Pakistan: A Military With a Country

The country's economic woes will shape its turbulent political atmosphere in the months to come.

Animated by their opposing visions of economic prosperity and global influence, China and India's competition over Pakistani and Iranian ports, respectively, carry on at all costs.

After the most violent flare-up in Kashmir in years, Islamabad and New Delhi are sounding out possible talks, although the prospect of a wider conflict is never far away.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has secured a three-year IMF loan to help relieve Pakistan's dire economic situation. But the conditions tied to the tranche's disbursement risk inviting a political backlash.

While the immediate threat of escalation has settled, India's unprecedented airstrike in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has upped the ante for the countries’ next inevitable brawl.

In response to a deadly attack on Feb. 14, India's military has conducted its first strike across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir since 1971.

As the U.S. considers its exit from Afghanistan, the Afghan government and the Taliban (and their backers in Pakistan) are positioning themselves to strike a peace agreement that advances the long-running strategic objectives for each. Here are some factors to watch as negotiations continue.

The United States and its NATO allies are but one component invested in Afghanistan's future as the country finds itself once again a focal point for great power competition.

The recent summit between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping brought promises for continued cooperation with an eye toward pressuring India.

A Saudi bailout package will help rescue Pakistan from its economic problems for now, provided Islamabad is willing to stomach the diplomatic cost.