Two countries, trying to build on their partnership amidst combat and lack of trust

With the United States being among the very first nations to have established relations with Pakistan, the relationship since then has been based primarily on US economic and military assistance to Pakistan. Pakistan is a Major non-NATO ally of the United States and also the second-largest supplier of military equipment to Pakistan after China and largest economic aid contributor as well.

Current US-Pakistan relations are a case study on the difficulties of diplomacy and policy making. Pakistan has important geo-political significance for India as well as China, making independent action almost impossible for the US. On the other hand, Pakistan is a key player in American efforts in Afghanistan.

The two countries are trying to build a strategic partnership, but there has always been a significant trust deficit, which hinders successful cooperation in combating their common threats.

Many people are of the belief that Pakistan needs to pursue a policy that simultaneously complements and rebuts American strategy.

In Photo: Children peep through a torn US flag hanging from their makeshift shelter in a slum area on the outskirts of Karachi May 19, 2011.

Photos: Reuters