CSS Current Affairs | Challenges in Fostering Cooperation b/w Pakistan and the US
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Maryam Aqsa under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- A Brief Explanation of the US Relationship with Pakistan
3- What are the Biggest Challenges in Fostering Trust and Cooperation Between the Pakistan Public and the US Government
- ✓Showing US favoritism Towards India
- Case in point: The signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 is seen as favoritism towards India by the United States, providing advanced communication technology to enhance interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces.
- ✓Noticing Double Standards in US Foreign Policy
- Case in point: The US supplied weapons, funding, and training to the mujahedeen to resist the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. (The Diplomat, an international magazine)
- ✓Spreading Kalashnikov Culture in Pakistan
- Evidence: As highlighted in the Washington Post, Military assault weapons leftover from the Cold War, particularly AK-47s and similar Eastern Bloc rifles, have become widespread in Pakistan, influencing daily life and traditions.
- ✓Using Pakistan Territory Against Afghanistan
- Case in point: According to Wikipedia, Territorial disputes and conflicting claims prevented the normalization of bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan throughout the mid-20th century.
4- What Pragmatic Measures to Addressed the Challenges
- ✓To Promote Equal Behavior From Us to Both India and Pakistan
- Evidence: Switzerland serves as a neutral intermediary between hostile countries, such as the United States and Iran, by representing their interests in each other’s territories.
- ✓To Resolve Misunderstandings Regarding Historical Events Such as the Soviet-Afghan War
- Evidence: Norway is recognized for its diplomatic efforts in negotiating peace agreements and resolving conflicts worldwide, helping to build trust and resolve misunderstandings between parties.
- ✓To Focus on Developing Infrastructure Rather than Relying Solely on Monetary Funds
- Evidence: China has supported the construction of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects in numerous countries, contributing to their economic growth and development.
- ✓To Refrain from Importing Military Assistance from the US
- Evidence: Turkey has reduced reliance on US military assistance by diversifying suppliers and investing in domestic defence capabilities
5- Critical Analysis
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Nothing can eradicate the mistrust between the Pakistani public and the US government except proactive efforts from the US itself. Pakistan has experienced fluctuating relations with the US for several decades, often accusing it of playing a double game and providing a safe haven to terrorists. Tensions escalated further when the US withdrew troops from Afghanistan, a move celebrated by many Pakistanis. Pakistan has frequently observed US favouritism towards India, as well as double standards in foreign policy, such as providing funds and arms to Afghanistan while blaming Pakistan for instability. Currently, Pakistan faces scrutiny from the US government over the Pak-China Economic Corridor. Despite these challenges, both countries need to take wise steps to address their strained relations and foster mutual understanding. As Henry Kissinger famously said, “America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests.” It’s imperative for both nations to work towards a more constructive relationship that serves their mutual interests.
A brief examination of the US relationship with Pakistan
After Pakistan gained independence, the country faced a critical choice between aligning with the USA or the USSR. Opting for the USA, Pakistan allowed American military presence on its soil, enabling operations against Afghanistan during the proxy war between the USA and the USSR. However, this decision led to Pakistan being internationally accused of aiding terrorism, as well as fostering hostile relations with Afghanistan. Furthermore, despite Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, the USA supported India’s nuclear program while opposing Pakistan’s missile development. Additionally, the USA has exerted significant influence over Pakistan, leveraging its position through institutions like the IMF, imposing conditions that Pakistan often feels compelled to comply with due to its substantial debt burden. Moreover, the USA’s apprehension regarding Pakistan’s development and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has led to friction, as it fears losing influence in the region. This dynamic has contributed to a complex relationship characterized by mutual interests and tensions.
What are the biggest challenges in fostering trust and cooperation between the Pakistan public and the US government?
- Showing US favoritism Towards India
Perceptions of US favouritism towards India can indeed arise from various factors such as strategic partnerships, trade agreements, and diplomatic relations. India’s growing economy and geopolitical importance have led to closer ties with the US, which can be interpreted as favouritism by other countries, including Pakistan. The signing of agreements like the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of the US and India, can reinforce this perception. Such agreements can transparently highlight the US’s alignment with India, contributing to Pakistanis’ distrust of the US.
- Noticing Double Standards in US Foreign Policy
The incident of the Soviet-Soviet-Afghan war and the aftermath of its situation in Pakistan trigger the mistrust of the US. As highlighted in the Diplomat magazine, The US supplied weapons, funding, and training to the mujahedeen to resist the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. It’s true that the United States supported Afghan resistance fighters (Mujahedeen) against the Soviet Union during the war, but the situation involving Pakistan’s role is more nuanced. The country did support Afghan Mujahedeen, but it wasn’t solely responsible for the rise of militant groups in the region. The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s international standing involves many factors beyond just the actions of the US. This incident triggered hatred relations towards the US from Pakistani.
- Spreading Kalashnikov Culture in Pakistan
During the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, Pakistan supported Mujahedeen fighters against the Soviet Union, leading to the influx of weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles, into the region. As highlighted in the Washington Post, Military assault weapons leftover from the Cold War, particularly AK-47s and similar Eastern Bloc rifles, have become widespread in Pakistan, influencing daily life and traditions. This phenomenon, known as the “Kalashnikov culture,” has raised concerns among Pakistanis due to its violent impact and association with conflict in neighbouring Afghanistan.Thus, this culture triggered the hatred relation between Pakistani people and the US govt.
- Using Pakistan Territory Against Afghanistan
The use of Pakistani territory by the US for military operations or drone strikes against targets in Afghanistan has indeed been a longstanding source of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Wikipedia, territorial disputes and conflicting claims have hindered the normalization of bilateral ties between the two countries throughout the mid-20th century. Afghanistan has often criticized Pakistan for allegedly harbouring militant groups operating in Afghanistan, while Pakistan maintains that it has been combating terrorism within its borders and is also a victim of extremist violence. These disputes and differing perspectives have strained relations between the two nations. Additionally, the involvement of the US in Pakistani territory has further exacerbated these tensions and has led to mistrust among the Pakistani people towards the US government.
What Pragmatic Measures to Address the Challenges
There are some sagacious steps that can be taken to promote balanced relations between Pakistan and the US, fostering trust-building relationships.
- To Promote Equal Behavior From Us to Both India and Pakistan
We should promote equal behaviour with Pakistan and India as Switzerland serves as a neutral intermediary between hostile countries, such as the United States and Iran, by representing their interests in each other’s territories. Similarly, the US must be aware of the need to promote equal behaviour with Pakistan and India, which would involve maintaining a balanced approach in diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and strategic partnerships. It’s important for the US to engage with both countries on equal footing, respecting their sovereignty and addressing their concerns impartially. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, the US can contribute to stability and cooperation in the region.
- To Resolve Misunderstandings Regarding Historical Events Such as the Soviet-Afghan War
To negotiate and resolve misunderstandings regarding historical events such as the Soviet-Afghan War, both Pakistan and the US should engage in open and honest dialogue. Norway is recognized for its diplomatic efforts in negotiating peace agreements and resolving conflicts worldwide, helping to build trust and resolve misunderstandings between parties. This dialogue should involve acknowledging differing perspectives, sharing historical evidence, and seeking common ground. Additionally, third-party mediation or the involvement of neutral experts could help facilitate constructive discussions and promote mutual understanding. By addressing historical grievances and promoting accurate interpretations of past events, both countries can work towards building a foundation of trust and cooperation.
- To Focus on Developing Infrastructure Rather than Relying Solely on Monetary Funds
The US should prioritize supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure development alongside providing monetary assistance. Likewise, China has supported the construction of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects in numerous countries, contributing to their economic growth and development. Investing in infrastructure projects can have long-term benefits by promoting economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving living standards for the Pakistani people. Additionally, infrastructure development can enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and attract foreign investment, contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the region. By focusing on both financial aid and infrastructure investment, the US can help Pakistan build a more sustainable and resilient economy while strengthening bilateral relations.
- To Refrain from Importing Military Assistance from the US
Pakistan should consider avoiding the import of military assistance from the US as part of its strategic planning. By doing so, Pakistan can potentially reduce dependency on external sources for its defence needs and maintain greater autonomy in its defence policies. Turkey has reduced reliance on US military assistance by diversifying suppliers and investing in domestic defence capabilities. This approach may also mitigate any potential political or diplomatic complications associated with reliance on foreign military aid. However, Pakistan must ensure that such a decision aligns with its national security interests and does not compromise its defence capabilities or preparedness. Additionally, exploring alternative sources of military assistance or investing in Indigenous defence capabilities could complement this strategy.
Critical Analysis
The mistrust between the Pakistani public and the US government is a complex issue that has developed over time due to various factors. Some of these factors include perceived unequal treatment, diverging strategic interests, and historical grievances. Perceptions of US policies favouring India or being inconsistent in its support of Pakistan have contributed to a sense of betrayal among the Pakistani public. Additionally, drone strikes and military operations on Pakistani soil without consent have fueled resentment and anti-American sentiments. Furthermore, the US government’s perceived interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and its support for authoritarian regimes in the past have eroded trust among the Pakistani public. There is also a perception that the US prioritizes its own interests over the well-being of the Pakistani people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mistrust between the Pakistani public and the US government is a multifaceted issue rooted in historical grievances, perceived unequal treatment, and diverging strategic interests. The Pakistani public’s sense of betrayal and resentment towards the US government has been fueled by factors such as drone strikes, perceived interference in internal affairs, and inconsistent support. To address this mistrust, the US government must engage in genuine dialogue, demonstrate empathy, and prioritize mutual respect and cooperation. Building trust requires transparency, consistency, and a commitment to addressing the concerns of the Pakistani people. By fostering people-to-people exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance, both countries can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a more constructive relationship.
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