ISAS South Asia Scan

United States (US)-Pakistan relations are arguably one of the most talked about but also one of the least understood. The fundamental problem in the relations has been that the interests of the two countries have largely differed. And even on shared interests, their policies, perceptions and politics have often differed. In each of their three alliances so far, they have been allies on one issue and antagonists on another. They were dealing with strategic issues but lacked a strategic convergence and framework. As a consequence, while some of their vital interests were served, some others were harmed. They lost as much as they gained from the relationship.