I was very interested to read the article by Reuters on Russia’s growing relationship with Pakistan. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980’s, the United States worked with Pakistan to funnel spies, weapons, and resources to the Mujahideen fighting off the foreign invasion. The Soviet Union was well aware of the Pakistani and American presence in that conflict, which turned into their “Vietnam” as high casualties and little progress plagued the struggle. Yet years later, the two former rival are now on the verge of an alliance. The United States is slowly withdrawing ties with Pakistan. After harboring bin-Laden and helping support worldwide terrorism, the US no longer sees the value in remaining in contact with the shady nation. But the void that has formed is being filled with two new players: China and Russia. Russia, in my opinion is the most interesting, but seems logical. Pakistan is worried about a growing ISIS presence on their borders and needs equipment and financial support to fight them off. On the other side, Russia, with its dwindling economy and few natural resources, could make use in importing natural resources to help boost the economy. While relations are still tense, the two nations seem to be slowly working past their differences in the hopes of creating a mutually beneficial relationship. I don’t think this will be seen as a threat to the United States, rather just an interesting development that time will decide.
