Relations between Washington and Islamabad? It’s Complicated

Pakistan sits at a critical crossroads of U.S. Counterterrorism efforts, and geo-political strategy with China. Pakistan has elected a former cricket player, Imran Khan, as it’s newest Prime Minister.  Pakistan’s new Leader could prove to be a spoiler in US/Afghanistan relations, as he’s previously expressed support for the Taliban, criticized the U.S. war in Afghanistan and advocated for a change in the overall U.S.-Pakistan relationship, to counter what he’s called a one-sided arrangement. 

Khan assumes his new role as the Pakistani economy approaches economic crisis, with fresh and rising debt from China, and limited choices on economic relief proposals.  The U.S. is keeping a watchful eye on his first economic moves, adding to an already tense diplomatic posture between the two countries after the U.S. suspended economic aid earlier this year, and more recently as Pakistan was added to an international “grey list” for failing to act against terrorist financing on it’s own soil.

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