In the complex web of international alliances, Pakistan stands out as America’s most vexing partner. Holding Major Non-NATO Ally status hasn’t changed its track record of unreliability, according to a pivotal new report. It advocates treating Pakistan as a troublesome entity requiring urgent reassessment of bestowed benefits.
The Gatestone Institute’s findings dissect Pakistan’s Iran-centric worldview, which trumps commitments to the US and Israel—nowhere more evident than in Gaza discourse. Such preferences explain Washington’s persistent skepticism.
Historical precedents abound. Pakistan’s refusal to recognize Israel persists to this day. It championed Iran’s post-revolution regime as the first recognizer in 1979, mirroring Iran’s inaugural nod to Pakistan in 1947. Trade flows robustly at $2.8 billion, cementing neighborly ties.
Official narratives emphasize brotherhood and converging interests. Policy overlaps shine in Balochistan, where both Tehran and Islamabad brand Baloch activism a sovereignty-killer.
November 2024 witnessed IRGC chief Hossein Salami huddling with Army Chief Asim Munir to forge anti-Baloch strategies. This entente thrives under China’s patronage, linking via the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with Iran eyeing participation in Belt and Road.
The report’s clarion call resonates amid rising Indo-Pacific stakes: US must jettison illusions about Pakistan. MNNA status, meant for true partners, ill-fits this problematic player. Strategic prudence demands divestment from unreliable actors, channeling resources to alliances that deliver without duplicity. America’s global edge hinges on discerning friends from feigned allies.