Pakistan and the Challenges of U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

The United States plans to draw down its forces in Afghanistan, but it will be unable to successfully do so without Pakistan’s help in negotiating a settlement with the Afghan Taliban. Obtaining that help will be difficult. Islamabad does not have the influence over the militant group it once did; it will have to contend with its own domestic insurgency after Western troops leave; and relations with the United States are strained. Moreover, outside players like Iran have a vested interest in the outcome of the withdrawal. These problems will need to be overcome for the United States fully to realize its planned withdrawal.