Next Step for Pakistan -> Full Nato Ally?

[ADT]

---

---

This is an article from 2004 to help with this discussion.

Bush names Pakistan 'major ally'


Pakistani forces often co-ordinate attacks with US troops in Afghanistan


The US expressed concerns earlier this year over the leaking of nuclear secrets

President George W Bush has upgraded relations with Pakistan by formally naming it as a major non-Nato ally.
The move is in recognition of Islamabad's contribution in the fight against al-Qaeda, and is being seen as Washington's way of saying thank-you.

Pakistan will now enjoy a special security relationship with the US.

Islamabad welcomed the move, calling it as a success for the country's foreign policy and a recognition of the bold policies of President Musharraf.

Eligible for benefits

"I hereby designate the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as major non-Nato ally of the United States for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act," President Bush's statement said.

The BBC's Rob Watson in Washington says that Pakistan's new status means that it is now eligible for a series of benefits in the areas of foreign aid and defence co-operation, including priority delivery of defence items.

But our correspondent says that the symbolism is more important than the substance.

Only six years ago, Pakistan was under US sanctions after conducting nuclear tests.

Earlier this year the US expressed concern after the man credited with developing the country's nuclear bomb, Dr AQ Khan, admitted leaking nuclear weapons technology abroad.

Pakistan now finds itself in the same exclusive club as such close American friends such as Israel and South Korea.

US plans to upgrade relations with Pakistan were first announced by US Secretary of State Colin Powell during a visit to Pakistan in March.

President Bush's formal announcement is unlikely to be well received by India which does not have special status with the US.

But in what our correspondent says is a strange irony of timing, the president's announcement coincided with a report from the commission investigating the 11 September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre.

It accused Islamabad of helping the Taleban to shelter Osama Bin Laden, saying that it had "significantly facilitated" his stay in Afghanistan prior to the attack.

"The Taleban's ability to provide Bin Laden a haven in the face of international pressure and UN sanctions was significantly facilitated by Pakistani support," the report said.

But Pakistan later became a key US ally, dropping its support for the Taleban and allowing US troops to use its air bases and share intelligence.

Its promotion to a major non-Nato ally has been welcomed by Information minister Sheikh Rashid, who said it would improve relations with the US and enhance Pakistan's position in global politics.

He said Islamabad would now be able to acquire defence equipment that was previously not available.

MAJOR NON-NATO ALLIES
-> Are eligible for priority delivery of defence material
-> Can stockpile US military hardware
-> Can participate in defence research and development programme
-> Can benefit for a US loan guarantee programme

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Bush names Pakistan 'major ally'

[Creder]

dude a "major non nato ally" is similar to that dude whom you allow to hangout with you as long as he does your homework, thats all there is to it

[ajpirzada]

u wanna become part of NATO so in case of another iraq war you have to send ur forces as well? havent you already seen wat happens wen u r a major non nato ally? all i remember is harrasment in one way or the other. and even then y step into a sinking ship? better we stay lik this.

[Donatello]

The title of the thread is misleading for the fact that if Pakistan was ever to become a NATO ally, then the question of India attacking Pakistan would be obsolete, for in return all NATO allies would attack India. I don't see that happening sometime soon, though Pakistan should extract as much Defense/Civilian technology from all NATO members while it can. F-16s must not be the only thing we require.

[Don Ramsay]

dont get exited
its real politiks
todays ally may be worst enemy of tommorow or vice versa
try to milk as much as you can till allience breaks
after all its a jungle and survival of the fittest

[Awesome]

Err hate to point out the obvious, Pakistan would have to change its geographic location to become Nato - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

[Don Ramsay]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[seiko]

Err hate to point out the obvious, Pakistan would have to change its geographic location to become Nato - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Actually it doent now i think.. there was a suggestion about including Japan,India,Australia and Israel in Nato

Giuliani says NATO should admit Israel, Japan | Reuters

[Frankenstein]

We are better off without that, Our alliance with china is more important then with the US, If we joins NATO, then we can probably lose China which is no way acceptable,

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Another block should rise:
China
Pakistan
Turkey
Iran
Ukraine
Egypt
Indonesia
Saudis
Libya
malaysia
Other important nations mostly anti NATO countries or anti US\israel

[Frankenstein]

^^what about Iran

[VrSoLdIeRs]

covering up for USA after her misadventures?? errr.... i think we are better off!!!

[Donatello]

Pakistan's best alliance would be with China. Considering the fact that Pakistan Navy, Army and Airforce are all working extensively on TOT with Chinese firms, i see a major Chinese role with Pakistan. Sorry USA, but you are no longer a true ally, selling a few squadrons of F-16s doesn't mean it can reverse the decade old hatred.

No matter how big embassies they build, how many VISAs they give, it won't come close to the tried and rock solid alliance of China and Pakistan. Yeah, no doubt why they are giving VISAs to Pakistanis so easily these days....

[ARCHON]

Another block should rise:
China
Pakistan
Turkey
Iran
Ukraine
Egypt
Indonesia
Saudis
Libya
malaysia
Other important nations mostly anti NATO countries or anti US\israel

Anti US???? or aunty US ( hillary clinton)

[Frankenstein]

---

---

Anti US???? or aunty US ( hillary clinton)

Hellow!! *KNOCK KNOCK*Do you have any idea what is goin on in here