ThePrint CutTheCLutter: Tracing the highs & lows of Pakistan-America transactional alliance as Islamabad hosts US-Iran talks
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Apr 10, 2026 A look at Pakistan's recurring centrality in global diplomacy as it hosts high-stakes talks. Traces the transactional arc of Pakistan–America ties from Cold War pacts to post-9/11 shifts. Explores Pakistan's strategic geography, its role in Afghan affairs, and cycles of US aid and influence. Considers how renewed relevance could reshape Pakistan's future choices.
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Pakistan Worked To Shape The Afghan Moment
- Pakistan rebuilt strategic relevance by actively cultivating Afghan mujahideen networks from 1974, not by passively receiving opportunity.
- Shekhar Gupta cites ISI operations and refugee support that precipitated the 1979 Soviet invasion and US engagement.
Geography Is Pakistan's Enduring Strategic Asset
- Geography is Pakistan's core strategic capital and explains recurring Western interest across decades.
- Gupta notes Pakistan sits at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and its location regained value as regional focus shifted to West Asia.
Cold War Deals Cemented Early US Pakistan Ties
- Cold War alliances made Pakistan a frontline US partner for surveillance and regional containment.
- Gupta references the 1954 Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement and U-2 operations flown from Peshawar.