U.S. Security Policy in South Asia Since 9/11 - Challenges and Implications for the Future
Abstract
US security ties to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India have burgeoned since the United States launched its "war on terrorism" in South Asia after 9/11 but this trend may prove self-limiting. In Afghanistan, the issue of counterterrorism cooperation remains secondary to the survival of the new Western-backed political order which is threatened by resurgent elements of the Taliban by warlords and local militia commanders by the booming drug trade and by the potential renewal of meddling in Afghanistan by neighboring powers such as Pakistan and Iran. US-Pakistani relations remain narrowly based on counterterrorism and somewhat troubled, despite increasingly effective tactical cooperation against militants. President Musharraf's counterterrorism cooperation with the United States continues to exacerbate tensions within Pakistan, many of whose regional priorities are at odds with Washington's. US-Pakistani cooperation could be disrupted by domestic political opposition or by a terrorist attack on US interests originating in Pakistan. US-Indian ties, too, have expanded since 9/11, chiefly in the area of military-to-military relations; the warming trend is likely to continue, particularly if private sector economic relations really do take off-but differences between Washington and New Delhi's strategic visions are likely to limit their international partnership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA445096
Entities
People
- Polly Nayak
Organizations
- Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies