The Rocky U.S.-Pakistan Security Relationship

Since 9/11, Pakistan has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. security aid. The strategic border it shares with Afghanistan as well as its own vulnerability to substate armed groups initially suggested that Pakistan would make an ideal regional partner for counterterrorism operations. But after billions of dollars in U.S. security assistance provided to Pakistan through State and Defense Department programming, the return on investment has been disappointing at best.