The Strategic Importance of

Pakistan: A Geostrategic Nexus

Pakistan’s strategic importance lies in its geographical position at the intersection of

South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It shares borders with critical nations,
including Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran, making it a pivotal player in regional
stability, trade routes, and global power dynamics, particularly in matters of security
and energy interests.

Read this article to explore the multifaceted strategic significance of Pakistan and delve
into its geopolitical, economic, and security roles on the world stage.

Geopolitical Significance
Pakistan holds immense geopolitical significance due to its strategic location at the
crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its proximity to Afghanistan,
Iran, China, and India makes it a major country in regional politics and current affairs.

1- Bridge between South Asia and Central Asia

Pakistan’s geographical location acts as a bridge connecting the South Asian
subcontinent with Central Asia. This geographic linkage plays an important role for
trade, energy, and connectivity routes. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is
a prime example of this significance, as it connects the Chinese city of Kashgar to
Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, providing China access to the Arabian Sea and, subsequently,
the Indian Ocean.

2- Balancing Power Dynamics

Pakistan’s location serves as a balancing factor in the region’s power dynamics. It
shares borders with China, Afghanistan, India, and Iran. Its strategic importance is
evident in the way major world powers, such as the United States and Russia, have
sought to engage with Pakistan to expand their interests in South and Central Asia.

Economic Significance
Pakistan’s economic significance within the realm of geostrategy is substantial. Pakistan
serves as a vital transit route for trade and energy corridors. The China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, boosts its
geostrategic importance by enhancing connectivity and economic integration with
China.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s stability and prosperity are closely monitored globally due to its
potential to impact regional security. Economic development in Pakistan is seen as a
means to promote stability, counter-terrorism, and promote cooperation, making it a
critical player in the geopolitical landscape.
1- Trade and Energy Corridor
CPEC, often referred to as the “Economic Game Changer,” is a monumental
infrastructure project that aims to connect Gwadar Port to China’s western region
through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines. This corridor is composed to
enhance regional trade and facilitate energy transportation, benefitting not only
Pakistan but also its neighbours and global partners.

2- Agriculture and Resource Potential

Pakistan’s diverse landscape includes fertile plains, mountainous regions, and coastal
areas. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops and the
extraction of valuable minerals. Pakistan’s agriculture sector is a significant contributor
to its economy, and its rich resource potential makes it an attractive destination for
foreign investment.

Security Significance
Pakistan holds significant security importance due to its strategic location at the
confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its border with Afghanistan
has made it a central player in the Afghan conflict, influencing regional stability.

Pakistan has historically been a key ally of western countries in counterterrorism efforts.
Its military capabilities, including a sizable army, air force, and navy, contribute to
regional security dynamics.

1- Counterterrorism Efforts
Pakistan’s role in the global fight against terrorism cannot be undermined. As a frontline
state in the War on Terror, Pakistan has played a crucial role in combating extremist
groups. Its tribal regions along the Afghanistan border have been a focal point in efforts
to stabilise the region.

2- Nuclear Arsenal
Pakistan is one of the world’s nuclear-armed states, and its nuclear weapons program
adds a layer of complexity to regional and global security dynamics. The country’s
nuclear capabilities are not only a deterrent but also a source of concern for its
neighbours and the international community.

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Regional Dynamics of Pakistan
Pakistan’s regional dynamics are of paramount geostrategic importance. Its
relationships with neighbouring countries like India and Afghanistan are marked by
historical tensions, notably the Kashmir conflict with India and its role in Afghan peace
talks.

Pakistan’s proximity to China has deepened through projects like the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancing its significance in China’s Belt and Road Initiative
and strengthening the China-Pakistan partnership. Furthermore, its strategic location
makes it a key player in regional politics, influencing stability, security, and economic
cooperation in a geopolitically volatile region.
1- Relationship with India
The relationship between Pakistan and India is one of the most significant regional
dynamics. Their long standing rivalry has been characterised by periodic conflict, most
notably the Kashmir dispute. The two nuclear-armed neighbours often draw
international attention due to their geopolitical tensions.

India and Pakistan have fought several wars since their partition in 1947. The First
Kashmir War (1947-48) was their initial conflict, centred on the disputed region of
Jammu and Kashmir. The Second Kashmir War (1965) followed, primarily over the same
region, ending in a ceasefire organised by the United States and Union of Soviet
Socialists Republic.

The Third Indo-Pak War (1971) led to the creation of Bangladesh, with India supporting
the independence movement of Bangladesh. In 1999, the Kargil War erupted in the
disputed Kargil district of Kashmir.

2- Role in Afghanistan
Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan has been multifaceted and complex. It has faced
allegations of providing support to the Afghan Taliban, while also cooperating with the
international community in counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan’s use of proxy militant
groups, like the Haqqani Network, has strained its relationship with Western allies.

On the other hand, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, making significant
humanitarian efforts but also facing challenges in managing their presence. The country
has struggled to control its porous border with Afghanistan, which has facilitated the
movement of militants.

Pakistan has been involved in peace efforts in Afghanistan, including its role in
facilitating talks between the United States and the Taliban. Its interests in Afghanistan
include maintaining influence, stability, and a peaceful neighbour. However, opinions on
Pakistan’s actions in the region vary widely, and the situation continues to evolve.

3- Relationship with Iran

Pakistan’s relationship with Iran holds significant strategic importance due to their
shared border and regional interests. Geopolitically, the border stretching over 900
kilometres connects South Asia to the Middle East and Central Asia, making it a crucial
region for trade routes and regional stability.

Energy cooperation, such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, has been explored, but
progress has been restricted by international sanctions on Iran. Both nations have also
faced security challenges along the border, including cross-border smuggling and
insurgent activities in Balochistan.

Diplomatically, Pakistan has maintained relations with Iran but navigates a delicate
balance in regional matters like the Syrian civil war and the Saudi-Iran rivalry. Trade and
economic ties are a focus, especially with the development of the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC), which enhances connectivity between Iran, Pakistan, and
China.
Cultural and religious affinities, including significant Shia Muslim populations, foster
people-to-people ties. However, Pakistan’s relationship with Iran is influenced by its ties
with the United States and Saudi Arabia, and striking the right balance amidst
conflicting interests remains a challenge. Thus, Pakistan’s strategic importance in the
region is significantly influenced by its multifaceted relationship with Iran.

Pakistan’s Global Partnerships

Pakistan has partnered with Western and Asian countries in regards to counterterrorism,
peace talks and economic development, which makes it a notable entity around the
whole region.

United States-Pakistan Collaboration

The United States and Pakistan have shared a complex and evolving relationship. While
they have been strategic partners at times, they have also faced periods of distrust and
disagreement. The U.S. has relied on Pakistan for logistical support in its military
operations in Afghanistan and considered it a key ally in the fight against terrorism.

The collaboration between the United States and Pakistan in the War on Terror has been
marked by a complex and often uncertain relationship. After the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks, the U.S. sought Pakistan’s support in its efforts to combat terrorism,
particularly in neighbouring Afghanistan where the Taliban regime sheltered Al-Qaeda
(ISIS). Pakistan, led by General Pervez Musharraf at the time, pledged support to the
U.S. and allowed the use of its territory for logistical and intelligence purposes.

This collaboration led to significant achievements, such as the capture of key Al-Qaeda
operatives, disruption of terror networks, and efforts to stabilise Afghanistan. However,
the partnership also faced challenges due to suspicions of Pakistan’s double-dealing, as
some elements within its security establishment maintained ties with militant groups.

Over the years, the relationship has fluctuated, with periods of increased cooperation
followed by tensions. Despite these challenges, the United States has continued to
provide military and financial aid to Pakistan. The collaboration remains vital for
regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan.
Balancing shared interests while addressing mutual concerns remains a critical aspect
of this enduring partnership.

China-Pakistan Friendship
The China-Pakistan friendship, often described as “higher than the Himalayas, deeper
than the oceans,” is a foundation of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The solid strategic and
economic partnership between the two countries has strengthened over the years, with
China investing significantly in Pakistan’s infrastructure and development.

China and Pakistan share a deep and long-standing partnership that extends across
economic and military domains. This alliance, often referred to as the “China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor” (CPEC), is a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
It involves significant Chinese investments in Pakistani infrastructure, including ports,
roads, and energy projects, aiming to boost trade connectivity and economic
development.
Beyond economics, both countries have also collaborated closely on regional diplomacy.
This strategic partnership serves mutual interests, including countering regional
challenges and enhancing their geopolitical influence in South Asia and beyond.

Strategic Significance and Challenges for Pakistan

Pakistan’s strategic importance is an asset as well as a liability, facing complex
challenges regarding security concerns, terrorism, geopolitical rivalry and economic
development, sometimes referred to as a “crisis state”.

1- Security Concerns
Pakistan faces security challenges due to its proximity to conflict-ridden regions, such
as Afghanistan and the Middle East. Managing these threats is the foremost element in
promoting peace.

2- Terrorism
Pakistan has fought with terrorism, causing internal instability and straining
international relations. Countering terrorism remains a top priority.

3- Geopolitical Rivalry
Being a pivot point in the rivalry between major powers like the United States, China,
and India can be risky, necessitating a delicate balancing act.

4- Economic Development
Despite its strategic location, Pakistan’s economic development lags due to issues like
corruption, miss-management and lack of infrastructure.

Opportunities and Benefits of Pakistan’s Strategic

Importance
Along with the challenges, the geostrategic location of Pakistan has come up with
numerous benefits and opportunities.

1- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a key factor of Pakistan’s strategic importance
and potential growth. Pakistan’s role in CPEC offers a meaningful economic boost,
infrastructure development, and connectivity with China and other countries.

2- Regional Connectivity
Pakistan can serve as an important transit route for trade and energy pipelines,
enhancing its economic prospects and creating thousands of jobs for its youth.

3- Counterterrorism Cooperation
Collaboration with the International community in combating terrorism can enhance
security and stability within Pakistan and the broader region.
4- Diplomacy and Reconciliation
Pakistan can play a vital role in mediating regional conflicts, like the Afghan peace
process and dialogue with India. Pakistan can boost peace and stability in the whole
region through a diplomatic approach.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Pakistan’s strategic importance is deeply rooted in its geographical
location, economic potential, and security dynamics. Its role as a bridge between South
Asia and Central Asia, its contribution to regional stability, and its partnerships with
global powers like China and the United States highlight its significance on the world
stage.

While challenges persist, Pakistan’s strategic importance is unlikely to decline, and its
ability to navigate these challenges will continue to shape its role in the global arena.
Understanding and harnessing this strategic significance is essential for policymakers
and analysts seeking to navigate the complexities of Asian and global geopolitics.

FAQs
What is the Importance of Pakistan from a Geographical and Strategic Point
of View?
Pakistan is strategically important due to its location at the centre of South Asia, Central
Asia, and the Middle East. It shares borders with key nations like India, China,
Afghanistan, and Iran, making it a vital player in regional geopolitics. Its closeness to
the Arabian Sea also grants it access to important sea trade routes. Additionally,
Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons adds to its strategic significance, influencing
regional security dynamics.

Will there be another War between India and Pakistan?

India and Pakistan have a history of conflicts, wars, and tensions in the region persist,
so the possibility of future hostilities cannot be ruled out entirely. Efforts to maintain
peace and resolve disputes through diplomatic means are crucial in preventing such
conflicts.

What does Pakistan need to Improve?

Pakistan needs to improve its economic situation. Managing different challenges, good
governance, promotion of investment, agriculture and institution reforms, and human
development will play a crucial role in the success of Pakistan.

PAK – US RELATIONS
Pak-US Relations By Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. AT the outset, it is important to recognize
that the US has already chosen its strategic partner in South Asia: India. The US
requires India’s cooperation in pursuit of its priority national security objective: strategic
competition with China and containing the latter’s economic rise. The US might perceive
Pakistan to be a hurdle in two respects: its close friendship with China and its mutually
hostile ties with India. This bigger picture is not likely to change soon.
To complicate matters, perceptions about Pakistan in the US and the latter’s image in
Pakistan have been deeply bruised by the US-led ‘war on terror’. Many Pakistanis
believe that America dragged Pakistan into a war that was not ours; one which caused
enormous human and financial losses to our country. There is a view that America
befriends Pakistan only when it requires help to advance its security agenda. For its
part, the US perceives Pakistan as a country that impeded its military victory in
Afghanistan by providing sanctuaries to the Taliban. US officialdom also accused
Pakistan of playing a double game.
Nevertheless, the US, it appears, would still like to engage with Pakistan for two
reasons. First, it would not like to see Pakistan completely slip into China’s sphere of
influence. Secondly, the US might adopt a more balanced approach to South Asia
because of India’s tendency to exercise its strategic autonomy, including ties with
America’s rivals, such as Russia.
However, the process of boosting ties with the US will be incremental, with no likelihood
of high-level structured engagement at this stage. Nor is any major initiative expected
from either side.

The US would still like to engage with Pakistan.

Fortunately, people-to-people relations between the two countries have survived the
roller-coaster nature of government-to-government ties. Both countries will benefit from
investing in areas that enjoy popular support in Pakistan. For instance, IT professionals
would want to strengthen their links with Silicon Valley. Pakistani students would
welcome enhanced opportunities for higher education in American universities. The US
healthcare system has been a preferred destination for Pakistani physicians for several
decades.
Meanwhile, US agriculture experts are held in esteem for their contribution to creating
crop varieties in Pakistan in the early life of the country. Even today, agriculture
remains a potential area of bilateral cooperation. Corporate America might also want to
invest in Pakistan’s rich mines and minerals industry, particularly in Balochistan.
It would be in our interest to attract investments into the country from the West to build
their stakes in the stability of Pakistan. This can be done by facilitating further people-
to-people ties and opening new special windows or economic zones for businesses from
the West with incentives comparable to those offered to any other foreign investor in
Pakistan.
The revival of close economic relations with the US should not be a zero-sum exercise in
the context of Pakistan’s ties with China, which remain deep-rooted. It would be folly to
view these two important relationships as an either-or choice for Pakistan. It is
heartening that the leadership of the US and China have announced that there will not
be another Cold War and that they would not like to see the world divided into camps.
Resetting ties with the US | Editorial
If we maintain close ties with all countries, including the US and China, it will help
Pakistan bolster its economic growth and development, facilitating its pivot to geo-
economics. Those who argue that Pakistan should pick its side and not sail in two rival
boats are not factoring in the point that in a multipolar world, multi-alignments are the
order of the day.
In seeking to enhance our relations with the US. It would be important to reorient this
bilateral relationship from a counterterrorism and security-centric angle to the mutually
beneficial fields of trade and investment, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties.
China has been a reliable development partner all these years. Not likely to resent
Pakistan’s close economic ties with the US. Yet, it would be in our interest to keep
Chinese and other investors in Pakistan on board. With our desire to diversify the
sources of investment in the country. Adopting transparency and an equal opportunity
approach for all investment projects would also better serve the latter.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council has opened an attractive ‘single window’ for
investments. By facilitating entrepreneurs in the sectors of agriculture, mines and
minerals, IT, and energy. It would be useful if, besides investment partners from the
Gulf countries. Corporate America also took advantage of the SIFC to invest in Pakistan,
given its high-dividend market.

The Highs and Lows of Pak-US

Relations: From the Cold War to Now
The relations between Pakistan and the United States have always been
based upon national interests and America’s dominant power position.
While analyzing the history of this relationship, Aamina Binte Khurram
argues that since the 1950s, the US has done its best to influence
Pakistan’s foreign and domestic policies and pressurized the state to do its
bidding in the South Asian region. The United States has leveraged
Pakistan’s weaker position, and coerced Pakistani leaders on many
occasions. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Pakistan-US
relationship has been marred with periods of hostility whenever the
interests of the two states have diverged.

THE ROCKY PAK-US RELATIONS

In an ideal world, all relationships are archetypes of Disney love stories: they’re
all sunshine and roses. Partners are respectful of the agency and ambition of one
another and support each other through thick and thin. In real life, however,
many relationships, unfortunately, don’t meet these standards and are built on
less-than-ideal frameworks.

Particularly fragile are those relationships where there exists an inequity in

decision-making and authority. When there is an imbalance in the power
dynamics of a relationship, the relationship changes from a true partnership to
more of an authoritative arrangement.

Often, the partner exerting greater influence takes advantage of the limitations
and weaknesses of the other, coercing and influencing them to partake in
activities and roles that benefit the more powerful partner yet harm the
subordinated one. This analogy of an unequal partnership can be applied to the
Pak-US relations.

Our nearly seventy-year relationship with the US has been quite tumultuous. At
times, we have seen one another as the closest of friends, and at many others as
unreliable actors who cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of ally-ship. The
unique and intricate Pak-US relations have always been held on a delicate
balance between which country needs the other more and for how long.

Such a fragile balance is easy to break and over the years, it often has broken
down. Yet somehow, like a self-righting toy, it always reconsolidates in one
shape or the other.

Cold War: A Period of Consolidation

The saga begins in 1950, when Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, toured the
United States for an official 23-day visit. This is often seen as the single most
significant event that kicked off Pakistan and US relations, which, for the first few
years at least, turned out to be warm and friendly. Post-partition, the newly found
fragile state of Pakistan was looking to make meaningful partnerships and
collaborations in the global arena, which was governed by the bloc politics of the
Cold War.
 Prime Minister Liaquat Ali
Khan speaking with President Harry S. Truman on his visit to the US (1950).

Initially, the country attempted to stay non-aligned and forge relationships with
both the USSR and the US—the major political actors of the time, and the chief
heavyweights of communism and capitalism, respectively. However, it soon
became apparent that such an approach was unrealistic.

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India had garnered the support and ally-ship of the Soviet Union, which was now
providing financial and military aid to Pakistan’s chief enemy in the region. And to
the common Pakistani, the Soviet Union represented all the principles of unfair
wealth distribution they despised. Thus, when Liaqat Ali Khan received the
invitation to visit the US for his first official trip to the country, he immediately
accepted and spent the next few weeks meeting American leaders and the
public, introducing them to Pakistan and its history.

From the time of Liaquat Ali Khan up to 1971, the US and Pakistan enjoyed a
relationship of mutual goodwill. Successive leaders, including the military ones –
Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan – paid visits to the US, and American leaders
regarded Pakistan as an important ally in controlling the expansion of Communist
influence.
Thus, from the very beginning, as is in all international ties, there was something
in it for both parties—economic and military aid for the developing nation, and a
military counterweight to the Soviet Union for the capitalist superpower.

Bhutto and the Strained Pak-US Relations

The first “cracks” in the ice began to appear when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto became the
president of the country in 1971. His socialist ideas aligned more with
communism, and he was a staunch believer in leftist politics. Bhutto, who later
became the prime minister of Pakistan in 1973, began efforts to make Pakistan
non-aligned. The Pak-US relations became particularly strained during the time
of President Jimmy Carter. An anti-socialist, President Carter tightened
embargos on Pakistan and took a hard stance against Bhutto’s policies and
plans.

In response to India’s nuclear program, Pakistan had begun developing a nuclear

weapons program of its own. The United States, instead of recognizing that
nuclear arms were now a matter of life and death for Pakistan as an unfair
hegemony in the region had been established by India, overtly and covertly
continued to exert pressure on Pakistan to forego its nuclear development
program, placing multiple sanctions and embargos.

Post-Bhutto, the Pak-US relations once again began to thaw and when in 1979
the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, the US immediately called upon Pakistan
as an ally to aid in fighting against the Soviets. Pakistan was given millions in aid
and weapons, all with the intention of protecting the US’ sphere of influence.

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After democracy was restored in Pakistan in 1988, the Pakistan and US relations
once more took a sour turn, under prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz
Sharif, who were pressured to halt Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence program. At the
same time, US-India ties strengthened. On its part, Pakistan saw the United
States as not doing enough to halt India’s nuclear weapons program, which it
regarded as an existential threat.

Post-9/11 Ties
The next defining moment in Pakistan-US relations came after the September 11
attacks. The US once again took Pakistan on board as a major strategic and
military ally against its War on Terror. Despite having been a supporter of the
Taliban pre-9/11, the Pakistani government took a renewed stance on the
Taliban, now fighting against it. In this era of Pakistan-US relatThe US was
provided with military assistance in the form of military bases to further its “anti-
terror” operations.

In the last decade or so, there have been two pivotal points in Pakistan-US
relations. The first was when US marines killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad
in 2011. What followed was a period of mutual distrust and disdain not just at the
governmental level, but also at the national level, emotions in the public in both
nations were running high and the mistrust of another deepened incredibly.

It seemed as if it would now be impossible to become “friends” again. Yet, like

always, the ice eventually thawed. The second important event is much more
recent: the American withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of
invasion and the establishment of the Taliban government in the state. Having
always viewed Pakistan through the prism of Afghanistan, how will the US
now advance its relationship with Pakistan ?

It seems as if since losing one of its major points of interest in this region, the US
concern and enthusiasm about its ties with Pakistan as a bilateral partner have
considerably dwindled. Instead, it now recognizes the threat increasing Pakistan-
China cooperation poses to its interests and thus has accelerated its ties with
India.

This overview of the Pakistan-US relations demonstrates one important

point: ties between the two countries have always been mercurial and
unfortunately, we have often been at the receiving end of the stick.
Who Dictates What?
The United States has a long history of exerting its influence on Pakistani politics.
This influence can be divided into 2 domains—Pakistan’s foreign relations, and
its domestic policies. In wanting to keep close ties with the United States,
Pakistan has often had to tweak its foreign policy, a prime example of how the
sacrifices made in the Pakistan-US relations have almost always been one-
sided.

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From not establishing ties with nations the US is not on good terms with (and
losing the chance to forge beneficial ties for itself) to creating partnerships solely
for the sake of appeasing Uncle Sam, our foreign policy, unfortunately, has a
long history of clandestine and sometimes even obvious, US interventions.

Similarly, Pakistan’s domestic politics too have seen their fair share of meddling
and outside influence, as apparent from the recent regime change allegations
against the US amidst the current political crisis in Pakistan. But why would any
elected Pakistani ruler allow themselves to be coerced into making decisions that
could potentially harm their own nation or people?

The answer lies in our dependencies, particularly economic and to some extent
our dependency on superpowers like the US in establishing and extending our
own global legitimacy and sphere of influence. Like it or not, it has often been
that what the US says, goes.
 “U.S. Aid to
Pakistan” by Statista is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0

One thing is certain, the Pak-US relations have always been based on divergent
interests, which along with the coercive diplomacy employed by the United
States, has always resulted in a relationship that is unequal in terms of who gets
how much of a say. It seems as if the scales have always tipped in the US’ favor.
Why may that be? Well, we need to remember that our nation needs any and all
of the economic reinforcement it can get.

The US has always expertly leveraged this dependency and employed a kind of
“carrot and stick” approach in getting its demands met. It uses aid packages and
programs as a reward for following its whims and taking away these funds as a
punishment. Therefore, the only way out is by being free of these dependencies.
Only when our economy is a global force to be reckoned with will we be able to
afford being treated as an equal partner in our ties with the most developed
countries of the world.
ISSUES AND MISTRUST IN THE PAK-US
RELATIONS AFTER THE WITHDRAWAL
OF US TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN