United States Foreign Policy: Pakistan

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Pakistan achieved independence from England in
1947. In contrast with India, Pakistan was more prowest.
Pakistan was considered our best ally in Asia; they
joined both SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty
Organization) and CENTO (Central Treaty
Organization). In addition, they signed a mutual
defense agreement with the US in 1954.
In 1971, Bangladesh was formed during a civil war.
The United States supported Pakistan. The US also
allied with Pakistan during the Soviet-Afghan war.
US/Pakistani relations soured in the 90s. As a result
of Pakistan’s nuclear program, the US placed
sanctions on them. In response, Pakistan supported
the Taliban.
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The US brokered a deal with Musharraf (President of
Pakistan 2001-2008) over the war on terror. In
exchange for military support, the US would lift
sanctions on Pakistan.
The US was allowed usage of 3 air bases in Pakistan.
In return, the US supported Musharraf, granted $10
billion in financial aid (from 2001-present), and made
Pakistan a major non-NATO ally.
Then-President Musharraf resigned due to potential
impeachment charges, and was succeeded by the
more democratic Asif Ali Zardari, after his wife,
Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated mid-campaign.
President Barack Obama supports the new Pakistani
government and has expanded military aid to
Pakistan.
Drone Strikes in Pakistan
 Frequent drone strikes display our unique relationship with
Pakistan.
 Drone strikes are intended to take out insurgent leaders and
military personnel; however, of the 185 recorded drone strikes
since 2004, over 1863 casualties have been reported, many of
which are civilian.
 The majority of these strikes occur in the Waziristan region,
which encompasses part of the Northwestern Afghan/Pakistan
border.
Anti-Pakistani Involvement,
GPUSA (Green Party)
 Party platform calls for nonviolence in all respects.
 American democracy should advocate peace, not enforce
it through means of violence.
 Civilian casualties from drone strikes are too frequent to
be considered effective.
 American involvement strengthens Al Qaeda and Taliban
forces by contributing to destabilization and forcing
insurgent establishment throughout Pakistan.
 Presence of troops currently in violation of War Powers
Act of 1973.
Further opposition
Involvement costs considerable amount of
money.
 Pakistani government may be aiding the
Taliban.
 We have a history of supporting less than
reputable leaders.
 Billions in aid to potentially unstable country.
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PRO PAKISTANI INVOLVEMENT, UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT
 $20.7 billion in aid paid to Pakistan, and a firm US stance ensures continued support
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after major combat operations.
“… America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long
after the guns have fallen silent”
-Ambassador Anne Patterson
Supports NATO attacks on extremists and continued military presence in
Waziristan.
Desires to help Pakistan towards democracy and good relations with neighbors.
Desires to use Pakistan as base of operations for South/Central Asian military action.
Increase in standard of living, GDP, lessened hostilities, fair elections in Pakistan.
"The U.S. and Pakistan have a robust working relationship that serves the mutual
interests of our people”
-Spokesman for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
Pro Pakistani Involvement,
Supporters
• Opposition faced by Musharraf emphasizes his effort and
worthiness.
• Liberalization of Pakistani society and marginalization of fringe
elements benefits Pakistan’s well being.
• Al-Qaeda cannot be permitted a stronghold in northwest
Pakistan.
• Drone civilian body count is inaccurate and often reported by
pro-Taliban tribals.
• The Pakistani government needs our aid to help shore it up.
• Support of Pakistan is an investment for our own security at
home.
Pakistani Government
• More supportive of US military involvement,
mainly for resource donation.
• Not fond of infringements on territory by both
US and NATO forces.
• Can use the US to divert difficulties of Pakistani
instability
• Needs a strong, Western ally to deal with larger
threats from Taliban, Al Qaeda, home-grown
terrorists, and India.
Pakistani Population
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Overwhelming majority oppose US military action
and doubt legitimacy of American involvement in
Pakistan.
American involvement furthers instability and
provides for the Pakistani government, which has led
to the deaths of many notable leaders such as Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto, Baluch tribal leader Nawab
Akbar Bugti, and prominent MQM (Muttahida Quami
movement) party member Dr. Imran Farooq
Calls for full removal of US/NATO troops from
Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as an end to drone
attacks. Also calls for demilitarization of FATA
(Federally Administered Tribal Areas), NWFP (North
West Frontier Province), and Baluchistan
Public Opinion: Pakistan, 2009
 In a 2009 poll of all of Pakistan,
 51% supported military action by NATO, only 13% opposed, 36%
uncertain.
 37% believed it to be Pakistan’s war, 39% U.S.’s. This shows an
increase from one year prior, when only 23% thought it to be
Pakistan’s war.
 About 36% each hope it will improve the situation and feel it will
worsen.
 25% blame the Taliban for military action in Waziristan, 35%
America, 31% Pakistan’s government.
Public Opinion: Pakistan, 2010
 In a 2010 poll of tribal areas,
 Nearly 90% oppose U.S. military action in Waziristan and other
FATA regions, 70% wanting Pakistani military fighting instead.
 10% think anti-Pakistani suicide bombing is sometimes justified,
60% think it’s sometimes justified against U.S.
 85% believe drone attacks target civilians wholly or in part.
 Only 1% would vote for al-Qaeda or Pakistani Taliban in a
general election.
Public Opinion: US
 Firmly opposed to Pakistani Taliban and al-Qaeda in FATA.
 As of 2007, Americans were firmly opposed to Pakistan and
its leadership, and felt it important for candidates to discuss
in the upcoming election.
 Recent developments show a decreasing opinion of military
operations in Afghanistan and the FATA.
 Most are more concerned with American lives lost than with
Pakistani government.
CURRENT EVENTS
 9/27/2010 – Pakistan outraged because NATO crossed the
border into Waziristan while chasing after Taliban fighters.
 10/14/2010 – 100% or so rise in kidnappings in Khyber FATA
since last year.
 10/23/2010 – Washington reported to be looking to increase
CIA presence in Pakistan.
 10/26/2010 – Pakistani military has blockaded an anti Taliban tribe in the Kurram FATA.
Should military
involvement
continue, or
should Pakistan
assume full
responsibility over
the war on terror?
How should the
issues of Pakistani
instability and the
war on terror be
addressed to
ensure a swift and
lasting solution?
If immediate stability
and a full defeat of
insurgent forces
was achieved, how
would you keep
the peace?
Sources
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Opposing Views: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1400410
Pro Current U.S. Foreign Policy: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96455&Itemid=2
Anti Current U.S. Foreign Policy: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=335
http://progpak.wordpress.com/app-statement-on-the-war-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan/ Pakistani Populace Opinions
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8254360.stm Musharraf admits that U.S. aid was used to prepare for war against India
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/kar0bio-1 Hamid Karzai Interviews, Biography, etc.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/27/pakistan-nato-raid-afghanistan-taliban Pakistan is disappoint. ISAF forces moved into Pakistani
territory to fight the Taliban.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/26/pakistan-imran-farooq-murder-mqm Pakistani political officials are possibly being killed by each
other. Civil unrest --> inability to deal with foreign issues at same time in a proper manner.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/26/minister-resigns-pakistan-accuses-army More Pakistanis killing each other --> military corruption
http://www.theworldreporter.com/2010/10/us-and-pakistan-not-allies-but-enemies.html Pakistan-US relations
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6103AW20100201 Pakistan-US relations
http://www.gp.org/platform/2004/2004platform.pdf Green Party Platform
http://www.thestate.com/2010/10/17/1517524/trying-to-win-pakistani-trust.html Pakistan
http://www.newamerica.net/publications/policy/public_opinion_in_pakistan_s_tribal_regions Survey on Pakistani opinion towards U.S.
involvement.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11625216 Pakistani military blocks off anti-Taliban tribe, possibly pending a lessening of antiTaliban hostilities.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11539343 Rise in kidnappings in FATA since last year reported.
http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1100520 Facts on File regarding U.S. foreign policy in Pakistan - oldie but still very relevant.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/17/politics/main6217143.shtml Report regarding capture of Afghan Taliban leader; comments by
spokesman for Chairman of the JCoS.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/WSJ-US-Seeks-Wider-CIA-Role-in-Pakistan-105591273.html Washington is increasing CIA presence
in Pakistan. Yay?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/27/wikileaks-war-logs-free-speech-supreme-court Information on leaked documents on U.S. foreign
policy in general
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