The world heaves a sigh of relief after the departure of one of the most controversial and divisive American presidents. The new administration is expected to give due deference to the United Nations and abide by international treaties. President Biden has promised to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and block the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day as President. He has also pledged to undo the ‘Muslim ban’ and propose an eight-year citizenship path for immigrants. This is good news for the world.
The US rivalry with China which is forecast to become the world’s largest economy by 2028 will continue under Biden. Trade issues will be a source of friction as will be China’s increasing political clout in various parts of the world. However the incoming administration is likely to be less confrontational and is expected to cooperate on global economic and security issues where interests of the two powers converge.
The Biden Administration would further strengthen its close ties with India which it considers a major ally and a proxy to confront China at the regional level. From what Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on the eve of President Biden’s inauguration indicates that the PTI government continues to live in an ivory tower. Mr Qureshi would like us to believe that the Biden Administration would help Islamabad in “providing relief” to the Kashmiris living under military siege in Indian occupied Kashmir. India being as much a strategic ally of the USA as Pakistan is that of China, President Biden might pay lip service to human rights but is unlikely to say anything on Kashmir that is unacceptable to India.
Despite the new US administration needing Pakistan’s help in restoring peace in Afghanistan, its relations with Pakistan will remain transactional. President Biden is likely to follow Trump’s policy of withdrawing from Afghanistan but would like to keep enough forces to protect US interests in the region and stop Afghanistan from turning into a hub of terrorism again. The USA will however continue to keep an eye on Pakistan’s conventional and nuclear capabilities while overlooking India’s buildup.
Instead of building false hopes, the PTI government should concentrate on improving the economy and change its policy of political vendetta which continues to divide the country and cause uncertainty.
