ASSIGNMENT

Topic: Pak-US Relations since

9/11/2001
Submitted To: Sir Manzoor Elahi
Submitted By:

Roll No.

Class: B.A (Hons)

Semester: VII

Session:

Subject: Pak and its periphery

Date of Submission:
 Pak-US Relations since 9/11/2001

Contents
1. New Phase of Involvement
2. Change in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
3. Change in US Foreign Policy
4. Pakistan’s Role in War on terror as front-line state
5. Pakistan as non-NATO ally
6. United States assistance to Pak –Civil and Military
7. End of Isolation
8. Present relation b/w Pakistan and United States
9. Irritants in Pak-US Relations US interference in Pakistan
10. Salala Check Post Attack- Reaction of Pakistan
11. Osama Bin Laden Killing- Implications for Pakistan
12. Drone Attacks. US stance on Drone (Rationale for Drone Attacks)
13. Pakistan’s stance on Drones
14. US concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear assets
15. How to improve/Strengthen Relations
Foreign Policy

(a) Define Foreign Policy

"Foreign Policy is an expression of state behavior to outside world in order to maximize
its national interest."
It may also be defined as an expression of domestic attitude to the world.

(b) Define Diplomacy

Diplomacy includes the practices and institutions by which nations conduct their relations
with one another.

(c) What are the key determinants of Foreign Policy?

Foreign policy is mainly determined by the national interest of that country. Lord
Paimerston, British Prime Minister in 1850s, described the principle of his government's
foreign policy in these words:
"We have no eternal allies and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal,
and those interests it is our duty to follow."
A number of factors influence the formulation of foreign policy of a state:
National Interest - it is the chief determinant of foreign policy.
Ideology - another important factor influencing the matters related to the formulation of
foreign policy of a state. It occupies a central place in foreign policy of states having an
ideological basis. Pakistan is an excellent example where an ideology strongly impacts our
brotherly relations with Muslim Countries.
Economic considerations have become one of the most potent driving forces of foreign
policy.
Geopolitics - the regional politics of the area and the involvement of various actors in that
make geopolitics a key contributor to foreign policy inputs. It is said that:

"Foreign policy begins at frontiers."

Political system: world has witnessed the clash of political systems for the most part of
the twentieth century. The world remained divided into hostile camps on the basis of political
systems. Pakistan, for instance, joined the Western bloc, after independence, for support and
her joining the defence pacts with the West in SEATO and CENTO took her away from the
Soviet bloc. Indian foreign policy features, as one of its salient components, the boasting of
India's being the world's largest democracy and that is a key contributor to India's soft image
in the community of nations.
Historical legacies: foreign policy sometimes becomes hostage to the history. Bitter
instances of relations in past become a haunting factor in the formation of foreign policy.

(d) Overview of Pakistan's Foreign Policy - major trends and turns

Generally, Pakistan's foreign policy may be described as;
• Pro-West
• India-centric
• Security-oriented

Following trends are visible in Pakistan's foreign policy:

• 1947-53 - neutral foreign policy
• 1953-62 - alignment with the West (SEATO, CENTO, Mutual Cooperation Pact, US
 Foreign Assistance Act)
• Pakistan became US' "most-allied ally in Asia"
• 1963-71 - phase of transition
• 1971-79 - bilateralism and non-alignment (introduced by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto)
• 1980-88 - tilted non-alignment (Pro-US but still normal with socialists except Soviet
Union)
• 1989-2000 - search for allies (oscillating relationship with US; issues-based foreign
policy)
• 2000 - on wards frontline state in war on terror; allegations of double game

(e) What are the guiding principles of Pakistan's foreign policy?

"Our objective should be peace within and peace without. We want to live peacefully and
maintain cordial and friendly relations with our immediate neighbors and with world at
large. We have no aggressive designs against any one. We stand by the United Nations
Charter and will gladly make our contribution to the peace and prosperity of the world."
[Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Governor-General of Pakistan, 15th August, 1947]
Quaid-e-Azam, in a broadcast talk to the people of the USA in February 1948, outlined
the following goals of Pakistan's foreign policy:
"Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards the nations of the world.
We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the
principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared
to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the
nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and
moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and in upholding the
principles of the United Nations Charter."
The guiding principles of Pakistan's foreign policy are based on the internationally
recognized norms of interstate relations, i.e.
• Sovereign equality of all countries;
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of other States;
• Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States;
• Non-aggression and peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Constitution of Pakistan also has provisions relating to the conduct of foreign policy.
For instance, article 40 of the Constitution provides: "The State shall endeavour to preserve
and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic unity, support
the common interests of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote
international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations
and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means."

Foreign Policy Objectives

• Safeguarding our vital security and geo-strategic interests, including Kashmir

• Promoting Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate, and , democratic Islamic
country
• Creating macro-political framework for pursuit of economic and social interests abroad
• Consolidating our commercial and economic interests
• Safeguarding interest of expatriate community
• Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major powers
and immediate neighbours
• Ensuring access to resources for national development
(f) Historical flaws in Pakistan's Foreign Policy
• Reactive foreign policy
• India-centric
• Conceived on technical level, not on political level
• Lack of multilaterism in foreign policy approach
• Security-oriented
• Inconsistent
• Strategic depth policy

(g) How it should be formulated?

• Multilateral approach (not just pro-West)

• Regionalism should be given more focus
• Formulation of foreign policy should be institutionalized - no more dependent on
individuals
• More civilian input - more thoroughly debated, especially in Parliament
• Economic ties rather than aid should be our focus
• More proactive than just being India-centric
(h) Define Track I, II, III Diplomacy
• Track I - official talks between diplomats on different levels

• Track II - retired officials nominated by governments talk separately and secretly on

hardened issues. Details of these talks are not brought in media unless some
breakthrough is achieved.
• Track III - people-to-people contacts to pave grounds for official- level talks to occur.

(i) Define Panda, Ping-Pong, cricket, shuttle diplomacy

Panda Diplomacy: In the 1950s the Communist government of China began giving giant
pandas as goodwill gifts to other countries, a practice that became known as "panda
diplomacy." For example, China sent two giant pandas to the United States in 1972
following a visit to China by President Richard Nixon. China currently loans pandas for
exhibit in zoos around the world in a program that requires cooperative research and
funding for conservation in exchange.

Shuttle Diplomacy: diplomatic negotiations conducted by an official intermediary who

travels back and forth between disputing parties. Shuttle diplomacy between nations is
often accomplished within the same day or week. This term got international currency
when US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger negotiated a disengagement agreement
between Egypt and Israel in 1975 by working as a third party mediator flying back and
forth between Israel and Egypt.

Dollar Diplomacy:
A use of US investments abroad as a foreign policy tool to force entry of US Dollars in
regions where it would not go of its own accord. This policy was used by the US President
William Howard Taft who argued that American capital should be the primary means to
develop foreign markets and military intervention should be a last resort. "Substituting
 dollars for bullets" was a more humanitarian way of protecting and developing foreign
commerce and was quickly dubbed as "Dollar Diplomacy".

(j) What is the Gcostrategic significance of Pakistan?

o Connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and Western Asia / Middle Eastern regions
• Proximity of great powers - China, Russia, India
• Gateway to Central Asia

Importance in sea trade - proximity to the Strait of Hormuz of world oil trade passes
through this point) Energy corridor to China and CARs Nuclear power
Frontline state in global War on Terror Trade and Energy Corridor to China's
western provinces important link in the chain of Muslim countries

PAK-US Relations

What were various historical trends in Pak-US relations?

• Pakistan's bid to appease US and establish relations and the US tilt towards India - 1947-52
• Alignment with the US in different pacts and strengthening of relations - 1953-62
• Phase of transition - 1963-71 o 1963-5 - deterioration
o 1966-8 - improvement
o 1969-71 - revival of friendship
• Twists and Turns - 1971 -9
o 1974-9 - embittered relations because Pakistan pursued nuclear programme
• Cold War Era (Era of utmost cordial relationship) - 1980-8
• Post-Cold war era (Era of oscillating relationship) - 1989-2001
o Pakistan became strategically less important in unipolar world o End of Cold War
changed US global interests and new priorities emerged in US foreign policy:
Non-Proliferation
Human Rights
Drug Trafficking

Containment of Islamic fundamentalism o US tilt towards India

o Factors contributing to improvements in US-Pak relations
Elected governments in Pakistan
US desire for peace in South Asia
Brown amendment o Irritants
Pakistan support to Taliban
Pakistan's nuclear programme 0 Military take-over - 1999
Pak-US Relations since 9/11/2001
New phase of involvement
Change in Pakistan's foreign policy
Change in US foreign policy

Pakistan's role in War on Terror as front-line state

Pakistan as non-NATO ally
US assistance to Pakistan - civil and military
US role in Indo-Pak friendship
 End of isolation

(b) How do you see the present state of relations between Pakistan and US?
Present state of Pak-US relations presents as confused scenario. It shows some
contradicting signs - both strained and cordial. On one side we see US desire to bailout
and support Pakistan. On the other is the growing distrust between the two states. Pakistan
and US are close allies at government level but US doesn't enjoy a good image in Pakistani
public opinion. Overall picture is cordial but there are some strong irritants.

(c) Obama's Re-election

Criticism on Obama:
• The atrocious policy of "drone strikes" which have killed numerous innocent people in
Pakistan, and have probably driven far more people into the arms of the jihadists in the
process
• In Afghanistan, the Middle East and North Africa, heavy handed actions carried out in
cooperation with NATO and local reactionaries have had disastrous results. The
continued war in Afghanistan, the intervention in Libya, and the current support for
right wing Arab and other regimes which are contributing to the escalation of the
violence and suffering in Syria is a matter for great worry and urgent action. Economic
sanctions against Iran only hurt ordinary working people, and are sharply criticized by
the Iranian left.

Irritants in Pak-US Relations US interference in Pakistan:

From Drones to micromanaging the Pakistan economy, US interference in Pakistan has
always been viewed in Pakistan with mixed feelings of hatred and suspicion. These
interventions strengthen support for anti- US elements in Pakistani politics.

Salala check post attack - our reaction

• Supply routes to NATO forces through Chaman and Tourkhum borders closed -
restored after a formal regret from US
• Pakistan boycotted a conference on future of Afghanistan
• Protest from highest levels

Osama Bin Laden killing - implications for Pakistan

• Nation, Government and Military were shocked
• Civil-Military Relations were disturbed after these attacks
• Big question mark on ISI & Military performance and capabilities
• Trust deficit between Pakistan and USA deepened

• Commission was constituted to find out the truth

• Security of nukes as matter of concern
• American pressure for operation in North Wazirstan and Strikes against the Haqqani
group may create more violence across the country.
• Terrorism in Pakistan has nothing to do with OBL's presence or his death. Oyer the
past couple of decades we have acquired non- state actors and militant organizations.
 These organizations will , not go away. In fact, Al-Qaeda has subcontracted to these other
outfits. [Dr. Ayesha Siddiqua]

Drone attacks
US stance on Drones (Rationale for Drone attacks)
• Diminished writ of state in these areas where strikes are being carried out
• Al-Qaeda safe havens in these areas
• Hot pursuits was a more dangerous option
• Self-defense:
o Pre-emptive Strategy
o International Protocol on Hot Pursuit
• Symmetric decimation of Al-Qaeda leadership
• Use of highly sophisticated technology
• Escalation of attacks under President Obama
• But there is opposition within US as well

Pakistan's stance on Drones

• Official stance is against these attacks but limited to few words of condemnation by
spokesperson
• Response of opposition parties, civil society and media is against these attacks and
violently expressed as well
• Wiki leaks betrayed dual policy of Pakistani government on these attacks

Targets of these attacks

• Haqqani network
• Abu al Kashar Iraqi Group
• Mullah Nazir group
• Mahsud group
• Hafiz Gul Bahadur group Positive aspects
• Tactical Advantage (The drones program is effective in terms of getting terrorist
operatives in places where there's limited reach or no accessibility)
• Accuracy and Precision (Due to built-in sensors and laser guided munitions the
predator strikes are accurate and precise in causing devastating effects to the desired
target)
• Killing of key hardcore militant commanders (Baitullah Mehsud)
• Creating Terror among Militants
• No Life loss of crews

• Surveillance Capability

Negative aspects

• Compromising Sovereignty and Integrity (Art: 2(3) & 2(4) of UN Charter)

o Breeding Suicide Bombers and Terrorists
• Indiscriminate Killing (Anti State Sentiments particularly against LEAs)
"Such attacks in FATA tribal belts have been creating complications for the political and
military leadership "
"These attacks become a reason for unity between militants and people in the tribal areas
and create hatred against (the security) forces" (Yousaf Raza Gillani, then Prime Minister,
Pakistan)
• Extra Judicial Killings
• Negative Image of the country
• Condemned by Religious Factions
• Anti US Sentiments
• Government's Weak Stance & Strained Relations with US

Recommendations - Options for Pakistan:

 Secure Pak-Afghan border

 Enforce writ of the state in these troubled area
 Transfer of Drone Technology to Pakistan
 Sharing of ¦ Information between ISI & CIA to minimize collateral damage
 Sending strong Message by Pakistani representatives at all forums
 Constitution of commissions to inquire extra judicial killings and document the decree
for presentation at UNHRC
 Highlight through media the damage done
 Highlight its concerns to US (growing anti-US sentiments in Pakistan)

US concerns over Pakistan's nuclear assets

Another major irritant in Pak-US relations
These concerns are mainly unfounded and part of a blame game
Used to increase pressure on Pakistan to coerce her into something else
• Mainly two concerns:
• Growing extremist threat in Pakistan
• Role of Non-State Actors - western perception that Pakistan didn't behave like a
responsible nuclear nation in past
• Both concerns are unfounded:
• Militant/extremists have never found support in Pakistani society
• There is a growing consensus on War on Terror
• Pakistan's nuclear Command and Control system is fool-proof multi-tiered protection
o SPD o NCA o SFC

How to improve relations?

Five working groups as part of a Strategic Dialogue between US & Pakistan:
 Counter-terrorism
 Energy sector
 Economic cooperation
 Defence cooperation
 Strategic security