Addressing the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Relationship

Political instability, a growing Islamic insurgency, a demoralized army, and an intensely anti-American population put Pakistan’s nuclear weapons at risk. Given these factors and Pakistan’s recent elections, U.S.-Pakistan relations should be examined anew. Additionally, Pakistan’s nuclear program and its ongoing tensions with Afghanistan present unique challenges to the US-Pakistan strategic relationship. Most broadly, this hearing would examine what the U.S. and its allies must do to develop a strategy for Pakistan that establishes long-term goals. Witnesses will focus their remarks on what the most effective longer-term U.S. policy options are regarding Pakistan, particularly with regards to securing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and addressing Islamic extremism in Pakistan.