U.S., Pakistan: Bilateral Problems Blocking Progress on Afghanistan

As the U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan continues, Washington is trying to set up a security framework for the country after the U.S. and NATO military withdrawal is complete. The United States will need Pakistan's help to implement any sort of arrangement involving Afghanistan, but recent cross-border incidents have brought relations between Washington and Islamabad to a new low point. Pakistan is pushing for a complete renegotiation of its security relationship with the United States — especially U.S. policy on unmanned aerial vehicle strikes in Pakistani territory — before it will consider providing the assistance that Washington desires.