Landmark visit, indeed!
Much has changed since Gen Kayani flew to the Pentagon for the 2010 ‘strategic dialogue’ that was all the rage at the time. Then there was the unpleasantness of the following years, which took already shaky Pak-US ties to new lows. Those years were primarily marked by US frustration about the Taliban’s Fata sanctuary, which is why Islamabad had to continuously “do more” to stay on the right side of the relationship with Washington. Then, as the American withdrawal from Afghanistan neared, with the BSA forever stalled till Karzai remained in office, the equation with Pakistan – again, mainly because of TTP and Fata – became even more complicated.
But Gen Raheel has been, or should be, a more likeable partner for the Americans as their, and our, war on terror enters a new phase. The NW operation has changed things considerably; Fata is no more a safe breeding ground for militants – at least it won’t be if Zarb-e-Azb keeps on track. Initial doubts, that military intelligence let favoured clients (the so-called Good Taliban till recently) slip across the Durand Line also seem to be fading. Some members of the American intelligence fraternity recently admitted that reports claiming Pakistan’s continued support to the Haqqani Network, among other militant groups, now appear false.
Most importantly, the situation where Pakistan was harming Afghan COIN operations – by allowing the cross-border refuge – has been stood on its head. It is now Kabul that is complicating Pakistan’s war by allowing Mullah Fazlullah and his commanders safe haven in Nooristan and Kunar regions. No doubt this will feature prominently in the talks in Washington. It is hoped that the downside of the last few years will also be addressed. Pak-US relations were anchored in favourable military-to-military ties since the days of the Soviet jihad, and now there is another opportunity to identify common interests in a changing regional environment. Already, Gen Raheel has come out strong because of his go-ahead to the NW operation. His US visit is an important follow-up, and will provide valuable insight into the future of the Pak-US relationship.