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In a hard-hitting analysis published by renowned US political analyst C. Christine Fair on "War on the Rocks", Pakistan's half-century-old strategy of deception with the United States has been exposed, how a nuclear power has consistently gamed global powers, including America, and perhaps is now aiming at China. The report, "How Do the Pakistanis Keep Beguiling You Americans?" goes in-depth into the details of Pakistan's blackmail strategies, its application of "soft power," and a revolving door of American diplomats who fall prey to Islamabad’s charm offensives.

Blackmail And 'Soft Power' Tactics

Fair contends that Pakistan's power to garner billions in military and economic assistance results not only from the fact that it is a nuclear power, but also from strategically designed "hospitality, well-spoken lies, and military tourism" directed at foreign envoys. As Islamabad funds terrorism through surrogates, it is also perpetually working towards winning sympathy within US policy circles by appealing to emotions and selectively citing history. “Pakistan’s silver-tongued hustlers at the ISI and ISPR know their brief far better than the American neophytes who rotate through these posts,” Fair notes.

One of the main structural weaknesses of the US foreign policy establishment is a shortage of South Asia experts in senior roles. The US Department of State, as opposed to its military, does not have a robust South Asia cadre. This provides an opening for Pakistani bureaucrats to easily influence the opinions of American diplomats, particularly those deployed in "hazard" assignments such as Islamabad, where postings are brief and sometimes limited due to security risks. “Most personnel are judged by how well they ‘build the relationship’, even if it yields nothing beneficial to the US,” Fair states.

Strategic Double-Game For Decades

Fair states how Pakistan has all along projected itself as a strategic US ally, particularly during the Cold War and the Afghan anti-Soviet jihad, while at the same time following its regional agenda. From begging to be included in US-led coalitions during the 1950s to betraying its promise in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, the actions of Pakistan have frequently been at variance with its promises. In 1971, in spite of US bans on military aid, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger assisted Pakistan in securing its position in the backchannel opening to China.

The F-16 Saga And Nuclear Lies

Pakistan's story of having been "betrayed" by the US after the Cold War overlooks key facts, such as its refusal to observe non-proliferation norms. The 1985 Pressler Amendment permitted aid only on condition that Pakistan attest that it did not have nuclear weapons, a condition Pakistan breached earlier. Ignoring warnings, Islamabad continued going for nuclearisation, inducing US sanctions in 1990. The story of betrayal, though, continued.

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China: The Next Target of Pakistan's Manipulative Diplomacy?

Whereas most of Fair's report deals with US relations, a Senior Indian Air Force officer and analyst Group Captain (Retd.) Ajay Ahlawat cautions that Pakistan will soon play the same manipulative game with China. “Pakistan is the master manipulator. They fooled the USA for decades. It’s only a matter of time before they do the same to China,” Ahlawat remarked in a social media post on X ( formerly Twitter).

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Fair's report concluded with the note that Pakistan has mastered the art of profiting from its geopolitical significance. Equipped with a supply of half-truths, emotional manipulation, and subtle diplomacy, it continues to secure aid and alliances, frequently at the expense of its partners' strategic interests.

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