Complex
Pakistani Identity:
Markey portrays Pakistan as a nation with multiple
identities: an elite-dominated society, a military-centric state, a breeding
ground for terrorism, and a country with a youthful, idealistic population.
This diversity complicates both internal governance and external relations.
US-Pakistan
Relations:
The book traces the historical oscillations in US-Pakistan
relations, highlighting periods of close military cooperation during Pakistan's
military regimes and strained ties during its democratic transitions.
Anti-US
Sentiment:
Markey delves into the roots of anti-US sentiments in
Pakistan, noting that both conservative and liberal factions harbor distrust
towards the US, albeit for different reasons. Conservatives view the US as
untrustworthy, while liberals criticize US support for military dictatorships
over democratic institutions.
The author presents three strategic options for the US:
Defensive
Insulation:
Minimizing engagement with Pakistan while protecting US
interests through intelligence and military means.
Military-First
Cooperation:
Focusing on strengthening ties with Pakistan's military to
achieve security objectives.
Comprehensive
Cooperation:
Engaging with both civilian and military sectors to promote
democratic institutions, economic development, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Markey emphasizes that there is "no exit" from
Pakistan for the United States, underscoring the necessity of a nuanced and
sustained engagement to navigate this intricate bilateral relationship.
