ALLIED OR RIVALS?THE BREAK IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND PAKISTANDURING 1950-61

Abstract

Every country maintains relationships with other nations to ensure it continues prospering and remains relevant
in the global scene. After independence, Pakistan developed a relationship with the United States that can be
described as tenuous with a twisted history. The two countriesformed a nominal partnership during the 1950s
and shared values in the 1980s; however, a significant part of their association was mainly basedon their
hidden interests. These interests have allowed the two nations to proceed without friction in their relationship.
This study analyses and sheds light on the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. from 1950 to 1961 during
President Eisenhower Era. A variety of factors to the importance of the relationship emanate, with Pakistan
strongly requiring economic backing and security from India, mainly resulting from the Kashmir and
Afghanistan on the Pashtunistan issue.On the other hand, the U.S. utilizes Pakistan’s strategic location to fight
off communism. Washington allied with the Karachi enhancing their ties and ensuring both the nation's
interestsare met. The result was a formation of bodies such as Middle East Defense Organization (MEDO),
Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), and Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) where Pakistan
received billions of dollars and military aid, while the U.S. used Pakistan to fight the communist narrative.
Additionally, the security and political ties between Washington and Karachi are discussed with a focus on
aspects such as mistrusts resulting from the U.S. dictating specific reservations, the enhancement of the
relationship between the United States and India, and the Kashmir and Afghanistan issues. It is evident that the
relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. between the periods under investigation was purely based on
goodwill, despite the presence of the problems mentioned.