Divergence and Convergence of Interests after 9/11: Pakistan-US Cooperation in Perspective of Afghanistan

Abstract

Pakistan-U.S. relations witnessed a roller coaster relationship in post-9/11 scenario. U.S. was seeking cooperation against ousting anti-American terrorists from Afghanistan and it was not possible without Pakistan-U.S. marriage of convenience. This triangular relationship developed Pakistan’s image as a policy receiver whereas, American image as policy setter. In this tangled relationship the atmosphere of mistrust remained paramount from each side because of multiple factors. This paper takes a critical review of the involved factors by bifurcating those into divergence and convergence of interests specifically from Pakistan and American viewpoints. Though Pakistan endeavored to cooperate beyond its natural constraints, but the constant trust-deficit and lack of appreciation from the U.S. side made this cooperation a liability for Pakistan, because Pakistan remained an uninclined partner since the revisit of the relationship which was not bilateral, but triangular in nature.