An Estranged Client and an Annoyed Patron: Shift in the Pakistan-US Relations during the ‘War on Terror’

Abstract

The Cold War period witnessed Pakistan and the United States as “staunch allies” with patron-client bond. The end of the East-West confrontation, however, began a new era in Pak-American relations due to the changing priorities of the long-time ties amongst the departments of bilateral allies- CIA, State Department, the White House, and the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Main concerns of these policy-making bodies/agencies clashed with their counterparts in their policies toward Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal belt following the 9/11 events. The divergence of approaches toward the future of Afghanistan and giving a casual response to the sensitivity of Pakistan’s security vis-à-vis India has further aggravated tension between the Pakistan Army and the US policy making bodies. The war on terror especially along Pakistan’s Western border in the tribal areas is infuriating the already volatile situation. The sources of policies which have brought the two countries to the brink of wrangling are the stumbling blocks in winning the war on terror.