U.S.-Pakistan Relations – The Diplomat

The Centrality of Security in the Pakistan-US Relationship

Bantirani Patro — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 23:09:00 +0900

Even while expanding cooperation into other areas, Pakistan is keen on reviving the traditional security focus, especially in the face of the TTP threat.

India-US Dispute: A Storm in a Teacup?

Prem Singh Gill — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:22:00 +0900

A U.S. diplomat’s visits to Pakistan-administered Kashmir have created tensions between Delhi and Washington, but the diplomatic dispute is unlikely to result in a breakdown in their strategic relationship.

What Is Driving Pakistan-US Security Cooperation After the War in Afghanistan?

Hamdan Khan — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:17:00 +0900

While there is an alignment of short-term security interests, particularly on counterterrorism, in the longer term the China-U.S. competition will hinder Pakistan-U.S. ties.

The Case for Bringing Pakistan Into the US Indo-Pacific Strategy

Ali Malik — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 22:33:00 +0900

As it stands, the IPS is too heavily focused on the Pacific. Adding Pakistan to the fold would bolster its ability to address Beijing’s strategic advances in the Indian Ocean.

US Sanctions Leaders of Anti-Pakistan Terrorist Groups

Associated Press — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 00:12:00 +0900

The State Department added four leaders of TTP and al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent to its list of "Specially Designated Global Terrorists."

Pakistan at 75: A Long History of Anti-Americanism

Muhammad A. Basit — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:01:00 +0900

For most of its history, Pakistan has had turbulent relations with the United States, leading to deep-rooted public antipathy.

Anti-Americanism in Pakistan

Uzair Sattar — Sat, 07 May 2022 01:54:00 +0900

Imran Khan’s narrative of conspiracy and regime change is a symptom, not a cause, of anti-American sentiments in Pakistan.

Where Do Pakistan-US Relations Go From Here?

Sheharyar Ali — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:25:00 +0900

Following Imran Khan’s ouster amid public accusations of a U.S. conspiracy, how will the new government approach the relationship?

Can Pakistan’s Mangoes Sweeten Souring Ties with the US?

Niha Dagia — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:26:00 +0900

Mangoes have always been in the frontline of Pakistan’s politics and diplomacy.

The Misunderstood History of Pakistan-US Relations

Touqir Hussain — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 21:51:00 +0900

Pakistan has sometimes been important to the U.S., sometimes not. Understanding the shifts of the past can help Islamabad plan for the future.

South Asia and the Coming Biden Presidency

Ankit Panda — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 02:39:00 +0900

What should South Asian states expect from the United States under Joe Biden?

US Diplomacy in Pakistan: The Case of the Missing Mangoes

Adam Weinstein and Adnan Rasool — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 23:46:00 +0900

U.S. diplomacy needs to leave the conference room and engage with local populations – something European and Chinese diplomats have already mastered.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Dubs Osama Bin Laden a ‘Martyr’: What Now?

Umair Jamal — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 03:45:00 +0900

The statement brings to the fore uncomfortable truths.

What to Expect From the Khan-Trump Meeting

Uzair Younus — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:08:00 +0900

Given their common traits, the U.S. and Pakistani leaders could develop a strong personal relationship.

The Baloch Liberation Army’s New US Terrorist Designation: Why Now?

Umair Jamal — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 03:40:00 +0900

Why has the U.S. Department of State declared the Baloch Liberation Army a terrorist group?

CPEC Emboldens China and Pakistan’s Joint Effort to Manage Militancy

Saira H. Basit — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 21:50:00 +0900

China is doubling down on Pakistan – and this time, it's determined to keep militancy from damaging the relationship.

Pakistan’s Catch-22 Moment

Daud Khattak — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:18:00 +0900

Is Pakistan really ready to cut the cord with the United States?

Continuing Convergence: India-US 2+2 Meeting Shows Inexorable Progress in the Relationship

Harsh V. Pant — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 07:16:00 +0900

India and the United States took a major leap with the successful conclusion of the first-ever 2+2 dialogue.

Pompeo Heads to Pakistan to Take on Terrorism, Seek 'Reset'

Ankit Panda — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 11:49:00 +0900

The U.S. secretary of state's arrival in Pakistan comes after a challenging eight months for the bilateral relationship.

What’s Wrong With the US Afghanistan Strategy?

Kashif Hussain — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 08:26:00 +0900

The U.S. strategy has faltered out of the gate, thanks to a lack of coordination at home and in the region.

Michael Kugelman on Pakistan's Future Under Imran Khan

Muhammad Akbar Notezai — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:12:00 +0900

What will Pakistan’s foreign policy look like under new Prime Minister Imran Khan?

Imran Khan’s Foreign Policy Approach

Daud Khattak — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 01:40:00 +0900

Khan has a golden chance to right ties with India, Afghanistan, and the U.S. – if the establishment will let him.

Time for the US to Stop Supporting Pakistan’s Military Rule

Mark Hannah — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 23:17:00 +0900

U.S. aid to Pakistan's military has helped keep civilian governments in the country weak.

Are We Finally Seeing a Breakthrough in Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations?

Daud Khattak — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 00:27:00 +0900

Recent exchanges, and the involvement of China and the US, hints that this time may be different.

China-Pakistan Relations: Challenging US Global Leadership

Mercy A. Kuo — Wed, 30 May 2018 01:55:00 +0900

Insights from Harrison Akins.

What Trump’s Pakistan Policy Means for China

Li Hongmei — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 23:38:00 +0900

U.S.-Pakistan frictions are not good for Beijing, either.

What National Security Advisor John Bolton Means for India

Tridivesh Singh Maini — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 23:24:00 +0900

Bolton's stance on Pakistan won't bother India, but his approach to Iran is deeply concerning.

Trump, Pakistan, and Kashmir

Fahad Shah — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 10:22:00 +0900

Will a shift in the U.S.-Pakistan relationship affect India-Pakistan relations and Kashmir?

Why China Won't Be Glad to See US-Pakistan Relations Take a Nosedive in 2018

Ankit Panda — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:19:00 +0900

China sees more of a challenge than an opportunity in the ongoing U.S.-Pakistan tiff.

Will Trump's Lash-Out Against Pakistan Succeed Where Other US Presidents Failed?

Ankit Panda and Prashanth Parameswaran — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:03:00 +0900

Is Donald Trump the U.S. president to get Pakistan to do the United States' bidding? Probably not.

The Risk of a Nuclear-Tinged South Asian Crisis Is Rising

Sameer Lalwani and Hannah Haegeland — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:47:00 +0900

The odds of another serious South Asian crisis remain high.

The Times They Are A-Changin’: Trump's Important Risk-Taking With Pakistan

Harsh V. Pant — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 05:51:00 +0900

Will Trump succeed where previous U.S. presidents have failed?

What Will the Trump Administration's Decision to Withhold Aid From Pakistan Really Accomplish?

Ankit Panda — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 12:37:00 +0900

The Trump administration makes good on its threats to cut Pakistan off. What happens next?

Trump’s Tweet Has Done Pakistan a Massive Favor

Kunwar Khuldune Shahid — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 01:39:00 +0900

A Twitter tirade once again allows Pakistan to play the victim.

Trump Opens 2018 With a Twitter Broadside Against Pakistan: What Does It Mean?

Ankit Panda — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 06:24:00 +0900

The U.S. president unleashes on Pakistan in harsher terms than before. Is 2018 an inflection point for the relationship?

C. Christine Fair on US-Pakistan Relations

Shannon Tiezzi — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 06:15:00 +0900

How will U.S.-Pakistan relations fare under President Trump?

Sharp Words From the United States Will Achieve Little in Pakistan

Umair Jamal — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 01:24:00 +0900

It's time for the United States to take note of some realities in Pakistan.

How Will US Demands For Pakistan to 'Do More' on Terror Work?

Umair Jamal — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 02:02:00 +0900

Taking a “conditions-based” approach, the United States wants Pakistan to do more to fight extremism.

Tillerson to Follow Ghani to India, After a Brief Stop in Pakistan

Catherine Putz — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 22:57:00 +0900

On Tuesday, Afghan President Ghani visited India. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson is to do the same.

Tillerson Discusses Security and Strategy in Afghanistan on Short Stopover

Ankit Panda — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:23:00 +0900

The U.S. secretary of state stopped in for an unannounced visit.

Trump on Pakistan: Not Quite the Best-Laid Plan

Huma Sattar — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 22:04:00 +0900

Washington’s least best-laid plans will invariably go awry.

Pakistan Postpones Visit By Top US Official Following Trump's Afghanistan Speech

Ankit Panda — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:14:00 +0900

A scheduled visit by a U.S. acting assistant secretary of state may have been postponed.

Growing Distance Between Delhi and Moscow

Harsh V. Pant — Fri, 26 May 2017 23:53:00 +0900

India and Russia need to revitalize their bilateral relationship.

Why the Trump-Led Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia Was a Disaster for Pakistan

Kunwar Khuldune Shahid — Tue, 23 May 2017 01:37:00 +0900

Pakistan is largely shut out of the high-profile event, despite high hopes for recognition.

What Donald Trump’s Budget Means for Pakistan

Muhammad Zarrar Saeed — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:16:00 +0900

Cuts to the U.S. State Department will also impact the U.S.-Pakistan alliance.

Imagining Trump’s ‘Muslim Ban’ on Pakistan

Umair Jamal — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:17:00 +0900

Trump’s domestic and international isolation would further grow if Pakistan’s name is added to any travel ban list.

India Must Adapt Quickly in the Age of Trump

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 05:54:00 +0900

As Trump shapes his foreign policy, India must remain nimble and ready to react.

Will India’s Lobbying Change U.S. Policy Toward Pakistan?

Prateek Joshi — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 01:56:00 +0900

India hopes a connection with Trump's national security advisor can tip the scales against Pakistan.

CPEC: Boon or Bane for Pakistan?

Hanan Zaffar — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:02:00 +0900

A look at the hopes and fears surrounding the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

What a Trump Presidency Means for Pakistan

Kunwar Khuldune Shahid — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 23:46:00 +0900

Trump's election could trigger a geopolitical restructuring of the Af-Pak region.

The US Should Cut Its Losses in Pakistan

Frud Bezhan — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 01:21:00 +0900

Americans have forked out billions to Pakistan to help combat the Taliban, with little to show for the investment.

US Assistance to Pakistan Set to Fall to Lowest Level Since 2007

Ankit Panda — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 00:32:00 +0900

The decline in U.S. assistance isn't surprising given broader regional geopolitical trends and alignments.

Why Pakistan's Foreign Policy Is So Confused

Deedar Hussain Samejo — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 04:51:00 +0900

Pakistan's civilian government and the military are working to different ends in their diplomatic efforts.

US May Suspend $300 Million Military Reimbursement for Pakistan

Ankit Panda — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 04:12:00 +0900

Ash Carter won't certify that Pakistan is adequately targeting the Haqqani network.

What a Trump Presidency Would Mean for Afghanistan

Samuel Ramani — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 23:29:00 +0900

The Republican nominee for the presidency would likely drastically change U.S. policy toward Afghanistan.

Modi's Big Speech in Washington: Time for 'Natural Allies' to Deliver Results

Ankit Panda — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:02:00 +0900

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has his big day before U.S. Congress. What was the big message?

Did Hope for Afghan Peace Die With Mullah Mansour?

Daud Khattak — Tue, 31 May 2016 23:39:00 +0900

Mansour's death makes peace talks even less likely, while inflaming regional tensions.

In South Asia, Much Ado About F-16s

Harsh V. Pant — Tue, 10 May 2016 03:18:00 +0900

Given the recent dispute over F-16s between Islamabad and Washington, what can New Delhi do?

After F-16 Fiasco, US-Pakistan Ties Are Due to Head South Again

Rohan Joshi — Mon, 09 May 2016 12:45:00 +0900

The ongoing imbroglio over the sale of F-16s highlights deeper fissures between Washington and Islamabad.

Who Is Pakistan Rooting For in the US Elections?

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Sat, 07 May 2016 03:08:00 +0900

What can Pakistan expect out of the next U.S. president's foreign policy?

The Fighters, A Doctor, and the US-Pakistan Relationship

Hamzah Rifaat — Wed, 04 May 2016 21:42:00 +0900

The United States and Pakistan run into another in a long string of difficulties in their relationship.

Pakistan Wants 10 More F-16s... Or Does It Want Russian Su-35s?

Ankit Panda — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 10:16:00 +0900

The U.S. just agreed to sell Pakistan eight F-16s. Islamabad might want ten more.

US Presidential Candidates Must Think Strategically About South Asia

James Carafano and Lisa Curtis — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 01:35:00 +0900

What the next U.S. president needs to consider when shaping a South Asia policy.

A Turning Point in Afghanistan-India Relations?

Ankit Panda — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 09:08:00 +0900

Recent developments in the India-Afghanistan bilateral relationship suggest a major shift may be afoot.

India Approves Security Pacts With Germany

Ankit Panda — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 09:58:00 +0900

India and Germany make moves, Iran's nuke deal implementation, and resolve in the South China Sea. Security updates.

Pakistan's General Raheel Sharif Goes to Washington: Déjà Vu All Over Again

Michael Kugelman — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 01:36:00 +0900

As Raheel Sharif visits the United States, it's worth taking stock of how little has changed in U.S.-Pakistan relations.

What's Wrong with US-Pakistan Relations Anyway?

Ankit Panda — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:08:00 +0900

A former U.S. ambassador to Pakistan speaks about the state of relations between Washington and Islamabad.

Pakistan and the United States: What You Should Be Reading

Ankit Panda — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 01:59:00 +0900

Assorted links on what you should be reading on U.S.-Pakistan relations in October 2015.

Major Takeaways From Nawaz Sharif's US Visit

Rohan Joshi — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 23:50:00 +0900

Nuclear issues, regional stability, and terrorism topped the agenda for Sharif and Obama this week.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Arrives in Washington With a Broad Agenda

Robert M. Hathaway — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 03:03:00 +0900

Nawaz Sharif's time in Washington will cover a range of issues at the center of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship.

All Pakistan Wants Is the Same Nuclear Deal the US Gave India

Umair Jamal — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 08:24:00 +0900

What are Pakistan's interests in approaching the U.S. about a nuclear deal?

Pakistan Clarifies Conditions for Tactical Nuclear Weapon Use Against India

Ankit Panda — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:43:00 +0900

Pakistan's foreign secretary notes that Islamabad is ready to use low-yield nukes against India's "Cold Start" doctrine.

Will the US Really Offer Pakistan a Nuclear Deal? Don't Count On It

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 04:09:00 +0900

Pakistan won't get a nuclear deal. Even if it did, it wouldn't want one.

If Pakistan Wants a 'Normal' Nuclear Status, It Must Give Up Terrorism

Seema Sirohi — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 04:24:00 +0900

A throwback to simplistic US rationalizations still won’t bring Pakistan into the non-proliferation mainstream.

Pakistan's Prime Minister May Visit the US in October

Ankit Panda — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 04:20:00 +0900

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been invited to the United States in October.

US Set to Suspend Military Aid to Pakistan

Ankit Panda — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 00:07:00 +0900

The U.S. government will withhold certification of Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations against the Haqqani network.

Pakistan: Lessons from the India-US Nuclear Deal

Saira Bano — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 22:47:00 +0900

The road to civilian nuclear cooperation begins in Islamabad.

Is US Drone Warfare Here to Stay?

Jack Detsch — Fri, 08 May 2015 09:32:00 +0900

The CIA’s targeted killing program might be in jeopardy.

U.S.-Pakistan Relations: Seeing Other People

Saim Saeed — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 17:26:00 +0900

The bilateral relationship matters less now, and that may not be such a bad thing.

Is Pakistan’s 'War on Terror' Out of Time?

Jack Detsch — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:12:00 +0900

With Washington’s patience and money fading, is time running out for Pakistan's offensive against domestic terrorism?

America’s Pakistan Dilemma

Sarah Graham — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:18:00 +0900

Rarely have Pakistan and U.S. strategic interests converged.

State of the Union: Where's South Asia?

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:25:00 +0900

What does U.S. President Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union speech tell us about his views on South Asia?

Obama's Mixed Signals to India and Pakistan

Ankit Panda — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 07:10:00 +0900

The U.S. is starting 2015 with both a presidential trip to India and the approval of civilian aid for Pakistan.

The Hypocrisy of Pakistan's Homeland Criticism

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0900

The Pakistani government's complaints about Homeland are hypocritical.

When General Sharif Went to Washington

Michael Kugelman — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:13:00 +0900

A visit by Pakistan's army chief underlines the unique and often troubled relationship between Washington and Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Courts Both US and Russia on Defense

Ankit Panda — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 05:14:00 +0900

As Russia's defense minister visits Pakistan, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff visits Washington.

India Appoints Full-Time Defense Minister

Ankit Panda — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 05:13:00 +0900

Plus, China debuts Shenyang J-31, U.S. considers delays to Afghan withdrawal, and Koreans debate THAAD. Defense links.

Pentagon: Pakistan Uses 'Proxy Forces' in India and Afghanistan

Ankit Panda — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:30:00 +0900

An October 2014 Pentagon report calls out Pakistan for its use of terrorist proxies in India and Afghanistan.

China Slams US Radar Deployment in Japan

Ankit Panda — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 03:39:00 +0900

Plus, China's subs go global, the IAF's poor serviceability rate, Pakistan's COAS visits the U.S. and more. Links.

US Drone Strikes Resume in Pakistan for the First Time in Six Months

Akhilesh Pillalamarri — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 02:01:00 +0900

Following a six month hiatus, U.S. drone strikes have resumed in Pakistan.

Pakistan-U.S. Dialogue Welcomed Ahead of 2014 Drawdown

Idrees Ali — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:23:00 +0900

A recent Pakistani delegation to Washington continues a thaw in relations.

No Exit From Pakistan: Is Curtailing Islamabad’s U.S. Aid a Policy Option?

Malik Siraj Akbar — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:20:00 +0900

If Pakistan is to achieve stability, the U.S. very much needs to consider an exit.

Robert Gates: Pakistan 'Really No Ally At All'

Ankit Panda — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 04:53:00 +0900

Robert Gates doesn't trust Pakistan and neither should the United States.

Hard Times for Hagel in Kabul and Islamabad

Ankit Panda — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 06:01:00 +0900

Despite Chuck Hagel's efforts, the United States' fortunes in the AfPak region remain uncertain.

Will Kayani's Departure Benefit US-Pakistan Relations?

Ankit Panda — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 04:09:00 +0900

There are few reasons to believe that Raheel Sharif's ascension to Pakistan's top military post will change things.

The Rise of the Drones

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 18:52:15 +0900

Although convenient in fighting terrorism, the U.S. and others need to consider the broader implications of drone warfare.