Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding: A Tale of Two Nations

Over the decades, Pakistan and the United States have shared a complex and tumultuous relationship. From the highs of close cooperation to the lows of deep mistrust, their journey together has been a rollercoaster ride. This article delves into the depths of their dynamic history, exploring the root causes of their misunderstandings and the impact they have had on their bilateral ties.

The Birth of Pakistan

Pakistan, an Islamic republic in South Asia, came into existence on August 14, 1947, as a result of the partition of British India. Led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, it emerged as a separate nation for Muslims amid the Hindu majority in India. This birth pained the United States to some extent as it had supported a united India, but it quickly recognized Pakistan as a sovereign nation.

Initially, the United States viewed Pakistan as a strategic ally in the region, considering its location as a gateway to the oil-rich Middle East and a bulwark against the spread of communism in Asia. It extended economic and military assistance to Pakistan, setting the stage for a close partnership.

Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding

by Husain Haqqani(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

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The Cold War and Shifting Alliances

The emergence of the Cold War brought new dimensions to the Pakistan-US relationship. As the world divided into two ideological blocs, the United States found Pakistan as a valuable asset in countering the Soviet Union's influence. Pakistan joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO),alliances formed to contain the spread of communism.

During this period, the United States propped up military regimes in Pakistan, including General Ayub Khan, who established himself as the country's leader in 1958. The US provided economic aid and military assistance to bolster Pakistan's defense capabilities. However, the partnership faced a blow with the emergence of another superpower in South Asia.

The Birth of Bangladesh and the Indo-Pak Wars

In 1971, East Pakistan, which felt marginalized and oppressed by West Pakistan, revolted and demanded independence. A brutal military crackdown led by West Pakistan ensued, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh. The United States' response during this crisis was seen as lukewarm by Pakistan, causing a dent in their relationship.

Furthermore, the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 strained the friendship. During the 1965 war, the United States, under the Johnson administration, implemented an arms embargo on both India and Pakistan, causing dissatisfaction in Islamabad. In the 1971 war, the US tilted in favor of India, further damaging trust between the two nations.

The Soviet-Afghan War: A Shifting Landscape

One of the defining moments in Pakistan-US relations came with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The United States saw an opportunity to counter the spread of communism in the region and once again turned to Pakistan for support. Pakistan became the conduit for US aid and assistance to the Afghan mujahideen, who fought against Soviet forces.

However, as the war progressed, the United States' focus shifted towards defeating the Soviet Union, often neglecting Pakistan's long-term concerns. Once the Soviets were driven out, Washington's attention waned, leaving Pakistan grappling with the aftermath of the conflict and a surge of radicalism on its borders.

Post-9/11 Relations and the War on Terror

The terror attacks on September 11, 2001, once again brought Pakistan and the United States together, albeit under different circumstances. As the United States waged a global war on terror, it relied on Pakistan's support in capturing and dismantling terrorist networks, especially in neighboring Afghanistan.

Despite initial cooperation, trust issues and miscommunication marred their efforts in combating extremism. The United States accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and selectively supporting militant groups to further its regional interests. Meanwhile, Pakistan felt betrayed by the United States turning hostile towards it.

Looking Ahead: Navigating the Future

As Pakistan and the United States enter the 21st century, both nations face numerous challenges and must navigate the complexities of their shared history. Economic ties, nuclear proliferation concerns, regional stability, and peace in Afghanistan are some of the key issues that require attention.

Building trust and communication is crucial for a more stable and productive relationship between Pakistan and the United States. Emphasizing people-to-people exchanges, cultural understanding, and promoting economic cooperation can help bridge the gaps that have plagued their ties in the past.

The Epic History Continues...

, the story of Pakistan and the United States is an epic tale of misunderstanding, miscommunication, and shifting alliances. Their relationship has endured both highs and lows, with geopolitical considerations often overshadowing mutual trust and understanding. As the two nations move forward, it is imperative to learn from their shared history and forge a more sustainable and cooperative partnership.

The journey continues, and only time will tell how this epic history of misunderstanding between Pakistan and the United States unfolds in the years to come.

Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding

by Husain Haqqani(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	824 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	434 pages

FREE

The relationship between America and Pakistan is based on mutual incomprehension and always has been. Pakistan -- to American eyes -- has gone from being a quirky irrelevance, to a stabilizing friend, to an essential military ally, to a seedbed of terror. America -- to Pakistani eyes -- has been a guarantee of security, a coldly distant scold, an enthusiastic military enabler, and is now a threat to national security and a source of humiliation.

The countries are not merely at odds. Each believes it can play the other -- with sometimes absurd, sometimes tragic, results. The conventional narrative about the war in Afghanistan, for instance, has revolved around the Soviet invasion in 1979. But President Jimmy Carter signed the first authorization to help the Pakistani-backed mujahedeen covertly on July 3 -- almost six months before the Soviets invaded. Americans were told, and like to believe, that what followed was Charlie Wilson's war of Afghani liberation, with which they remain embroiled to this day. It was not. It was General Zia-ul-Haq's vicious regional power play.

Husain Haqqani has a unique insight into Pakistan, his homeland, and America, where he was ambassador and is now a professor at Boston University. His life has mapped the relationship of the two countries and he has found himself often close to the heart of it, sometimes in very confrontational circumstances, and this has allowed him to write the story of a misbegotten diplomatic love affair, here memorably laid bare.