How Pakistan looks at the United States

Read Teresita Schaffer’s interview in Dawn, September 9, 2011, on Pakistan’s “three marriages and two divorces” with the United States, the challenge of the two countries’ strategic gap, the impact when one country withholds information from the other, and some of Pakistan’s negotiating successes with the United States.

2 Replies to “How Pakistan looks at the United States”

  1. Honorable Mrs. Schaffer,

    I read your interview with Mr. Malik for Daily Dawn. Although, I agree with you in general and some of your observations about India and Pakistan are great but I differ from you on some aspects of US-Pak relations. The role of India on war on terror and the growing American support to India is not only disturbing the balance of power in the region but also it is seen as constant threat by Pakistani people and their government. It is also becoming the cause of worsening the relationship between America and Pakistan. it has cut the trust between them. It also creates resentments and doubts about the role and fairness of America in the region which is the strategy, wish and need of India in my opinion.

    I do not think it is in the interest of India to see an end of extremism/terrorism from the face of the earth. I think India wants to keep it alive in order to reap as much fruits as possible from the world powers. It also helps them keep the world attention away from Kashmir dispute and their human rights violations which is the root cause of growing religious extremism/terrorism and hatred for America in my opinion. I believe India’s own political/strategic interests and role in Afghanistan is also one of the factors keeping America from winning this war.

    Mrs. Schaffer, I respect your expertise and knowledge on Sub Continent of India/Pakistan and its surroundings but I believe it is important to talk and discuss on real issues which are the root cause of religious extremism/terrorism, disputes and wars in the region. In order to put an end to religious extremism/terrorism we need to treat the disease not the symptoms. Also it is highly important to realize who is real friend, who is not and who is benefiting from war on terror and why?

    India was a great ally of Soviet Union, when the union collapsed, it changed its sides and strategy and managed to become one of the best friend of America. I believe, It will manage to remain best friend of America till it realizes that it has achieved what it wants and when it becomes of no use to appease and misguide America, it will change the sides again. How many times India has ever been active and practical supporter of American causes and wars and what sacrifices it has done towards on going war on terrorism in comparison to Pakistan which has lost the lives of thousands and thousands of its military personnel and civilians, crippled its economy and what not to support the America? I wish I can write more on this subject but I am not sure if it worth your time or not.

    With regards

    Syed A. Zafar

    1. I agree that it is important to treat the disease, not just the symptoms, but I do not believe that India is “the disease.” I believe the root problem lies in a combination of weakening governance and years of extremist activity, without interruption by the state, in Pakistan. The longstanding problems between India and Pakistan contribute to lots of problems in the region, but I do not regard them as THE cause. But Pakistan is a country of huge talent, and I also believe that within that society lie the principal tools for addressing its fundamental problems.

      Teresita Schaffer

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