Jump to content

Pakistan–United States relations: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Line 87: Line 87:


==Democratic governments: 1988–1998==
==Democratic governments: 1988–1998==
The stage was set for a very tumultuous situation; After the one of the cold war Pakistan was slapped with sanctions such as the Pressler amendment and aid was cut to the country. Pakistan also was burdened with 3 million afghan refugees and neighbouring Afghanistan falling into civil war . Pakistan felt abandoned and became insecure in the face of an American arms embargo . Pakistan feared it would not have the appropriate arms to defend itself from Indian agression . The united stated was angry that Pakistan was developing nuclear weapons , whilst Pakistan felt the us was being unsympathetic to its concerns over the Indian nuclear programme . The US played a key role in getting UN sanctions against Pakistan due to Pakistan nuclear programme . Theese sanctions had devasting affects on Pakistan, particularly as Pakistan was more dependent on international trade than India
The stage was set for a very tumultuous situation; the 1990s was an era of intense upheaval in Pakistan. Pakistan found itself in a state of extremely high insecurity as tensions mounted with India and Afghanistan’s infighting continued. Pakistan’s alliance with the U.S. was strained due to factors such as its support for the Taliban and public distancing of the Pakistani government from the U.S.


==Post–September 11==
==Post–September 11==

Revision as of 12:45, 13 November 2011

Pakistan-United States relations
Map indicating locations of Pakistan and United States

Pakistan
United States

Pakistan – United States relations refers to bilateral relationship between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the United States of America. The United States established diplomatic relations with Pakistan on 20 October 1947. The relationship since then was based primarily on U.S. economic and military assistance to Pakistan.[1] Pakistan is a Major non-NATO ally of the United States. The history of Pakistan–American relations has been defined as one of "Roller Coaster".[2] The United States is the second-largest supplier of military equipment to Pakistan after China and largest economic aid contributor as well.[3][4][5]

Military Pacts and Suspension of Aid

Baghdad Pact

Pakistan was a member of the Baghdad Pact from its adoption in 1955, until the pact's dissolution in 1979. The promise of economic aid from the U.S. was instrumental in creating the agreement. At the time the pact was adopted, Pakistan's relationship with the United States was so friendly that it was called the United States' "most-allied ally" in Asia.[citation needed]

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the U.S. choose not to provide Pakistan with military support as pledged in the 1959 Agreement of Cooperation. This generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was no longer a reliable ally.[citation needed]

Foreign Assistance Act

In April of 1979 the United States suspended all economic assistance to Pakistan (with the exception of food assistance, as required by the 1977 Symington Amendment to the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) over concerns about Pakistan's nuclear program.[6] The U.S. Foreign Assistance Act states that the U.S. will not provide assistance to nations whose governments significantly violate human rights.

Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United States in peace and stability in South Asia. In 1981, Pakistan and the United States agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance program aimed at helping Pakistan deal with the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic development needs. With U.S. assistance – in the largest covert operation in history – Pakistan armed and supplied anti-Soviet fighters in Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in 1988.[citation needed]

Nuclear weapons

Recognizing national security concerns and accepting Pakistan's assurances that it did not intend to construct a nuclear weapon, Congress waived restrictions (Symington Amendment) on military assistance to Pakistan. In March 1986, the two countries agreed on a second multi-year (FY 1988–93) $4-billion economic development and security assistance program. On October 1, 1990, however, the United States suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which required that the President certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device."

India's decision to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's matching response set back U.S. relations in the region, which had seen renewed U.S. Government interest during the second Clinton Administration. A presidential visit scheduled for the first quarter of 1998 was postponed and, under the Glenn Amendment, sanctions restricted the provision of credits, military sales, economic assistance, and loans to the government. An intensive dialogue on nuclear nonproliferation and security issues between Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad and Deputy Secretary Talbott was initiated, with discussions focusing on CTBT signature and ratification, FMCT negotiations, export controls, and a nuclear restraint regime.[citation needed] The October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif government triggered an additional layer of sanctions under Section 508 of the Foreign Appropriations Act which include restrictions on foreign military financing and economic assistance. U.S. Government assistance to Pakistan was limited mainly to refugee and counter-narcotics assistance.[citation needed]

Alliance with U.S.

Prior to the September 11 attacks in 2001, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were key supporters of the Taliban in Afghanistan, as part of their "strategic depth" objective vis-a-vis India, Iran, and Russia.[citation needed]

After 9/11, Pakistan, led by General Pervez Musharraf, reversed course as they were under pressure from the United States and joined the "War on Terror" as a U.S. ally. Having failed to convince the Taliban to hand over bin Laden and other members of Al Qaeda, Pakistan provided the U.S. a number of military airports and bases for its attack on Afghanistan, along with other logistical support.[citation needed] Since 2001, Pakistan has arrested over five hundred Al-Qaeda members and handed them over to the United States; senior U.S. officers have been lavish in their praise of Pakistani efforts in public while expressing their concern that not enough was being done in private. However, General Musharraf was strongly supported by the Bush administration.[citation needed]

In return for their support, Pakistan had sanctions lifted and has received about $10 billion in U.S. aid since 2001, primarily military. In June 2004, President George W. Bush designated Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally,[7] making it eligible, among other things, to purchase advanced American military technology.

Pakistan has lost thousands of lives since joining the U.S. war on terror in the form of both soldiers and civilians, and is currently going through a critical period.[neutrality is disputed] Suicide bombs are now commonplace in Pakistan, whereas they were unheard of prior to 9/11.[citation needed] The Taliban have been resurgent in recent years in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have been created internally in Pakistan, as they have been forced to flee their homes as a result of fighting between Pakistani forces and the Taliban in the regions bordering Afghanistan and further in Swat.[citation needed] In addition, the economy is in an extremely fragile position.[citation needed][weasel words]

A key campaign argument of U.S. President Barack Obama was that the U.S. had made the mistake of "putting all our eggs in one basket" in the form of General Musharraf.[citation needed] Musharraf was eventually forced out of office under the threat of impeachment, after years of political protests by lawyers, civilians and other political parties in Pakistan. With President Obama coming into office, the U.S. is expected to triple non-military aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion per year over 10 years, and to tie military aid to progress in the fight against militants. The purpose of the aid is to help strengthen the relatively new democratic government led by President Zardari and to help strengthen civil institutions and the general economy in Pakistan, and to put in place an aid program that is broader in scope than just supporting Pakistan's military.

Aid from the United States since 9/11

See also: Foreign aid to Pakistan

Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally as part of the War on Terrorism, and a leading recipient of U.S. aid.[8]

Post Independence: 1947–1952

Prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan meeting President Truman (during the 1950s when Pakistani Prime minister made a good will tour in the U.S.).[9]

After Pakistan's independence by the partitioning of the British India, Pakistan followed a pro-western policy. The Indian government followed a different, non-aligned policy stance, which leaned closer to the Soviet Union rather than the United States of America. Pakistan was seeking strong alliances to counter its neighbour, India. At this time, India was neutral and went on to be a part of Non Aligned Movement.

Ayub Khan era: 1952–1969

Main articles: CIA activities in Pakistan and Peshawar Air Station

Pakistan joined the U.S. led military alliances SEATO and CENTO. In 1954 the United States signed a Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with Pakistan. Under Ayub Khan military era, Pakistan enjoyed a strong and healthy relationship with the United States. Pakistan had aligned itself with the United States during the Cold War, rather than with the Soviet Union. Khan's government also provided a secret military base to United States. In 1961, Khan paid a state visit to the United States, accompanied by his daughter Begum Nasir Akhtar Aurangzeb. Highlights of the trip included a state dinner at Mount Vernon, a visit to the Islamic Center of Washington, and a ticker tape parade in New York City.[10]

Partition of East Pakistan: 1969–1971

See also: Bangladesh Liberation War, Yahya Khan, and Indo-Pakistani war of 1971

President Richard Nixon used Pakistan's relationship with China to start secret contacts with China which resulted with Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in July 1971 while visiting Pakistan. America supported Pakistan throughout the war and supplied weapons to West Pakistan although Congress had passed a bill suspending exporting weapons to the nation. Near the end of the war and fearing Pakistan's defeat by the joint forces of Mukti Bahini and Indian forces, Nixon ordered the USS Enterprise into the Indian Ocean, although it was never used for actual combat fearing Russian response.

Bhutto's socialist democratic era:1971-1977

However, the ties were severed after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assumed the control of Pakistan.[11] In 1974, with India carried out the test of nuclear test near the Pakistan's eastern border, codename Smiling Buddha, Bhutto sought United States to impose economic sanctions in India.[11] Though it was unsuccessful approach, in a meeting of Pakistan's Ambassador to United States with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Kissingers told Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington that the test is “a fait accompli and that Pakistan would have to learn to live with it,” although he was aware this is a “little rough” on the Pakistanis.[11] In 1970s, the ties were further severed with Bhutto as Bhutto had continued to administer the research on weapons, and in 1976, in a meeting with Bhutto and Kissinger, Kissinger had told Bhutto, "that if you [Bhutto] do not cancel, modify or postpone the Reprocessing Plant Agreement, we will make a horrible example from you".[12] The meeting was ended by Bhutto as he had replied: For my country’s sake, for the sake of people of Pakistan, I did not succumb to that black-mailing and threats. Pakistan when under president ship of Bhutto carried successful nuclear test at Chaghi, America opposed the action and predicted that it will lead to a massive and destructive war between India and Pakistan in the future. Whereas the whole Muslim world was delighted and looking forward to Pakistan in order to pass nuclear technology to them. Bhutto called upon Al-Islamic Conference in order to bring Muslim nations together but after months America took the promised step and Bhutto was declared as the corrupted one, as a result the great leader was hanged in 1972. C[12]

Zia era: 1977–1988

Main articles: Soviet war in Afghanistan and Operation Cyclone

In 1979, a group of Pakistani students burned the American embassy in Islamabad to the ground killing two Americans. After the removal and death of Bhutto, the Pakistan's ties with United States were better and improved. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, ISI and CIA ran multi-billion dollar worth Operation Cyclone to thwart the communist regime as well as defeating Soviets in Afghanistan. Throughout the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, the ties and relations were promoted at its maximum point, and United States had given billion dollars of economical and military aid to Pakistan.

In the 1980s, Pakistan agreed to pay $658 million for 28 F-16 fighter jets from the United States; however the American congress froze the deal citing objections to Pakistani nuclear ambitions. Under the terms of the American cancellation, they kept both the money and the planes, leading to angry claims of theft by Pakistanis.[13]

Democratic governments: 1988–1998

The stage was set for a very tumultuous situation; After the one of the cold war Pakistan was slapped with sanctions such as the Pressler amendment and aid was cut to the country. Pakistan also was burdened with 3 million afghan refugees and neighbouring Afghanistan falling into civil war . Pakistan felt abandoned and became insecure in the face of an American arms embargo . Pakistan feared it would not have the appropriate arms to defend itself from Indian agression . The united stated was angry that Pakistan was developing nuclear weapons , whilst Pakistan felt the us was being unsympathetic to its concerns over the Indian nuclear programme . The US played a key role in getting UN sanctions against Pakistan due to Pakistan nuclear programme . Theese sanctions had devasting affects on Pakistan, particularly as Pakistan was more dependent on international trade than India

Post–September 11

President Musharraf with President Bush.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001 in the United States, Pakistan became a key ally in the war on terror with the United States. In 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush strongly encouraged Pakistan government to join the U.S. war on terror, as a result Pakistan joined the U.S. war. Pervez Musharraf acknowledges the payments received for captured terrorists in his book:

We've captured 689 and handed over 369 to the United States. We've earned bounties totaling millions of dollars

— Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf

In 2003, the U.S. officially forgave US$1 billion in Pakistani debt in a ceremony in Pakistan as one of the rewards for Pakistan joining the U.S. war on terror. "Today's signing represents a promise kept and another milestone in our expanding partnership," U.S. Ambassador Nancy Powell said in a statement, "The forgiveness of $1 billion in bilateral debt is just one piece of a multifaceted, multibillion dollar assistance package." The new relationship between the United States and Pakistan is not just about September 11,' Powell said. "It is about the rebirth of a long-term partnership between our two countries." However Pakistan support of the U.S. and its war has angered many Pakistanis that do not support it.

In October 2005, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a statement where she "promised ... that the United States will support the country's earthquake relief efforts and help it rebuild" after the Kashmir Earthquake.[14]

On 11 June 2008, a U.S. airstrike on the Afghan-Pakistani border killed 10 members of the paramilitary Frontier Corps. The Pakistani military condemned the airstrike as an act of aggression, souring the relations between the two countries.[15] However after the drone attacks in June, President Bush had said 'Pakistan is strong ally '.[16] Western officials have claimed nearly 70%( roughly $3.4 billion) of the aid given to the Pakistani military has been misspent in 2002–2007. However U.S-Pakistani relationship has been a transactional based and U.S. military aid to Pakistan has been shrouded in secrecy for several years until recently.[17][18][19][20][21] Furthermore a significant proportion of U.S. economic aid for Pakistan has ended up back in the U.S., as funds are channeled through large U.S. contractors. A U.S. lawmaker also said a large sum of U.S. economic aid has not left the U.S. as it spent on consulting fees and overhead cost.[22][23]

In the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, the United States informed Pakistan that it expected full cooperation in the hunt for the plotters of the attacks.

United States-Pakistan skirmishes

See also: Pakistan-United States skirmishes, Pakistan and state terrorism, and Drone attacks in Pakistan

The United States and Pakistan have experienced several military confrontations on the Durand Line. These skirmishes took place between American forces deployed in Afghanistan, and Pakistani troops guarding the border. These incidents ended and reportedly caused no casualties.

Meanwhile both the countries face many complexities in their spiky type of relations which is indicated also in official statements. Latest development is the statement of Admiral Mike Mullen who blamed that Pakistani spy agency ISI has links with Haqqani Network, a dangerous group belongs to Afghan Taliban.[24]

≠Zaheerul Hassan (talk) 13:59, 27 October 2011 (UTC)[25]==Present relations==

Present U.S.-Pakistan relations are a case study on the difficulties of diplomacy and policy making in a multi-polar world. The geopolitical significance of Pakistan in world affairs attracts attention from both India and China, making unilateral action impossible from the U.S. All the while, Pakistan remains a key factor for U.S. success in Afghanistan. The two countries have attempted to build a strategic partnership since 2009, but there remains a significant trust deficit which continues to hinder successful cooperation in combating common threats. Despite recent setbacks, both Pakistan and the U.S. continue to seek a productive relationship to defeat terrorist organizations.[26]

Clinton with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani during an October 2009 visit to Islamabad.

As on 8 February 2011, U.S. administration is reported to suspend high level contacts with Pakistan and may also suspend economical aid.[27] All this happened when Raymond Davis, an alleged private security contractor, was on an American diplomatic mission in Pakistan shot dead two Pakistani locals last month in what he said was in self-defense after they attempted to rob him. Pakistan acted tough on him despite U.S. demands that he be freed because he enjoys diplomatic immunity.[27]

U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson addressed senior bureaucrats at the National Management College and emphasized that the United States will assist Pakistan’s new democratic government in the areas of development, stability, and security.[28] The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations World Food Program, in Pakistan, officially announced the signing of an agreement valued at $8.4 million to help ease Pakistan's crisis.[28]

The CIA had long suspected Osama Bin Laden of hiding in Pakistan.[29][30] India and U.S. have time to time accused Pakistan of giving safe-haven to the Taliban.[31] However, Pakistan has denied these accusations repeatedly.

On 14 September 2009, former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, admitted that U.S. Foreign Aid to Pakistan was diverted by the country from its original purpose to fighting the Taliban, to prepare for war against neighboring India.[32] The United States government has responded by stating that they will take these allegations seriously.[33] However Pervez Musharraf also said '"Wherever there is a threat to Pakistan, we will use it [equipment provided by the U.S.] there. If the threat comes from al-Qaeda or Taliban, it will be used there. If the threat comes from India, we will most surely use it there".[32]

In late 2009, Hillary Clinton made a speech in Pakistan about the war against the militants where she said "we commend the Pakistani military for their courageous fight, and we commit to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistani people in your fight for peace and security."[34]

On December 1, 2009, President Barack Obama in a speech on a policy about Pakistan said "In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly. Those days are over.... The Pakistani people must know America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent, so that the great potential of its people can be unleashed."[35]

In the aftermath of the thwarted bombing attempt on a Northwest Airlines flight, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a new set of screening guidelines that includes pat-downs for passengers from countries of interest, which includes Pakistan.[36] In a sign of widening fissures between the two allies, Pakistan on January 21 declined a request by the United States to launch new offensives on militants in 2010.[37] Pakistan say it "can't launch any new offensives against militants for six months to a year because it wants to 'stabilize' previous gains made. However the U.S. praises Pakistan's military effort against the militants.[38] Furthermore Pakistan president, in meeting with the U.S. delegation, had said Pakistan "had suffered a... loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy." But the President also said for "greater Pak-U.S. cooperation".

In October 2009, the U.S. Congress approved $7.5 billion of non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years. In February 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama sought to increase funds to Pakistan to "promote economic and political stability in strategically important regions where the United States has special security interests".[8] Obama also sought $3.1 billion aid for Pakistan to defeat Al Qaeda for 2010.[39]

In February 2010, Anne W. Patterson (U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan) said that the United States is committed to partnership with Pakistan and further said “Making this commitment to Pakistan while the U.S. is still recovering from the effects of the global recession reflects the strength of our vision. Yet we have made this commitment, because we see the success of Pakistan, its economy, its civil society and its democratic institutions as important for ourselves, for this region and for the world.”[35]

Between 2002–2010, Pakistan received approximately 18 billion[40] in military and economic aid from the United States. In February 2010, the Obama administration requested an additional 3 billion in aid, for a total of 20.7 billion.[41]

In mid February, after the capture of Taliban No.2 leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Pakistan the White House 'hails capture of Taliban leader'. Furthemore White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that this is a "big success for our mutual efforts(Pakistan and United States)in the region" and He praised Pakistan for the capture, saying it is a sign of increased cooperation with the U.S. in the terror fight.[42] Furthermore Capt. John Kirby, spokesman for Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said 'We also strongly support Pakistani efforts to secure the border region,Kirby added, noting that Pakistan has lost soldiers in that effort.'Mullen, (President Barack Obama's senior military adviser)has made strengthening "U.S. military relationship with Pakistan a top priority". The U.S. and Pakistan have a robust working relationship that serves the mutual interests of our people,' Kirby said. "We continue to build a long-term partnership that strengthens our common security and prosperity."[43]

In March, Richard Holbrooke U.S. special envoy to Pakistan had said U.S.-Pakistani relations have seen 'significant improvement' under Obama. Furthermore he also said "No government on earth has received more high-level attention" than Pakistan[44][45]

In December 2009, President Obama stated "In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly, those days are over. Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual trust." and stated that the two countries 'share a common enemy' in combating Islamic extremism.[46]

The Raymond Davis affair substantially deteriorated Pakistan-U.S. relations in early 2011.[citation needed][neutrality is disputed] The attack on U.S. Embassy and at NATO headquarters in Kabul was blamed on the Haqqani network operating under Paksitan's spy agency, the ISI.[47] Pakistan reacted by recalling its finance minister who was on a visit to the U.N.[48] Pakistan also tried to strengthen the relationship with China and Saudi Arabia to counter the U.S threat.[49] The Chinese government advised Pakistan against any such commitment that may put China's relationship with U.S and India in jeopardy.[50] U.S reissued the warning urging Pakistan to act against the Haqqani network or the U.S will take on the threat unilaterally.[51] Islamic groups in Pakistan, issued a fatwa proclaiming Jihad against the U.S and claimed that U.S should not be called a Superpower since the title belonged to Allah.[52] This was followed by Pakistan threatening the U.S with retaliation, if the U.S went ahead with unilateral action against the Haqqani network.[53]

Death of Osama bin Laden

See also: Death of Osama bin Laden
Diagram of Osama bin Laden's hideout, showing the high concrete walls that surround the compound

Osama bin Laden, then head of the militant group al-Qaeda, was killed in Pakistan on May 2, 2011, shortly after 1 a.m. local time[54][55] by a United States special forces military unit. The operation, code-named Operation Neptune Spear, was ordered by United States President Barack Obama and carried out in a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operation by a team of United States Navy SEALs from the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (also known as DEVGRU or informally by its former name, SEAL Team Six) of the Joint Special Operations Command, with support from CIA operatives on the ground.[56][57] The raid on bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan was launched from Afghanistan.[58] After the raid, U.S. forces took bin Laden's body to Afghanistan for identification, then buried it at sea within 24 hours of his death.[59]

Al-Qaeda confirmed the death on May 6 with posts made on militant websites, vowing to avenge the killing.[60] Bin Laden's killing was generally favorably received by U.S. public opinion;[61][62] was welcomed by the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, and a large number of governments;[63] but was condemned by some, including Fidel Castro of Cuba[64] and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas administration of the Gaza Strip.[65] Legal and ethical aspects of the killing, such as his not being taken alive despite being unarmed, were questioned by others, including Amnesty International.[66]

According to Obama administration officials, U.S. officials did not share information about the raid with the government of Pakistan until it was over.[59][67] Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen called Pakistan's army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at about 3 a.m. local time to inform him of the Abbottabad Operation.[68]

According to the Pakistani foreign ministry, the operation was conducted entirely by the U.S. forces.[69] Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials said they were also present at what they called a joint operation;[70] President Asif Ali Zardari flatly denied this.[71] Pakistan's foreign secretary Salman Bashir later confirmed that Pakistani military had scrambled F-16s after they became aware of the attack but that they reached the compound after American helicopters had left.[72]

Has Clinton’s visit helped reduce tension?October 21, 2011

on October 21, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton-led heavy delegation concluded its two-day visit to Pakistan. Probably, the visit was aimed at defusing the prevailing and increasing tension between the two capitals. During this visit Director of CIA Chief, David Petraeus and the newly appointed military chief, General Martin Dempsey accompanied Clinton. The delegation held meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Pakistan’s military chief and ISI Chief. US Secretary also talked to senior media anchors, students and people belonging to different segments of civil society. The relations between the two frontline allies of war on terror got strained after the conduct of unilateral action against OBL. Later on, Washington alleged Pakistani spy agency (ISI) of supporting Taliban against US-led ISAF forces and launching attack on US embassy and injuring 77 US troops in Afghanistan. American top levels also threatened that ground operations would be launched against Haqqani network in Pakistani area in case Islamabad military failed to take action against the network. The political leadership, irrespective of differences, displayed solidarity against US threat and in an “All Parties Conference” sent a clear message through a unanimous statement, rejecting US allegations levelled against vital organs, and allowing armed forces to respond to any US misadventure against Pakistan with their full strength. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has earlier visited Islamabad on May 27, 2011, under a much stressed environment and tried to take out the animosity and bridge the gap but despite her efforts trust deficit could not be removed between two frontline allies. However, this time Pakistan’s strong stand not to accept any dictation over Waziristan operation and reluctance intaking any action against Haqqani network forced Americans to back out of their propagated stance over the issue. In this connection Hillary Clinton acknowledged categorically: (i) US has no evidence of involvement of ISI in attack on US Embassy, (ii) US will never launch any ground operation in North Waziristan or on Pakistani soil, (ii) acknowledged the statement of Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in which he asserted on October 20, 2011, that Pakistan is a country’s that has nuclear weapon capability and the United States would think “10 times” before launching a unilateral attack on Pakistan, (iv) terrorists heavens are located on both sides of the boundaries,(v) CIA was also having links with Haqqani network and lastly Pakistan and Afghanistan stability is essential for the regional and global peace.Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar told a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State that Pakistan is a sovereign state and any operation in any part of the country will be carried out after seeking approval from the parliament. Pakistan also demanded that US should ask Afghan government to stop Moulvi Fazal Ullah and other terrorists of launching attacks on Pakistani troops and innocent people. In fact US should know that Pakistani people have now become very allergic of listening “Do more music”. During Clinton visit serious talks converted into big laugh when in the “Town hall” meeting of Islamabad, a Pakistani lady told Clinton that the US acted like Pakistan’s mother-in-law. According to a report a lady from Khyber PakhtunKhwa said, “We are trying to please you, and every time you come and visit us you have a new idea and tell us, You are not doing enough and need to work harder,” she said, triggering laughter and applause. I think Clinton just like an experienced and seasonal diplomat must have read the underline message of the lady, which is actual the mindset of our whole nation regarding America. Thus, now it is US turn to “Do more” while announcing early schedule of departure from this region, restoring true democracy in Afghanistan, real stake holders of Afghan issue be taken into confidence, policy of reconciliation be introduced instead of using military option. Moreover, Indian role in Afghanistan needs to be restricted and checked since Pakistan intelligentsia has confirmed news that Mossad, RAW and CIA are using Afghan soil for launching clandestine operations in Balochistan, Karachi and rest of Pakistan. A major dilemma for the US in Afghanistan is to reconcile the conflicting security interests of India and Pakistan. Afghanistan has become a major source of friction because Indian and Pakistani differences over Pakistan’s western neighbour had never been given due consideration in any triangular strategic talks series between US, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two countries have long competed for influence in Afghanistan and Pakistan is deeply suspicious of a rise in India’s presence after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Pakistan has the evidence that India is using Afghanistan as her base to create problems inside Pakistan, including backing separatists in Balochistan province. In this connection, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai is providing shelters to the Indian and Balochi terrorists. US policy makers, if serious in establishing peace, should modify their Af-Pak policy in consultation with real stake holders. She must also know that Karazi is not serious in establishing peace in Afghanistan. The assassination of Burhanuddi Rabbani, the head of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council who was killed on September 20, 2011, in a suicide attack, once again became big question mark to the peace believers. His murder was very suspicious since it is pointing figures towards Presidential Palace of Kabul. In this regard President Karzai hurriedly leveled baseless allegations against Pakistani intelligence agencies and Haqqani network. President Karzai’s statement showed his frustration. In fact, it is an established fact that any peaceful solution of Afghanistan will end up the “Karazi rule and Indian role” in Afghanistan. Therefore, the efforts of Rabbani’s peace solution brought India and Karazi on same footing which probably forced RAW and local ruling elite to make a plan to eliminate Rabbani. Reportedly, Afghan president under the garb of dialogue process has called Rabbani to be in Kabul on the particular date, time and place. If US is interested in the stability of Afghanistan, then there is a need to transfer the powers to the actual representatives of Afghanistan and other regional stakeholders. She must also realize that supporting India and giving her edge over Pakistan is also a major hindrance in restoring true and strategic relationship with Islamabad. Now there is a need to evolve some kind of mechanism that can put brakes on continuously worsening relations between US and Pakistan. In this connection US foreign office should control her political elite like Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, chief of intelligence agency and military officials of alleging and fomenting negative propaganda against Pakistan and its institutions like ISI and Armed forces. The people, like Levin should know that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power and is not an American state. He must know that Pakistan has suffered major losses in GWOT, as its 140,000 troops are engaged in war against terrorists, more than 4,000 soldiers including 63 intelligence personnel have been martyred and more than 35,000 civilian have become victim to the forced war in addition to the displacement of 3.44 million people. Concluding, I would like to say that Hillary Clinton should play a positive role in establishing good relations between Pakistan and US as after all she has been awarded the title of “mother-in-law” of Pakistan.[73]

Allegations against Pakistan

See also: Allegations of support system in Pakistan for Osama bin Laden

Numerous allegations were made that the government of Pakistan had shielded bin Laden.[70][74][75] Critics cited the very close proximity of bin Laden's heavily fortified compound to the Pakistan Military Academy, that the U.S. chose to not notify Pakistani authorities before the operation, and the double standards of Pakistan regarding the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.[75][76][77] U.S. government files, leaked by Wikileaks, disclosed that American diplomats had been told that Pakistani security services were tipping off bin Laden every time U.S. forces approached. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), also helped smuggle al-Qaeda militants into Afghanistan to fight NATO troops. According to the leaked files, in December 2009, the government of Tajikistan had also told U.S. officials that many in Pakistan were aware of bin Laden's whereabouts. [78]

CIA chief Leon Panetta said the CIA had ruled out involving Pakistan in the operation, because it feared that "any effort to work with the Pakistanis could jeopardize the mission. They might alert the targets."[79] However, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated that "cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound in which he was hiding".[80] Obama echoed her sentiments.[81] John O. Brennan, Obama's chief counterterrorism advisor, said that it was inconceivable that bin Laden did not have support from within Pakistan. He further stated: "People have been referring to this as hiding in plain sight. We are looking at how he was able to hide out there for so long." [82]


Pakistan grievances against the US

In the Summer of 2011 300 Terrorist from safe havens Kunar,Afghanistan launched attacks on Pakistan border posts killing 34 soliders. It is also believed Swat Taliban leader Maulana Fazlullah is hiding in Afghanistan for the past 2 years, yet NATO has made no serious effort to Capture him.[83] . On June 1 2011 more than 500 armed terrorist who entered Upper Dir area from Afghanistan killed more than 30 police and paramilitary soldiers. Police said that well-trained terrorists who targeted a checkpost, also destroyed two schools and several houses with rocket and gunfire attacks, while killing a number of innocent people [84]. On June 3, hundreds of militants crossed over from Afghanistan and again besieged the Pakistani area. Some believe the attacks where facilitated US forces to punish Pakistan [85] .Pakistan Interior Minister also said US Forces where turning a blind eye to Indian Intelligence's proxy war in Pakistan via its Afghanistan consulates [86]. Pakistan COAS has also called on NATO to do more to tackle tackle terrorism in Kunar Province . Many in Pakistan believe they are being scape goat for american difficulties in Afghanistan and getting a raw deal and dont get enough appreciation for sacrifices Pakistan and its economy has lost. They also object to what they see as American Puppet ruling Pakistan [87]

Military aid from the United States

See also: Foreign aid to Pakistan

Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally as part of the War on Terrorism. A leading recipient of U.S. military aid, Pakistan will expect to receive approximately $20 billion since 2001.

See also

References

  1. ^ "U.S.-Pakistan relations: An unhappy alliance". Los Angeles Times. May 7, 2011.
  2. ^ "The US-Pakistan Roller Coaster Relationship". huffingtonpost.com. November 14, 2007.
  3. ^ "U.S-Pakistan Military Cooperation". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved June 26, 2008.
  4. ^ "Sixty years of US aid to Pakistan: Get the data". Guardian. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  5. ^ "U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONS". state.gov.
  6. ^ "Background note: Pakistan". US Department of State.
  7. ^ "US and Pakistan, Not Allies But Enemies". Theworldreporter.com. 2010-10-02.
  8. ^ a b "Obama seeks boost in Pakistan aid". Reuters. February 1, 2010.
  9. ^ Warden, Philip (May 4, 1950). "Liaquat Ali Arrives For Goodwill Tour". Chicago Daily Tribune.
  10. ^ "America Welcomes President Ayub". Gordon Wilkison Collection. Texas Archive of the Moving Image. 1961. Retrieved 28 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c "Zulfikar Ali Bhutto" (html). historycommons.com. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ a b "Zulfikar Bhutto had blamed US for his 'horrible' fate" (html). Zee News. April 08, 2011, 16:37. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Benjamin, Daniel & Steven Simon. "The Age of Sacred Terror", 2002
  14. ^ "CNN.com – Rice: U.S. will support Pakistan – Oct 12, 2005". CNN. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  15. ^ Riaz Khan (2008-06-11). "Pakistan blames U.S. coalition for troops' death". Google News. Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
  16. ^ Feller, Ben (July 28, 2008). "Bush hails Pakistan as strong ally". Fox News.
  17. ^ "/ Asia-Pacific / Pakistan - US boosts strategic ties with Pakistan". Ft.com. 2010-03-24. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  18. ^ Walsh, Declan (February 27, 2008). "Up to 70% of US aid to Pakistan 'misspent'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  19. ^ Rohde, David; Gall, Carlotta; Schmitt, Eric; Sanger, David E. (December 24, 2007). "U.S. Officials See Waste in Billions Sent to Pakistan". The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  20. ^ Peters, Justin (2007-12-24). "Foreign Aid Betrayed". Slate.
  21. ^ Rohde, David (2007-12-24). "U.S. Officials See Waste in Billions Sent to Pakistan". The New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "U.S. to channel more aid via Pakistan government". Reuters. April 14, 2010.
  23. ^ Upadhyay, Brajesh (May 16, 2008). "U.S. aid 'failing to reach target'". BBC News. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  24. ^ The News Tribe. [www.thenewstribe.com "The News Tribe"]. Retrieved 20 April 2011. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help) http://www.thenewstribe.com/2011/04/19/isi-has-links-with-haqqani-network/
  25. ^ http://www.thefrontierpost.com/?p=72599
  26. ^ http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2011/07/169177.htm#PAKISTAN
  27. ^ a b "Ties between U.S. and Pakistan suspended".
  28. ^ a b "The United States Embassy" (in English (U.S.)). Retrieved 2008-12-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  29. ^ CIA chief says bin Laden in Pakistan, The Boston Globe, 2009-06-11 (link broken)
  30. ^ Font size Print E-mail Share 39 Comments (2009-06-11). "CIA says Bin Laden is in Pakistan, CBS News/AP, 2009-06-11". Cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2011-03-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ "Pakistan and Taliban, Brothers or Rivals?". Theworldreporter.com. 2010-09-14.
  32. ^ a b "Musharraf admits U.S. aid diverted". BBC News. September 14, 2009. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  33. ^ CJ: Mineguruji (2009-11-21). "US unaware of any diversion of military aid to Pak". Merinews.com. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  34. ^ "Pakistan mourns bomb victims - Central & South Asia". Al Jazeera English. 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  35. ^ a b "Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - United States committed to partnership with Pakistan: Anne Patterson". App.com.pk. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  36. ^ Dawn.com
  37. ^ "Pakistan snubs U.S. over militants". BBC News. January 21, 2010. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  38. ^ "U.S. praises Pakistani military efforts". UPI.com. 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  39. ^ "Obama seeks $3.1 billion aid for Pakistan to defeat Al Qaeda". Sify.com. 2010-02-02. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
  40. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  41. ^ "Pakistan got $18bn aid from U.S. since 2001". The Times Of India. February 23, 2010.
  42. ^ Holland, Steve (February 17, 2010). "White House hails capture of Taliban leader". Reuters.
  43. ^ [2][dead link‍]
  44. ^ "U.S. sees improved relations with Pakistan - CNN.com". CNN. March 15, 2010. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  45. ^ (AFP) – Mar 17, 2010 (2010-03-17). "AFP: U.S., Pakistan to host talks on economy, security next week". Google.com. Retrieved 2011-03-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  46. ^ Obama pledges strengthened partnership with Pakistan (Extra)
  47. ^ U.S. blames Pakistan agency in Kabul attack
  48. ^ Pakistani PM calls back FM over U.S. charge
  49. ^ Pakistan hosts top Chinese security official and war games with Saudi as ties with US plunge
  50. ^ Pakistan wants more fire, but China has commitment issues
  51. ^ U.S. sharpens warning to Pakistan
  52. ^ Fatwa for Jihad against America
  53. ^ Pak will retaliate to any US misadventure: Report
  54. ^ Greg Miller (May 5, 2011). "CIA spied on bin Laden from safe house". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  55. ^ Cooper, Helene (May 1, 2011). "Obama Announces Killing of Osama bin Laden". The New York Times. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  56. ^ Philip Sherwell (May 7, 2011). "Osama bin Laden killed: Behind the scenes of the deadly raid". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
  57. ^ Dilanian, Ken (May 2, 2011). "CIA led U.S. special forces mission against Osama bin Laden". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  58. ^ C. Christine Fair (May 4, 2011). "The bin Laden aftermath: The U.S. shouldn't hold Pakistan's military against Pakistan's civilians". Foreign Policy. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  59. ^ a b "Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda leader, dead – Barack Obama". BBC News. May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  60. ^ Maggie Michael (May 6, 2011). "Al-Qaida Vows Revenge for Osama Bin Laden's Death". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  61. ^ "Public 'Relieved' By bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises". pewresearch.org. 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  62. ^ Newport, Frank (2011). "Americans Back Bin Laden Mission; Credit Military, CIA Most". gallup.com. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  63. ^ UN chief Ban hails bin Laden death as "watershed", Reuters May 2, 2011
  64. ^ "Reflections of Fidel - The murder of Osama Bin Laden". granma.cu. 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
  65. ^ Nidal al-Mughrabi (April 26, 2011). "Abbas government welcomes bin Laden death, Hamas deplores". Reuters. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  66. ^ "Questions around operation against Osama bin Laden". Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  67. ^ "Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan, says Obama". Dawn. May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  68. ^ Perlez, Jane (May 5, 2011). "Pakistani Army Chief Warns U.S. on Another Raid". The New York Times. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  69. ^ "Bin Laden operation conducted by U.S. forces: Pakistan". Dawn. May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  70. ^ a b Rodriguez, Alex (May 2, 2011). "Suspicions grow over whether Pakistan aided Osama bin Laden". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  71. ^ Zardari, Asif Ali (May 3, 2011). "Pakistan did its part". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  72. ^ Wright, Tom (May 5, 2011). "Pakistan Rejects U.S. Criticism". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  73. ^ http://www.thefrontierpost.com/?p=72599
  74. ^ Solomon, Jay (May 2, 2011). "Pakistan's bin Laden Connection Is Probed". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 3, 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  75. ^ a b "Did Pakistan Army shelter Osama?". The Indian Express. May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  76. ^ "Obama kept Pakistan in dark about Osama attack". News One. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  77. ^ "Did Pakistan know of U.S. raid to kill Osama?". Mid Day. May 2, 2011.
  78. ^ Ross, Tim (May 2, 2011). "WikiLeaks: Osama bin Laden 'protected' by Pakistani security". The Daily Telegraph. UK. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  79. ^ Calabresi, Massimo (May 3, 2011). "CIA Chief Breaks Silence: Pakistan Would Have Jeopardized bin Laden Raid, 'Impressive' Intel Captured". TIME. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  80. ^ "Clinton: Pakistan helped lead U.S. to bin Laden". Forbes. Associated Press. May 2, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  81. ^ Walsh, Nick Paton (May 2, 2011). "Official: Pakistan had but didn't probe data that helped make raid". Islamabad, Pakistan: CNN. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  82. ^ MacAskill, Ewen; Walsh, Declan (May 2, 2011). "Osama bin Laden: Dead, but how did he hide so long?". The Guardian. London. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  83. ^ PAN, 36 soldiers die in cross-border Chitral attack, January 7, 2007.
  84. ^ http://www.thefrontierpost.com/?p=69232
  85. ^ http://pakdefenceunit.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/us-sponsored-cross-border-attacks-on-pakistans-soil
  86. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=B49TA3k9pHU&gl=US
  87. ^ http://news.yahoo.com/anti-us-pakistani-cricketer-rallies-100-000-people-171525372.html
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pakistan – United States relations.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pakistan–United_States_relations&oldid=460433536"