In his first address to Congress, President Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan for its role in capturing a key terrorist linked to the Kabul Airport attack. This acknowledgment comes after strained ties post-U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The cooperation between U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies has led to a renewed dialogue, providing a degree of reassurance to Pakistani officials regarding future relations with Trump’s administration.
On March 4, 2017, President Donald Trump delivered an address to Congress that marked his first formal speech to both houses, notable for its length of one hour and 40 minutes. The speech encompassed a multitude of topics, including illegal immigration, trade tariffs, and international conflicts but notably included a rare moment of praise directed toward Pakistan, a country often criticized by the Trump administration. Trump specifically acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a key terrorist involved in an attack, stating, “And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.” This marked a significant shift in the narrative regarding Pakistan’s relevance in U.S. foreign policy.
The cooperation between U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies emerged soon after Trump took office. Following his directive, CIA Director John Ratcliffe engaged Pakistan’s intelligence chief, emphasizing the need for rapid action in capturing Muhammad Sharifullah, a suspect implicated in the Kabul Airport bombing that resulted in numerous fatalities. Their collaboration bore fruit when Sharifullah was detained in Balochistan and swiftly extradited to the United States, showcasing a newfound level of bilateral cooperation that seemed improbable previously.
Trump’s praise for Pakistan during a globally observed address became newsworthy, with subsequent affirmations from his administration’s top officials who appeared on various media platforms to commend Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism. This unexpected acknowledgment was particularly striking given the context of deteriorating U.S.-Pakistan relations post-U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, making Trump’s stance seem like a miraculous overturn in expectations from Trump’s America First policy.
Pakistan’s strategic decision to allow the U.S. to announce the arrest following in-house consultation was essentially a gamble that paid off. The anticipation surrounding Trump’s second term concerned Pakistani officials, yet the subsequent appreciation expressed by Trump has provided a sense of reassurance. While a radical transformation in relations remains unlikely, the current situation suggests a manageable trajectory, as Pakistan seeks to avert adverse effects stemming from the volatile U.S. administration’s policies.
President Trump’s unexpected praise for Pakistan in his address to Congress signifies a pivotal moment in U.S.-Pakistan relations. It highlights the effectiveness of intelligence collaboration in addressing mutual security concerns, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This recognition from the Trump administration has calmed apprehensions in Islamabad regarding future bilateral relations, while Pakistan remains cautiously optimistic about minimizing negative impacts of Trump’s policies. Overall, this development illustrates the potential for strategic cooperation despite underlying tensions.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
