US - Pakistani Relations 1979-1989

Abstract

Since its independence , after the partition of India , on 14 August 1947 , Pakistan has enjoyed a privileged status in the foreign policy of the USA due to its geostrategic importance in Southern Asia . It is bordered by China , Afghanistan , India , Iran and Oman which is separated from it by the Arabian sea . On the other hand , Pakistan is considered as the apex of Arabian Gulf which represents one of the vital and essential pillars in the American policy . There have been a number of factors that affect the American – Pakistani relations both negatively and positively such as the Indian – Pakistani conflict , the Indian – Chinese conflict , the Iranian Revolution in 1979 which overthrew the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was deemed America's officer in the Arabian Gulf and the protector and defender of the American Interests there . Then came the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to draw a new shape of the relation between USA and Pakistan and that shape continued till the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 .