Role Of Obama's Administration Counter-terrorism Strategies Towards Pakistan

The purpose of this thesis is to examine and evaluate the overall counterterrorism cooperation during Obama Administration towards Pakistan.It aims and focuses on the performances and measures taken by United States of America during President Obama in office in order to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan.Being a grave national security threat,terrorism played a disastrous role in the domestic peace and stability of both countries.For the sake of curbing this menace in south Asia in general and Pakistan in particular,the role of Obama Administration is viable and results oriented despite major ups and downs in Pakistan U.S Relations during that period of time.Obama administration formulated policies when he come to office in 2009 by looking at the already efforts done by Bush Administration to counterterrorism from Pakistan.Obama's foreign policy was revolving around defense and diplomacy when it comes to dealing with Pakistan.The concept of Smart power was indeed a core principle of Obama's administration to gain the strategic objectives in Pakistan.Obama's strategies in terms of providing military aid packages and various assistance programs,working on institutional building and strengthening the economy helped Pakistan in strengthening the military capabilities to go for militant operation in the safe havens area in the tribal areas of Pakistan.It further helped building institutional mechanism in the governmental policies to counter terrorism and militancy.The training of combat forces,artillery and equipment provided by US proved fatal for the militant terrorist organizations seeking hideouts in the tribal areas of Pakistan.Resultantly,many top leaders of al Qaeda and many affiliated militant groups were captured and given to US as well.Despite many ups and downs in the bilateral relations on various domestic and international issues,both countries didn't compromise the elimination of terrorist phenomena from Pakistan which was indeed a great success of the Obama administration's counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategies in the long run.This thesis consists of five Chapters;Chapter 1,focusing on the introduction and elaborating the dynamics of terrorism since the 9/11 attack on the US homeland.It then introduces the background of the research,literature review,main arguments,and methodology.The existing literature has been taken from various sources including books,journal articles and official websites of the concerned topic.Chapter 2,discussing by looking at the Post 9/11 scenario of Pakistan U.S Relations.As the US homeland was badly attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists,the roots of such militant organization had taken place in Afghanistan.The Bush Administration formulated a comprehensive foreign policy mainly based on National Security of the US.Such a strategy was further channelized by seeking cooperation from allies.Therefore,Pakistan being a historical security partner in South Asia was the only viable option for Bush Administration to cooperate with the President Musharraf.The second section deals with the entirety of the continuity and changes in the counter terrorism strategies of both President Bush and Obama Administration respectively.A comparative analysis accompanied by major foreign policy decisions and events are also taken into considerations in the counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.Chapter 3,analyzing the United States foreign policy during President Obama's administration and major decisions and initiatives taken by his administration during his presidency.It highlights and analyses the changing trends and tendencies of Obama Administration's counterterrorism cooperation for Pakistan in the form of foreign aid and assistance plus military defense cooperation and strengthening of the domestic institutions in Pakistan.An overall series of initiatives and strategies taken by President Obama plus ups and down in the Bilateral Relations between the two countries are elaborated.Chapter4,dealing with the domestic challenges faced by Pakistan to counter terrorism from its land.It then focuses on strategies made by Pakistani government with special attention on the Pakistan's army military operations in areas particularly militant safe havens areas.A series of Counterterrorism measures taken by Pakistani government in the form of enhancing national security capabilities,legislation and security on the border is also mentioned.Domestic challenges are not only focused on provinces but also defining the conditions of state policies,economy setbacks,effects on the lifestyle of common peoples.It further deals with the challenges faced by Pakistani law enforcement agencies and society,citizens as well.The second section of this chapter deals with the external challenges faced by Pakistan to counterterrorism.It focuses on the national security strategies towards neighboring countries like India and Afghanistan.Special attention is given to border issues with both countries.The former allowing border infiltration of terrorist entry into Pakistan and the latter is playing the role of proxy state to destabilize the peace and territorial integrity of Pakistan.Chapter 5,dealing with the Conclusion and Recommendations...