U.S.-Pakistan security cooperation is unlikely to be strengthened despite President Trump’s recent acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role in apprehending an IS-K militant. Vice President J.D. Vance will visit India, and Sri Lanka’s president is in discussions with the IMF as the region navigates various geopolitical challenges. Differences in threat perceptions between the U.S. and Pakistan hinder potential collaborations.
In the latest South Asia Brief by Foreign Policy, key highlights indicate that while U.S. President Donald Trump recently acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a militant linked to the Islamic State-Khorasan, expectations for a renewed security collaboration remain low. Other notable developments include Vice President J.D. Vance’s upcoming visit to India and the meeting between Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the IMF chief.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Pakistan during his address to Congress for their role in capturing Mohammad Sharifullah, a militant involved in a deadly attack in Kabul in 2021. Pakistani law enforcement coordinated with U.S. officials, culminating in Sharifullah’s extradition to the United States. Following this incident, high-ranking U.S. officials thanked Pakistan, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the commitment to enhancing security ties with the U.S.
Despite this cooperation, the long-term prospects for a comprehensive U.S.-Pakistan security partnership appear limited. A prolonged period of decreased U.S. security assistance and changing strategic focuses have hindered potential collaboration since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pakistani officials hope the growing threat from IS-K could facilitate stronger ties, yet significant differences in threat perceptions hinder progress, particularly concerning the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The TTP, operating from Afghanistan, poses a greater concern for Islamabad than IS-K. Recent operations by Pakistani forces against TTP bases have further complicated relations with the Taliban, which is currently not viewed as a threat to U.S. interests. Although there is potential for counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations, U.S. security interests are primarily focused on IS-K, while engagement with Pakistan may not extend significantly beyond specific cases like the Sharifullah capture.
In a related context, the unexpected train seizure by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has heightened security concerns within Pakistan. This unprecedented attack included hostage-taking and revealed vulnerabilities within Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, particularly amid rising activities from the BLA, which is responding to escalating tensions linked to infrastructure projects in the region.
Additionally, Vice President Vance is set to visit India, marking a key moment for U.S.-India relations amid ongoing discussions about a potential bilateral trade agreement. Vance’s visit comes as tensions surrounding trade tariffs loom, and while recent U.S.-India commitments appear positive, the effectiveness of these discussions remains to be seen. Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s president recently met with the IMF, seeking continued support during a critical juncture in the country’s economic recovery process.
As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the focus remains on fostering counterterrorism efforts, navigating trade relations, and addressing security challenges posed by various regional actors, both in Pakistan and beyond.
In summary, the prospects for enhanced security cooperation between the United States and Pakistan appear dim, despite recent acknowledgments by President Trump. The complexities surrounding U.S.-Pakistan relations, particularly regarding differing threat perceptions, continue to overshadow potential partnerships. Concurrently, developments in South Asia, including Vice President Vance’s upcoming visit to India and President Dissanayake’s engagement with the IMF, highlight the region’s intricate geopolitical landscape, requiring careful navigation and strategic foresight.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
