Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT News
KABUL – In a recent visit by Pakistan army chief Asim Munir to the United States, the nation’s plea for military and economic aid to combat the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) violence has fallen on deaf ears. The US, unresponsive to Munir’s appeal, has dealt a blow to Pakistan’s efforts to revive its economy amidst the escalating TTP threat.
Munir sought to convince US officials that TTP’s violence not only poses a significant threat to Pakistan but also to the United States, citing past instances of TTP involvement in international terror attacks. However, the US, currently engaged with the Taliban regime, remains uninterested in extending support against TTP, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position.
Divergence exists between the US and Pakistan on the primary threat emanating from Afghanistan. While Pakistan focuses on countering the resurgent TTP, the US prioritizes addressing Al Qaeda and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). The US, satisfied with the Taliban’s actions against ISKP, is unwilling to target TTP, no longer considering it a significant threat.
The US reluctance may stem from TTP’s strategic avoidance of targeting US interests, focusing instead on attacking Chinese nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This calculated move raises questions about the US’s willingness to engage with an entity that aligns with its interests indirectly.
Furthermore, the geopolitical competition between the US and China has left Pakistan feeling marginalized, as the US turns to India for military support and intelligence. Amidst concerns about China’s influence, the US ambassador’s visit to Gwadar on September 12 has added strain to the relationship between Pakistan and China.
Despite the geopolitical complexities, Munir succeeded in conveying that the US could continue engaging with the Pakistani army regardless of the upcoming general elections’ outcome. The army’s firm grip on the nation is expected to persist, with the likelihood of another hybrid regime emerging, maintaining military dominance even after the elections.
