Pak-US relations post 9/11: Impact of aid, irritants and regimes in Pakistan (2001-2013)

Abstract

Pak-US relation is a frictional course ever since and a foreign policy challenge for both states. Pakistan’s major dependence on Unites States had been due to its needs for aid. After the independence Pakistan could play a considerable role in region as far as United States’ cold war interests were concerned. The nature of relationship, however, remained very difficult. Trust deficit is a major factor on both sides to determine any future engagement. 9/11 was an event which entirely changed the progression of relationship and level of engagement. This event was the tipping point of rejuvenated bilateral relationship in renewed circumstances. Since then, there have been various factors which affected the bilateral commitment. The aid is the major signal of engagement. The level of and kind of aid determines the propensity of engagement.During War on Terror military aid extended to Pakistan determined US interest with Pakistan and made it frontline ally. Irritants also have their role in eroding the level of cooperation.United States weighed its own foreign policy benefit while engaging with governments in Pakistan. This paper analyses the nature of relationship post 9/11 and impact of few factors. The research is aimed at finding answers to few questions. 9/11 was the event, which brought about a considerable change in relations.US interests dragged it back to the region. Highs and lows of this reinvigorated companionship is determined by aid to fight War on Terror. Differences of interpretation based on varied interests of various events become irritants in conducting smooth diplomacy. Also, it is analyzed that US engagement has been deep rooted with military regime of Musharraf than democratically elected government in 2008