International Relations
PAK-AFGHAN TIES IN THE LIGHT OF
PAK-US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
HUMERA IQBAL(
Introduction
Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has been a victim of conflicting interests. The two have never been at ease with each other and deep suspicions are observed in the bilateral policies pursued by their governments. Pakistan always wished for a friendly government in Afghanistan so that the western border could be considered secure — a wish that never materialised. The relationship got worse during President Hamid Karzai’s first term in office. Pakistan was not only cut off from the region’s mainstream politics but also blamed for the chaos engulfing Afghanistan. Though the situation has changed now and Pakistan is being seen again as the frontline state for resolving the Afghan mess and providing support for Karzai’s government after the foreign forces withdraw. Both countries are looking forward to a healthy beginning where their interests converge for a peaceful and stable region. Before the recent Pak-US strategic dialogue, Pakistan, a non-NATO ally, was never given due recognition and respect for the enormous contribution and the thousands of lives it sacrificed in the war against terror. In fact, historically Pak-US relationship had always been marked by convergence and divergence of national interests that kept on switching from friendship to friction. The US benefited more during the times of convergence of interests from the geostrategic location of Pakistan and its traditional security dilemma vis-a-vis India. Whereas Pakistan gained less as it was not given the required support by the US when needed most — during the 1965 War and, again, the 1971 War which led to the disintegration of the country. In fact, the US later imposed severe penalties, embargoes and sanctions on Pakistan. In the post-9/11 scenario bilateral relations saw a shifting policy pattern to dubiousness, and Pakistan still remained target of accusations from all sides. Not only
PAK-US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
HUMERA IQBAL(
Introduction
Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has been a victim of conflicting interests. The two have never been at ease with each other and deep suspicions are observed in the bilateral policies pursued by their governments. Pakistan always wished for a friendly government in Afghanistan so that the western border could be considered secure — a wish that never materialised. The relationship got worse during President Hamid Karzai’s first term in office. Pakistan was not only cut off from the region’s mainstream politics but also blamed for the chaos engulfing Afghanistan. Though the situation has changed now and Pakistan is being seen again as the frontline state for resolving the Afghan mess and providing support for Karzai’s government after the foreign forces withdraw. Both countries are looking forward to a healthy beginning where their interests converge for a peaceful and stable region. Before the recent Pak-US strategic dialogue, Pakistan, a non-NATO ally, was never given due recognition and respect for the enormous contribution and the thousands of lives it sacrificed in the war against terror. In fact, historically Pak-US relationship had always been marked by convergence and divergence of national interests that kept on switching from friendship to friction. The US benefited more during the times of convergence of interests from the geostrategic location of Pakistan and its traditional security dilemma vis-a-vis India. Whereas Pakistan gained less as it was not given the required support by the US when needed most — during the 1965 War and, again, the 1971 War which led to the disintegration of the country. In fact, the US later imposed severe penalties, embargoes and sanctions on Pakistan. In the post-9/11 scenario bilateral relations saw a shifting policy pattern to dubiousness, and Pakistan still remained target of accusations from all sides. Not only
References: 15. Alex Rodriguez and Laura King “Pakistan left out of Afghan-Taliban talks, official says”, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct, 2010, . 16. Syed Abdul Quddus, “Why Pakhtoonistan”, Afghanistan and Pakistan: A Geopolitical Study, (Lahore: Ferozsons Ltd.,1982), p.136. 19. Rob Johnson, Afghanistan: The Soviet Occupation, 1979-89, A Region in Turmoil: South Asian Conflicts Since 1947, Viva Books Pvt, (New Delhi: 2006), pp.172-173. 65. Dr. Subhash Kapila, “Afghanistan: Reverberations Resonate from Us-Pak Strategic Dialogue”, South Asia Analysis Group, 15 April 2010, Paper No. 3764, .