Download Locations:
Summary:
Major areas of U.S. concern regarding Pakistan include the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; counterterrorism; settlement of the Kashmir dispute; democratization and human rights; and economic reform and development. A potential Pakistan-India nuclear arms race continues to be the focus of U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia and a central issue in U.S. relations with both countries. This attention intensified following nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan in May 1998. South Asia is viewed by some observers as an arena for the possible use of such weapons, as both countries have deployed nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and institutionalized nuclear command structures. India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since 1947. Pakistan-U.S. cooperation began in the mid-1950s as a security arrangement growing from U.S. concerns about Soviet expansionism and Pakistan's fear of neighboring India. Cooperation peaked during the 1979-89 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Pakistan-U.S. ties weakened following the October 1990 cutoff of U.S. aid and arms sales to Islamabad, which were suspended by President Bush under Section 620E(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act (the so-called Pressler Amendment). Further U.S. sanctions were imposed on Pakistan (and India) as a result of 1998 nuclear tests. The uneven Pakistan-U.S. relationship has been on the upswing following Pakistan's enlistment as a frontline state in the U.S.-led anti-terror efforts after September 2001 attacks on the United States. Nuclear-related sanctions on Pakistan and India have been waived; Congress also has granted the President authority to waive coup-related sanctions on Pakistan. Islamabad continues to make important contributions to U.S.-led anti-terror efforts, though recent months have seen renewed doubts about Islamabad's commitment to core U.S. concerns in the region. Separatist violence in the disputed Kashmir region continues. India blames Pakistan for the ongoing infiltration of Islamic militants into Indian Kashmir, a charge Islamabad denies. The United States has received a pledge from Islamabad that all "cross-border terrorism" in the region will be ended, and it encourages renewed bilateral dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. The United States considers a stable, democratic, economically thriving Pakistan as key to U.S. interests in South, Central, and West Asia. The history of Pakistani democracy and constitutionalism is a troubled one, with three full-scale military coups and military regimes ruling the country for half of its existence. Most recently, in October 1999, the government of Prime Minister Sharif was ousted in an extra-constitutional coup led by Army Chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Musharraf has since assumed the title of President, a move ostensibly legitimized by a controversial April 2002 referendum. The United States strongly urged the Pakistan military government to restore the country to civilian democratic rule. National elections held in October 2002 resulted in no clear majority party emerging but were marked by significant gains for a coalition of Islamic parties. A civilian parliament and prime minister were seated in November 2002. Pakistan continues to face serious problems, including a weak economy, corruption, domestic terrorism, and poor governance. Pakistan has received more than $1 billion in U.S. assistance since September 2001.
