Is America undermining Pakistan’s importance as an ally?

[VCheng]

I mentioned this earlier about an interview. While it seemed dodgy, the claims in it made sense; America's FIRST preference as an ally in the middle was/is and will be IRAN and NOT Pakistan.

Let me make this very clear. There are no preferences other than who can serve US national interests better, just as it should be. Therefore, who is an ally or not, can change, for it is only the pursuit of national interests that is the constant.

 

[halfilhal]

Delusional followers of a delusional man.

 

[Bang Galore]

Access to warmer ports via Central Asia, which by the way comes before any land route to India. Since there is going to be a power vacuum in Afghanistan, once NATO leaves, Russia along with China would want to have some say over there. It always better to have partnerships than none. Think about it, Russia a mega power, nuclear armed state has lost all it's strategic allies in the middle east. Other that who do they have? India is there economically, but not geo-strategically. India cannot offer the direct access to Middle east ports/gas pipe lines etc that Pakistan can.

Access to warmer ports? They can use Iran if they want. As for Afghanistan & some say there, you may want to wonder whether what Russia wants is the same as what Pakistan wants. It is certainly better to have partnerships but the one with Pakistan may cause trouble with another strong partnership with India. Russia will be only interested in pipelines to sell their oil & for that the destination would have to be India (they don't need Pakistan for China). That would only work if India were amenable. I don't think the argument holds enough water, India's stance on Russian relations with Pakistan will always be a high barrier. Won't say impossible but probably improbable.

@Bang Galore

A strong Iran will deal with India on pound to pound basis. Hearsay like Chahbahar won't be tolerated, which is good for Pakistan. Strong Iran, Strong Turkey, a Strong Pakistan = A powerful ECO block.

A strong Iran will hardly let go of a chance to sell oil & natural gas to India. unlike what you think, countries simply don't take stances that hurt their economic interests. A strong Iran would want still need to sell oil & natural gas, one of the biggest customer around is India. Impossible to ignore it & why would they? To ally with Pakistan? I'm afraid that makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[SQ8]

Let me make this very clear. There are no preferences other than who can serve US national interests better, just as it should be. Therefore, who is an ally or not, can change, for it is only the pursuit of national interests that is the constant.

This statement only further supporters my assertion. The pursuit of national interests dictates that only those actions be taken that have the potential to bear the most fruit, and Iran has MUCH more potential than Pakistan any given day of the week.

 

[Windjammer]

As some think tank once said.........America is always there.......when it needs us. !!

 

[Yaduveer]

A strong Iran will deal with India on pound to pound basis. Hearsay like Chahbahar won't be tolerated, which is good for Pakistan. Strong Iran, Strong Turkey, a Strong Pakistan = A powerful ECO block.

and Mungeri lal ke haseen Sapane !

 

[VCheng]

This statement only further supporters my assertion. The pursuit of national interests dictates that only those actions be taken that have the potential to bear the most fruit, and Iran has MUCH more potential than Pakistan any given day of the week.

Yes, and it is up to Pakistan to see how it can align its own national interests better with those of USA, in order to help itself. Being in opposition will likely not be good.

 

[CENTCOM]

We must remember that the U.S. and Pakistan joined hands due to our shared stance against terrorism. Anyone who thinks that the U.S. is supporting any terrorist organizations in Pakistan is simply mistaken. The truth is that terrorist organizations like the TTP have repeatedly issued warnings against the government of Pakistan for working with the U.S. They simply do not wish to see any alliance between our nations. They are working against our shared peace objectives in the region, and wish to see the path cleared for their terrorist activities. At the same time, we have always emphasized Pakistan’s importance in the region. Our nations have made a lot of sacrifices in our fight against insurgency and it only makes sense to build on our common sacrifices for the sake of achieving our common objectives. Our officials from the highest level have been meeting regularly to address our shared concerns, and we remain fully optimistic in regard to the future of our relationship. Conspiracy theorists have always tried to cast doubts over our relationship, but it is in our best interest to maintain a healthy working relationship, and we certainly hope to work together for the safety of our nations.

Ali Khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM

 

[sree45]

Access to warmer ports via Central Asia, which by the way comes before any land route to India. Since there is going to be a power vacuum in Afghanistan, once NATO leaves, Russia along with China would want to have some say over there. It always better to have partnerships than none. Think about it, Russia a mega power, nuclear armed state has lost all it's strategic allies in the middle east. Other that who do they have? India is there economically, but not geo-strategically. India cannot offer the direct access to Middle east ports/gas pipe lines etc that Pakistan can.

Can't Iran provide the same access to Russia.?

Power vaccum in afganistan? Russia would never accept a talibanized afghanistan? Are you willing to compromise over it?

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

such a "re-arrangement" is very much in Pakistan's favour!!!!!

furthermore a strategic balance of sorts between KSA and Iran (if it REALLY does exist) suits Pakistan's interests and in fact to bridge the gap between the 2 Pakistan and Turkiye should be playing key roles here - since this suits our objectives and helps promote peace

@SUPARCO

Iran won't go hegemonic on Pakistan. We are too big, too powerful and too unpredictable for them to handle. India has failed to establish hegemony on, Pakistan for 7 decades, what makes you think, Iran can, especially when their future prosparity depends on us.

Pakistan needs to follow its interests, support Arabs and Iranians accordingto our own strategic interests. Their competetion can be hanessed for the benefit of Pakistan.

@Bang Galore

A strong Iran will deal with India on pound to pound basis. Hearsay like Chahbahar won't be tolerated, which is good for Pakistan. Strong Iran, Strong Turkey, a Strong Pakistan = A powerful ECO block.

Once the supporting infrastructure (rail, industrial capacity, security & civic structures) are firmly put into place @ Gwadar it will be a game-changer for Pakistan

the region has the potential to be the next Dubai - especially since its an all season deep sea port which connects China to Central Asia

we already have direct access to EU markets via rail link through Iran to Turkiye


if we had leaders that spent more time on this, and on countering the actions of our competitors/foes and less time on political games, "long marches" and blocking the streets with shipping containers then we'd make progress a lot faster

This statement only further supporters my assertion. The pursuit of national interests dictates that only those actions be taken that have the potential to bear the most fruit, and Iran has MUCH more potential than Pakistan any given day of the week.

our progress and Iran's progress are NOT mutually exclusive at all

 

[Hyperion]

Nothing in this world is perfect, besides we've already tried the bigger evil, namely Saudi Arabia as an ally. When foreign policies are drafted, you have to choose between the lesser of two evils. Iran is, and always was the 'right' choice for us.

On a personal note, I don't like them much, however, I despise them way way less than the Sauds and Gulf States, they are our PERMANENT geographical neighbors, and we can exert control to a degree over them, once our economic interests are aligned. Arabs on the other hand, well.......... will always be Arabs. Enough said.

Brother,

What makes you think Iranians are not hegemonic, right-wing nationalists with a superiority complex over Pakistan, Afghanistan and Arabia?

What makes you think we won't see another Ahmedinejad in the near future?

What makes you think the Pakistani and the Arabian militaries trust the Iranian military?

Have we already forgotten how Iran back stabbed Pakistan over the AQ Khan issue?

Meri jan, abb tumm bhee itnay anjaan na banno....... you exactly know what he means!

View attachment 44760 i hope you see the map before talking about geo stratogical position. .. Russia vastly connected with Asia to Europe ...

 

[Storm Force]

When a nation stands economical strong it translate to long term military power.

This then gives poltical clout globally

The Pakistanis lack the financiall industrial muscle of s Iran or Saudi or s China or India

You military power is shallow as long term you have little money to maintain a first class military.

For this reason you guys look for security of powerful allays and power blocs that can support you.

You crave alliances be it China or usa or Saudi or turkey or Iran.

If you had a powerful GDP you would have the confidence of not being worried about who is your ally who is not.