“The Obama administration should recalibrate its strategy to emphasize the priority of the mission in Pakistan and to prepare domestic and international audiences for expanded, sustained U.S. engagement in South Asia…if the United States takes seriously the enormity and complexity of the threat posed by extremism in South and Central Asia, only a comprehensive, Pakistan-centered strategy will serve U.S. security requirements today and into the future.”
– Daniel Markey, Council on Foreign Relations: From AfPak to PakAf: A Response to the New U.S. Strategy for South Asia. April 2009.

No other country has suffered more than Pakistan for being an ally to the United States.

1. Pakistan is crucial to America’s national security.
It is in America’s best interests to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan. Pakistan’s current levels of internal instability and tribal friction have resulted in increased violence and suicide bombings. If the U.S. can help Pakistan to achieve greater security and stability, then the rest of South Asia will be more stable.

2. Pakistan has a long history as a committed ally of America and a supporter of U.S. interests in the region.
During the Cold War, Pakistan allied itself with the United States and served as the central conduit for U.S. military aid to the U.S.-backed insurgency against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s cooperation was instrumental to the military effort which helped bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union. In addition to its military cooperation with the U.S. and its allies against the Soviets, Pakistan agreed to absorb 5 million Afghan refugees during the Soviet invasion, 3 million of whom are still living in Pakistan. Some of the Afghan refugees brought with them a culture of gun violence, drug running, and extremism – problems which Pakistan is still confronting today.

3. Pakistan is one of America’s most important allies in the post-9/11 era of the global struggle against violent extremism.
After the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., Pakistan again committed itself as an ally to America, and supported America’s War on Terror. This support of America’s agenda made Pakistan and its people a target of extremists and terrorists, and also led to more refugees flooding into Pakistan across the Afghan border.

4. Pakistan has sacrificed and suffered to support America’s goals.
U.S. assistance to Pakistan should be considered not only in terms of humanitarian goals, or in terms of national security interests, but also as a form of recognition and thanks to the people of Pakistan. America should recognize Pakistan for its long-term involvement and commitment in supporting U.S. goals, and this spirit of gratitude should help inform U.S. assistance to Pakistan in the future.