range of challenges including economic, social, religious and political instability. The increase in drone strikes and civilian deaths along with the news of Osama bin Laden's death have intensified tensions, leading to demands for American withdrawal from Afghanistan. As a result, Pakistan's citizens are calling on the United States to put an end to the conflict in Afghanistan as it has drained them and highlighted a growing division between both countries. "Go America Go" is becoming increasingly popular.

A survey conducted by a private channel in Pakistan indicates that 77% of Pakistanis view the US as an enemy. Furthermore, recent research by Washington's Pew Research Centre revealed that just 11% of Pakistanis possess favorable attitudes towards the US and President Obama. Due to the lack of benefits for Pakistan, its people feel betrayed by US administrations. The current objective of the US is for Pakistan to become a vessel state where policies solely serve American interests. As a result, it is necessary for

Pakistani officials to develop policies that safeguard their land and citizens rather than prioritizing those of the US. Therefore, it is critical for Pakistan's politico-military leadership to assess their strategies before unconditional assistance to America endangers their whole nation.

The fight against terrorism in Pakistan is tied to their internal strife, despite growing hostility towards American policies and presence. It is vital for our government to truly engage in this struggle because of the complicated diplomatic and policy-making landscape between the United States, Pakistan, China, and India. Multiple centers of power exist worldwide with a vested interest in global affairs involving Pakistan, so unilateral action by the U.S. is not feasible.

Since 2009, attempts have been made to create a strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan. Nevertheless, their collaborative efforts to tackle common challenges are hindered by mutual suspicion. Consequently, Pakistan's involvement is vital for America's success in Afghanistan.

Although facing difficulties, Pakistan and the United States continue their efforts to form a symbiotic partnership aimed at fighting against terrorist groups. This cooperation has been in progress since February 8, 2011.

According to recent reports, the United States government has ceased providing Pakistan with advanced communication and monetary assistance due to an incident involving Raymond Davis. Davis was allegedly a private security contractor for the US embassy in Pakistan who shot two Pakistani locals during a diplomatic mission. While he claims self-defense, Pakistan disagrees and is holding him without releasing him based on diplomatic immunity.

The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, addressed senior bureaucrats at the National Management College regarding United States' commitment to assisting Pakistan's new democratic government with development, stability, and security. In

order to aid Pakistan in its challenges, USAID and the United Nations World Food Program have partnered on a plan worth $8.4 million aimed at tackling the current crisis.

Accusations have been made by India and the United States that Pakistan has sheltered the Taliban, who were supposedly safeguarding Osama Bin Laden. Although Pakistan refuted these accusations, the CIA remained suspicious that Bin Laden was located in Pakistan.

On September 14th, 2009, Pervez Musharraf, the former leader of Pakistan, confessed that money from US Foreign Aid meant for combatting the Taliban was utilized for getting ready for possible hostilities with India. The US government has affirmed that it will take these allegations very seriously.

Pervez Musharraf announced that the U.S. equipment would be applied in any situation where Pakistan is at risk, highlighting its use against al-Qaeda or Taliban threats.

Hillary Clinton commended the Pakistani military for their efforts against militants and warned that if India posed a threat, steps would be taken. The US is dedicated to supporting Pakistan's quest for peace and safety. President Barack Obama echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of expanding relations beyond narrow interpretations during his address on Pakistan policy.

Following the failed bombing attempt on a Northwest Airlines flight, it is stated that the people of Pakistan should be aware that America will continue to support their security and prosperity, even after the cessation of violence, in order to allow their people's full potential to be realized.

The TSA has revised its screening regulations to mandate pat-downs for travelers from "countries of interest," including Pakistan. This policy change reflects the widening rift between the United States and Pakistan, which originated when Pakistan declined

to conduct more attacks on militants in 2010 due to their preference to preserve previous accomplishments and inability to launch new offensives within six months to a year.

Despite the fact that militants are present, Pakistan's military efforts have been praised by the United States. Additionally, Pakistan's president discussed this matter during a meeting with US officials.

The President of Pakistan acknowledged that due to the fight against militancy, the country has faced a loss of more than $35 billion over the past eight years. However, he also expressed a desire for stronger relations between Pakistan and the United States.In October 2009, there was collaboration between the U.S. and S.

In February 2010, the U.S. government authorized $7 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan, which will be given over a period of five years.

In an effort to promote economic and political stability in regions significant to U.S. security interests, President Barack Obama sought increased funding for Pakistan. Specifically, he requested $3.1 billion in aid for 2010 to support the country's fight against Al Qaeda. Anne W. Patterson of the United States played a crucial role in achieving these objectives.

The United States Ambassador to Pakistan has affirmed the country's dedication to collaborate with Pakistan. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of economic, civil society, and democratic progress in Pakistan not only for its own welfare but also for the region and the world. Despite the current global economic challenges faced by the US, this commitment remains unwavering.From 2002 to 2010, the United States provided Pakistan with financial aid amounting to around $18 billion for military and economic reasons. In February 2010, the Obama administration requested an additional $3 billion,

bringing the total amount to a remarkable $20.7 billion. This request was made following the capture of Taliban No. in mid-February.

The White House has praised Pakistan for capturing Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, commending their efforts in the region. This accomplishment is viewed as a major success resulting from collaboration between Pakistan and the United States. Robert Gibbs, the White House Press Secretary, also applauded Pakistan's joint counterterrorism cooperation with America.

Capt. John Kirby, who speaks on behalf of Adm. Mike Mullen and advises President Barack Obama on military matters, expressed his endorsement of Pakistan's border security efforts and praised the courage of their soldiers. He also emphasized the significance of reinforcing the military partnership between the US and Pakistan.

Kirby stated that there is a strong working relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan which benefits both nations. The partnership aims to enhance their shared security and prosperity. Richard Holbrooke, who represented the U.S., was involved in this endeavor in March. The statement is enclosed in a paragraph tag.

The US special envoy to Pakistan praised the Obama administration's endeavors to enhance the relationship between the two countries. He acknowledged that Pakistan had received more attention than any other government, and in 2009, President Obama declared a move towards collaboration founded on shared interests, regard, and confidence.

It is believed that recent actions were an attempt to rectify past unequal treatment of Pakistan compared to India and Israel. The tension between Pakistan and the US heightened after two significant occurrences in 2011: the Raymond Davis incident and the killing of Osama bin Laden by US troops.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama credited Pakistan for discovering the hideout

where bin Laden was residing. Clinton appreciated their collaboration in finding his location, while Obama acknowledged their aid during his announcement about the operation against the extremist leader.

A collaborative effort between Pakistan and the United States led to the discovery of Bin Laden's hideout. A Pakistani intelligence official shared unprocessed phone-tap data with the U.S, which was analyzed from September 2010. Meanwhile, Pakistan ceased monitoring intelligence related to bin Laden and his compound's residents. Bin Laden operated covertly without communicating with other extremist groups, making it difficult to detect his presence.

An official reported that close monitoring was given to the movements of a courier who entered and left the compound frequently. Intelligence was regularly transferred to the United States. The official expressed belief that the raid was carried out without detection, and Pakistan did not suspect that the U.S. forces had extended their stay beyond one day.

Personnel were present in the area before the special operation, and according to Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistani high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Pakistan had prior knowledge of and agreed with the operation. Pakistan possessed "certain knowledge" of the event and permitted it to proceed. Husain Haqqani, Pakistani ambassador to the United States, claimed that American forces could execute a precise strike because they knew where their target was located.

S. explained that Pakistan would have gone after bin Laden if they had known his whereabouts, but they appreciate their American allies who possessed advanced intelligence and technology to perform the operation successfully. Another Pakistani official specified that Pakistan only permitted helicopter flights in their airspace, while the US carried out the operation. Additionally, they did not desire any involvement

in case of potential complications.

There are many accusations that the government of Pakistan protected bin Laden. These suspicions come from several sources, such as the location of his heavily fortified compound near the Pakistan Military Academy, the lack of notification given to Pakistani authorities before his death, and allegations that Pakistan had double standards regarding those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Khalid Mahmood, a British MP with Pakistani origins, expressed shock upon learning that bin Laden lived in a town with thousands of Pakistani troops nearby. This has reignited concerns about possible connections between elements within Pakistan's security forces and al-Qaeda. Senator Lindsey Graham questioned how bin Laden could have evaded detection while staying in such a well-protected compound. This has increased suspicion that Pakistan was either not doing enough to combat Islamist extremists or was actively sheltering them despite pledging to fight against them.

According to a Pakistani intelligence official, they provided unprocessed phone surveillance information to the United States, resulting in the operation's success. However, they did not analyze the data themselves.

According to information disclosed by Wikileaks, the Pakistani security services were alerting Osama bin Laden whenever American forces were in proximity. Additionally, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan assisted in transporting al-Qaeda militants into Afghanistan to confront NATO troops. The leaked documents also unveiled that this was communicated to US diplomats by the Tajikistan government in December 2009.

As per U.S. officials, a considerable amount of individuals in Pakistan were aware of bin Laden's whereabouts. Senator Joe Lieberman, who heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee, stated that Pakistan will be under close examination and pressure to prove their ignorance regarding bin Laden's presence.

This is an especially difficult situation for Pakistan.

According to Brennan, who was Obama's chief counter-terrorism advisor, it is impossible to believe that bin Laden was not aided by someone within Pakistan. He also commented on how bin Laden was able to remain hidden in plain sight for such a long time.

S. Senator Dianne Feinstein expressed her difficulty in comprehending how the Pakistanis were unaware of the events occurring in the compound and suggested that high-ranking officials in Pakistan may be displaying ambivalence.

According to Gulf News, the location where bin Laden was killed used to serve as a refuge for ISI, but it no longer serves this purpose.

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