Biden’s Engagement of Pakistan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, March 10,  2022: Recent indications emanating from Washington suggest that the Biden administration is seriously considering engaging Pakistan. Those Americans who support this approach maintain that the ties between the two countries are similar to love affairs between two lovers (Histoire Damour entre Deux amants( in the French terminology).

The two countries have their compulsions, (avoir des compulsions) which can be easily addressed in the highest interests of both.

Earlier, the emphasis was on cooperation in the war against terror. Now, new realities emerged especially the geostrategic location of Pakistan at the mouth of the Persian Gulf that borders Iran, India, and China.

Another factor is the establishment of the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan and Kabul’s new links to China to the extent that the Taliban was invited to the CPEC, which is basically a bilateral agreement between Pakistan and China.

Similarly, Pakistan is shifting its strategic calculus in Afghanistan despite its alleged, inks with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Islamabad is coming very close to Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.  

Covid pandemic is spreading both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This demands US involvement

All these factors warrant Washington’s engagement with Pakistan. Hopefully, Washington will engage Pakistan. This reminds me of a famous saying of Rumi “ Love calls everyone and always. We are sky blue. Are you coming?”.