A Troubled Geostrategic Marriage: US-Pakistan Relations

This essay surveys Pakistan’s national interests and the rationale underlying its posture vis-à-vis the United States, especially regarding cooperation in the war on terrorism. It also examines the regional struggles in which Pakistan is involved, specifically, its bitter conflict with India and its relations with China. Despite the recent US criticism of Pakistani conduct and deteriorating bilateral relations, a comprehensive examination of the geostrategic regional situation and the interests of both the United States and Pakistan reveals the sensitive complexity of the arena in which Pakistan operates and the fact that American involvement is indeed bearing fruit and contributing to regional stability.