ISAS Briefs

America’s sometimes on and sometimes off relationship with Pakistan is set to change.2 This is likely to happen in three significant ways. The legislations that have worked their way through the two chambers of the United States Congress will place the structure of America-Pakistan relations on new foundations. The roller-coaster ride will end and greater certainty will be introduced in the way Washington conducts business with Islamabad. The bills that have cleared the House of Representatives and the Senate promise a long-term United States commitment to Pakistan. The House version has a five-year time horizon during which assistance will be provided at an annual rate of US$1.5 billion. In the Senate version, the commitment is for the same annual amount but the time frame is open-ended. The two bills will be reconciled by a conference committee that will be established by the two chambers. United States’ President Barack Obama has indicated that he wants a deep and durable relationship with Pakistan. He is likely to sign the aid to Pakistan act whenever it emerges out of the Congress which will probably be in September 2009 after the summer recess.