US Foreign Policy Parameters towards Pakistan and India (2001-2008)

Abstract

In the early hours of September 11, 2001, the direct attack on mainland, first time in the history, shocked the Americans from a common man to policy makers, smashing geographical invulnerability of The United States of America. The 9/11 Changed America and subsequent changes in US mindset globally resulted into the pronouncement of United States policy of “War on Terrorism” with a determined hot pursuit of terrorist elements, wherever they could be. These attacks had grave ramifications for US South Asia Policy as well. The United States blamed Al-Qaeda as the main perpetrator of September 11th attacks. Afghanistan was identified as the sanctuary of Al-Qaeda. Pakistan’s vicinity to Afghanistan had instrumented to bring it on the fore front of “War on Terrorism” in Afghanistan. President Mushraf’s dictatorship was reconciled. India was focused during these years in four difficult areas: civilian nuclear energy deal, civilian space programs, high technology trade, and sidelining nuclear non proliferation issue. Bush administration carved a policy which meant to address a new emphasis on terrorism adjusting with ongoing concerns such as global economy, nuclear nonproliferation and democracy. In this article foreign policy apparatus of President George W. Bush Jr would be discussed with a focus on US foreign policy parameters towards India and Pakistan during 2001-2008.