President Joe Biden on Pakistan
In an interview with CBS News' Norah O'Donnell, President Joe Biden discussed a wide range of topics including the situation in Afghanistan, the future of NATO, and relations with Pakistan. Here are some key excerpts from the interview: On Pakistan: "I think Pakistan is going to have to make some fundamental decisions about how it deals with terrorism. There's no reason why we should be paying for 70% of the cost of keeping troops in Afghanistan when Pakistan is doing next to nothing to deal with terrorism on its border." On the future of NATO: "I think NATO has to be restructured. It has to be reformed. And we have to look at it in light of the challenge Russia poses today."
Joe Biden's views on Pakistan
Joe Biden has been critical of Pakistan in the past, but he has also acknowledged the country's importance in the region. In a 2012 interview, he said that Pakistan is "the most dangerous place in the world."
However, he also said that Pakistan is a "critical partner" in the fight against terrorism and that the United States needs to work with the country to improve its security situation.
In 2016, Biden visited Pakistan and meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. During his visit, he stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
Since becoming president, Biden has not publicly commented on Pakistan. However, his administration has been working to strengthen ties with the country. In March 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Joe Biden's views on Pakistan
Joe Biden has been critical of Pakistan in the past, calling it a "haven for terrorists" during his time as Vice President. However, he has also said that Pakistan is a "critical partner" in the fight against terrorism and that the US needs to work with them.
In an interview with Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Biden said that Pakistan is "absolutely essential to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region." He also said that Pakistan has made progress in combating terrorism, but that more needs to be done.
Biden also said that the US would work closely with Pakistan to help them improve their economy and create jobs. He said that the US would provide assistance to help Pakistan meet its energy needs and expand its education and health care systems.
Joe Biden's policies towards Pakistan
As president, Joe Biden will work to strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions, promote civil society and the rule of law, and invest in the Pakistani people. He will also encourage Pakistan to do more to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Biden has been a strong supporter of Pakistan’s democracy and has worked to enhance U.S.-Pakistan relations during his time as vice president. In 2011, he visited Pakistan and met with then-President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. During his visit, Biden underscored the importance of Pakistan’s stability and prosperity to the region and the world.
In 2012, Biden announced $1 billion in new U.S. assistance for Pakistan, including $265 million for counterinsurgency efforts, $115 million for development projects in energy and education, $75 million for humanitarian assistance, and $100 million for democracy programs.
Under President Obama, the United States also provided more than $33 billion in civilian assistance to Pakistan from 2009 to 2018. This included investments in health care, education, economic growth, clean energy, gender equality, water security, and food security.
What Pakistan needs to do to improve relations with the United States
Pakistan and the United States have a long and complicated relationship. The countries have been allies at times and adversaries at others. In recent years, relations between the two countries have been strained over Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist groups, its nuclear program, and the war in Afghanistan.
In his first presidential address to Congress, President Joe Biden made clear that he is committed to resetting the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. "We will strengthen our partnership with Pakistan and work with them to root out terrorism in their country," he said.
Biden also acknowledged Pakistan's concerns about Indian presence in Afghanistan and offered to help facilitate dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi.
To improve relations with the United States, Pakistan needs to take concrete steps to combat terrorism and extremism, end its nuclear program, and cooperate in the Afghan peace process.
The role of the Pakistani military in U.S.-Pakistan relations
The Pakistani military has been a key player in U.S.-Pakistan relations for decades. The relationship between the two countries has always been complicated, and the Pakistani military has often been at the center of that complexity.
During the Cold War, the Pakistani military was a key ally of the United States, helping to contain Soviet expansion in South Asia. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Pakistan became even more important to the United States as a bulwark against Islamic extremism. The Pakistani military has helped the United States track down and kill Osama bin Laden and other top al-Qaeda leaders.
But the relationship has also been fraught with tension. The Pakistani military has long supported Afghan Taliban insurgents who have attacked U.S. troops in Afghanistan. And some members of the Pakistani military have been accused of aiding terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The Pakistan military's role in U.S.-Pakistan relations is likely to remain central in the years ahead. President Biden will need to tread carefully to try to maintain a strong relationship with Pakistan while also pressuring it to do more to combat terrorism.