@MastanKhan
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your analysis and some interesting thoughts, please see my take on the argument you brought up:
The dramatic rise of ISIS and onslaught this summer is a matter of concern and certainly plays a part in refactoring America’s end game in Afghanistan a bit, but calling out that it has been the ultimate game changer is probably giving it too much credit, I instead digress to relatively give more weightage to new regime in Pak Army and the contributions made and successes achieved by them this year, this is because even with ISIS rise, if Pakistan had a COAS like Gen Kiyani in office, who has not been able to manage US-Pak relation, and no ground offensive against militants being carried out and disruption of militant safe heavens on the table to negotiate, we wouldn’t have seen this shift in US approach towards Pakistan. Also not only that US saw its long standing demand of operation against militants being carried out, and a strong commitment to continue that operation till it lasts , but US has also witnessed Pakistan wasting no time in reaching out to new Govt in Afghanistan and working to amend ties. IMHO all of the points I mentioned above contribute to the positive vibes we lately see between US and Pak.
Following links help to support my version of the argument:
1. Certainly year 2014 has wrapped up with America updating end game in Afghanistan and with a considerable tone change towards Pakistan. ISIS onslaught has played some role in back drop, given the fact ISIS has nefarious plans of extending its state with their map of world, claiming Khurasan (Pak, Afghan and Iran..), and the fact that there is concern of them making inroads into Afghanistan, leaving Afghanistan such as creating a void for Islamists and Taliban to revert their achievements is something least desirable.
Obama Extends War in Afghanistan | The Progressive
http://www.progressive.org/news/2014/11/187919/obama-extends-war-Afghanistan
The World According to ISIS: The Terrorist Army’s Dreams for Islamic Caliphate Revealed in One Map
ISIS Making Deadly Inroads in Libya, Pakistan and Afghanistan - US News
Grisly execution videos, new foreign headquarters serve as only the beginning for the true dangers that will soon unfold.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/11/20/isis-making-deadly-inroads-in-libya-pakistan-and-Afghanistan
2. But I think in the back drop of it, it is the hard work of Gen Raheel Sharif and his visit to US to show case that work, that has ultimately restored the trust in US – Pak militaries, Kerry and US senate profoundly acknowledged Pakistani Army’s contributions towards curbing terrorism, also terming Gen Sharif “an honest and straight forward person”, and Pak Army “a binding force”.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kerry-pakistan-military-sharif/26719068.html
US and Pakistan: Will the relationship endure?
Pakistan's army chief Raheel Sharif visits the US to discuss future of the US and Pakistan's fragile military bond.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30105416
3. Moreover the change of government in Afghanistan and signs of thawing relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have also helped create some positive vibes in the US towards Pakistan and served as another reason to not suspect Pakistan’s demeanor towards Afghanistan and in-fact feel reassured that Pakistan is an ally to continue depend on for security in the region.
Pakistan PM Sharif, Afghan Prez Ghani meet to repair ties - NY Daily News
Pakistan PM Sharif, Afghan Prez Ghani meet to repair ties - NY Daily News
COAS Sharif meets Afghan President Ghani | PAKISTAN - geo.tv-
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/w...an-ashraf-ghani-nawaz-sharif.html?nytmobile=0
4.
And all of the efforts above have resulted into another hope for Afghanistan-Pakistan-US for establishing peace, this new point of convergence has been carved out, I don’t think this is mere luck and a coincidence of ISIS dilemma, I think Pakistan is doing right things and what we see are the fruits of right actions.
U.S., Pakistan increase cooperation in faint hope of Afghan peace
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Recent battlefield successes point to renewed willingness by the United States to work with Pakistan on curbing Islamist militancy, but a promise Islamabad made in return – to bring
U.S., Pakistan increase cooperation in faint hope of Afghan peace| Reuters