Clinton in Pakistan for Reconciliation from the CFR

Clinton in Pakistan for Reconciliation

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Pakistan on an unannounced visit, expressing U.S. commitment to bilateral relations in an effort to alleviate tensions that have festered in recent weeks. Clinton cleared Islamabad of any potential involvement in Osama bin Laden's Abbottabad support system (BBC), claiming that there is no evidence that top Pakistani officials had any knowledge of the al-Qaeda leader's whereabouts. Clinton met with Pakistani Prime Minister Asif Ali Zardari and attended a news conference with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen where she described the relationship with Pakistan as having reached a "turning point." Clinton's visit coincided with an announcement by U.S. officials that Pakistan will allow a CIA forensic team (Politico) to investigate bin Laden's hideout.

American diplomats traveling with Clinton said she would be pressing Pakistan on four areas of bilateral cooperation (WashPost) outlined by the State Department last week, including the CIA investigation, operations against terrorist safe havens, aiding U.S.-Afghan talks with the Taliban, and countering anti-Americanism in the Pakistani public. In the month since bin Laden's killing, U.S. lawmakers threatened to reduce financial aid to Islamabad (Reuters), while Pakistan countered by requesting the U.S. cut its military trainers in the country by half.

Analysis:

In this CFR Policy Innovation Memo, Daniel S. Markey argues that Washington should use the post-bin Laden crisis to create a more effective working partnership with Islamabad that will serve U.S. interests over the short and long run.

On Politico, Toby Dalton and George Perkovich write that the United States and Pakistan can begin rebuilding trust by setting aside the debate over the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and working together to build Pakistan's economy.

In this article from the Brookings Institution, Bruce Riedel writes that America's deeply troubled relations with Pakistan are likely to get worse. A host of issues divide Washington and Islamabad, and all are getting more difficult to manage.

Background:

Osama bin Laden's death raised pointed questions over the legitimacy of Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and the viability of its relationship with the United States. Four experts discuss whether, and on what terms, the United States should continue aiding Pakistan.

Pakistan's stability is of great consequence to regional and international security. Examine the roots of its challenges, what it means for the region and the world, and explore some plausible futures for the country in CFR's Crisis Guide: Pakistan.