- India,
- 05-Jul-2025 07:20 PM IST
Pakistan-US News: For some time now, the growing closeness between the US and Pakistan has caught the attention of the whole world. Especially after the four-day military conflict with India and Operation Sindoor, US President Donald Trump's invitation to Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House is raising many questions. Why is there so much love for the same Pakistan that Trump had put on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during his first term and raised questions on terrorist funding? Recently, the sensational revelations of a former US CIA officer John Kiriakou have exposed the layers of selfishness hidden behind this closeness. Let us understand these reasons in detail.America's love for Pakistan: A story of selfishnessOn June 18, 2025, Donald Trump hosted Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House. This meeting was not normal, because America does not give so much importance to any country without any strategic interest. Three major reasons have emerged behind this meeting, which make America's interests clear.First reason: Strategic importance of Pakistan for attack on IranThe first and biggest reason is America's strategic needs in the Israel-Iran war. America needed Pakistan's airbases, ports, and airspace to attack Iran's nuclear bases. Pakistan's geographical location makes it important for US military strategies in the Middle East. One of the objectives of the Trump-Munir meeting was to include Pakistan in this strategy, so that America could pursue its plan of regional dominance. Analysts believe that by keeping Pakistan together, America wanted to ensure that the unity of Muslim countries in action against Iran is prevented.Second reason: Crypto currency and Trump's personal interestThe second reason is related to Trump's family. International media revealed that Asim Munir finalized a deal in Pakistan for Trump's son-in-law's crypto currency company. Under this, a crypto currency council was formed for Trump's company in Pakistan. This deal was done behind closed doors, and Trump wanted to thank Munir for this. This personal interest is another important reason for the closeness of US-Pakistan.Third reason: US control over Pakistan's nuclear basesThe most shocking revelation was made by former CIA officer John Kiriakou. He claimed that the command and control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is under an American general. This claim is not only shocking, but also explains why the US was so nervous during Operation Sindoor. India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK on 7 May 2025, after which both the countries reached the brink of war. If India had targeted Pakistan's nuclear bases, it would have been a big blow to the US as well, because according to Kiriakou, the US has indirect control over these bases. That is why the US was so desperate for a ceasefire and also tried to take credit for it.Operation Sindoor and America's restlessnessOperation Sindoor, which India launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan. More than 100 terrorists were killed in this attack, including big names like Masood Azhar's brother. This action shook Pakistan, but America's restlessness was no less. Trump repeatedly claimed that the India-Pakistan war was stopped due to his mediation, but India rejected it outright. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the ceasefire took place at the bilateral level, and the US had no role in it.Pakistani journalist Nizam Sethi also revealed that Pakistan was so scared during Operation Sindoor that it pleaded with Trump for a ceasefire. America's restlessness was due to the fear that if India attacked Pakistan's nuclear bases, such as Kirana Hills, it could harm America's strategic interests.America's double faceThe history of America shows that it has always used Pakistan for its own interests. From the Cold War to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan after 9/11, Pakistan has been a strategic pawn for America. Pakistan's weak democratic system and military-run rule make it an easy partner for America. It is easier for America to bargain with Pakistan than with India, because the Pakistani army can be easily persuaded in exchange for military and economic help.However, this is a matter of concern for close India. After Operation Sindoor, America supported India's action, but did not openly support it. The reason for this was that America wants to maintain balance in South Asia, so that Pakistan does not go completely into the lap of China.