US-Pakistan Relations

The United States needs to strengthen its long history of collaboration with Pakistan. This partnership that started during the Cold War has continued today through a joint effort to counter violent extremism. Since 2001, Pakistani security forces have Afghanistan conducts $2 billion in trade annually with Pakistan and will benefit from increased economic efficiency in Pakistan. Healthy economic relations with Pakistan provide a foundation to pursue strategic collaboration in other areas such as nonproliferation and counter-terrorism. Recently, Secretary of State John Kerry described Pakistan as a vital partner to US goals in Afghanistan. US leadership must continue to pursue this economic partnership.In addition, the United States and Pakistan have a mutual interest in disrupting the violent presence of the Taliban in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Taliban exploit the permeable Afghanistan-Pakistan border to resupply troops and coordinate attacks. This region also harbors the Haqqani network and Al-Qaeda leadership. Last fall, a drone strike that killed the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Meshud, caused controversy within Pakistan. Many Pakistanis felt this undermined Pakistan’s sovereignty and jeopardized peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban. Understandably, the Pakistani government has voiced frustration over the United States’ unilateral response in the state’s northern region. Meanwhile, chaos in the Kashmir region threatens Pakistan and jeopardizes the American mission in Afghanistan. Trust must be established and maintained to foster an effective counter-terrorism relationship. High-level bilateral meetings will continue to foster an increased likelihood of collaboration.Recent talks have led to a 3-month pause in drone strikes, the longest in 2 years. American recognition of Pakistan’s request to cease drone strikes has initiated a path to rebuilding trust. The Pakistani government has recently evacuated civilians from a northern area where it is planning an offensive attack. Additionally, Pakistan appears to be open to addressing security issues in the North. If so, the United States must take advantage of this opportunity and collaboratively pursue tactics to disrupt terrorist leadership in the region. A coordinated effort of American drone strikes and Pakistani ground force operations could significantly weaken the terrorist stronghold in the North.The United States cannot risk a failed state in Pakistan. Destabilization in Pakistan could lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The U.S. mission in Afghanistan improves stability in the region by strengthening the border with Pakistan, which discourages the flow of terrorist activity. The United States must assist Pakistan in protecting its nuclear arsenal, as both will benefit significantly from a secure Pakistani nuclear arsenal. In addition to economic and defense initiatives, the United States must continue to engage Pakistan during the Nuclear Security Summit Series to allow the opportunity for sharing ideas and developing mutual trust.The United States can improve its relationship with Pakistan through economic and infrastructure support, collaborative defense initiatives, and nonproliferation strategic discussions. In addition, Washington must support the Pakistani operation planned in the North because it will help repair the relationship with Pakistan and minimize security threats. Stability in northern Pakistan will significantly improve the region’s potential for peace. These initiatives will establish international credibility for Pakistan and minimize security threats to America by reducing the chances of a failed state in Pakistan. The United States cannot ignore the risk of Al-Qaeda and Haqqani leadership exploiting instability in Pakistan.