Pentagon vs White House on Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program

As the Biden administration nears its final days, a significant divide has emerged between the Pentagon and the White House regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This split in tone demonstrates the complexities of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, particularly with the impending transition of power as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January 2025.

While the White House has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s growing missile capabilities, the Pentagon has taken a more balanced approach, emphasizing the enduring importance of military ties between the two nations. These contrasting perspectives raise important questions about US foreign policy in South Asia during this period of leadership change.

Also See: U.S. Sanctions on Pakistan’s Missile Program: Impacts and Geopolitics

White House Concerns: Pakistan’s Missile Program as an “Emerging Threat”

On December 19, 2024, Jonathan Finer, Deputy National Security Adviser, made waves with his remarks at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warning that Pakistan’s ballistic missile program represents an “emerging threat” that extends beyond South Asia. Finer’s comments marked a notable shift in the White House’s stance, now framing Pakistan’s missile advancements as a global security issue, with the potential to affect the United States directly.

“It’s hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat,” Finer said, pointing to the development of long-range missile systems and larger rocket motors. His warning highlighted the risk that unchecked missile technology could have far-reaching implications. The suggestion that Pakistan could one day pose a direct threat to the US has raised alarms among policymakers, sparking debates about the future trajectory of US-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan’s Response to Finer’s Remarks

In response to these remarks and the sanctions imposed by the US on December 18, which targeted four entities allegedly involved in the proliferation or delivery of ballistic missile technology, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong rebuttal. A spokesperson stated that the sanctions were “biased” and “endanger regional and international peace.”

Moreover describing Finer’s claims as “unfounded, devoid of rationality and sense of history.” FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized, “The alleged threat perception from Pakistan’s missile capabilities and delivery means, raised by the US official, are unfortunate. These allegations are unfounded and devoid of rationality”. Baloch stressed that Pakistan’s missile capabilities serve solely for self-defense and maintaining regional peace, asserting that the country’s strategic program aims to counter existential threats, particularly from India. She also reminded that no one can question Pakistan’s right to develop its capabilities for credible deterrence, stating, “Pakistan cannot abdicate its right to develop capabilities that align with the need to maintain credible minimum deterrence as well as evolving and dynamic threats.”

Selective Focus on Pakistan’s Missile Program

Baloch also criticized the US for selectively focusing on Pakistan’s missile program while overlooking similar developments in India, suggesting that the US may be acting at the behest of others to further destabilize the region. She added that “while others ignore and shield the manifestations of a much more potent missile capability in our eastern neighborhood, they raise concerns about Pakistani capabilities, seemingly at their behest.” She reiterated that Pakistan aims to use its strategic assets to protect its sovereignty and maintain peace in South Asia, not to pose a threat to any other nation.

Furthermore, Baloch noted that Pakistan has consistently sought to engage constructively with the US, stating, “We have a long history of cooperation and wish to build on this strong legacy.” However, she cautioned that the recent spate of accusations, particularly from US officials, could undermine the positive bilateral relationship that has existed since 1954. Pakistan, she said, has always made monumental sacrifices in its relationship with the US, and it is regrettable that the country is being bracketed with adversaries.

Pentagon’s Response: A Measured Approach Amid Shifting Priorities

In sharp contrast, the Pentagon responded in a more measured tone. During a press briefing on December 20, 2024, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder acknowledged the growing sophistication of Pakistan’s missile capabilities, but focused on the longstanding military partnership between the US and Pakistan. When asked about US sanctions on Pakistan’s state-owned missile development agency and three of its private vendors, Ryder refrained from directly commenting on Finer’s concerns or criticism. Instead, he chose to emphasize the positive aspects of US-Pakistan military cooperation.

“We value Pakistan as a partner in the region and have worked closely with Pakistan on counterterrorism efforts in the past,” Ryder said, emphasizing the importance of counterterrorism collaboration and regional stability. This response reflects the Pentagon’s pragmatic stance, seeking to maintain a constructive relationship with Islamabad.

Geopolitical Implications: Transitioning from Biden to Trump’s Foreign Policy

The contrasting views between Finer and Ryder come at a pivotal moment, as the Biden administration prepares to exit, and Donald Trump prepares to return to office.

President-elect Trump’s foreign policy has historically been more skeptical of Pakistan’s role in global security. This could lead to a shift in US attitudes toward Islamabad. Trump’s previous tenure saw a toughening of rhetoric toward Pakistan, particularly regarding its perceived failure to act decisively against certain militant groups operating within its borders. However, it remains to be seen whether his administration will acknowledge Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts. It also remains to be seen whether Trump’s administration will recognize Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional stability, especially in managing complex relations with neighboring Afghanistan and India.

Analysts suggest that the Trump administration is likely to place increased emphasis on India’s security concerns, particularly related to Pakistan’s missile and nuclear programs. Given India’s critical role in countering China’s rise, a stronger US-India alliance might come at the expense of Pakistan, further complicating US-Pakistan relations.

Is the US Targeting Pakistan’s Missiles to Strengthen Ties with India?

The broader geopolitical context surrounding this debate is also critical. Over recent years, the US has increasingly aligned itself with India on security matters, including concerns over Pakistan’s missile advancements. India is widely seen as a counter to China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and often viewed as a counterweight to Pakistan’s military capabilities. India frames its objections to Pakistan’s missile and nuclear programs, which it considers obstacles to regional stability, as a central component of its relationship with the US.

As noted by Abbas Nasir in Dawn News, the idea that Pakistan would direct its missile capabilities toward the US seems far-fetched, given that Pakistan’s national security focus remains squarely on India. Pakistan drives its nuclear and missile capabilities by its long-standing security concerns with India, not by any potential confrontation with the United States. Therefore, Finer’s claim may reflect a diplomatic gesture to align with Indian interests, particularly as the US seeks to strengthen its partnership with New Delhi amid rising tensions with Beijing.

However, this stance risks deepening tensions between Washington and Islamabad, particularly as Pakistan continues to view India as its primary security threat.

Pentagon’s Pragmatic Diplomacy: Balancing Regional Interests Amid Transition

The Pentagon’s response represents a broader diplomatic strategy of pragmatism. Despite growing concerns about Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, the Pentagon continues to view Pakistan as a vital partner in the region. Its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East makes Pakistan crucial for US counterterrorism efforts and regional stability. The Pentagon’s cautious approach reflects its broader focus on maintaining military ties while addressing emerging threats.

As the US prepares for a change in leadership, the Pentagon is likely to continue its focus on counterterrorism efforts and regional cooperation. Even as concerns about Pakistan’s missile capabilities grow, maintaining military-to-military cooperation remains a priority for the Pentagon. This careful diplomacy is vital to preserving US influence in South Asia, despite evolving security challenges.

Conclusion: Uncertainty and Transition in US-Pakistan Relations

The diverging views within the Biden administration, along with the upcoming shift to the Trump administration, create an uncertain future for US-Pakistan relations. The White House has adopted a more confrontational tone regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Meanwhile, the Pentagon emphasizes the importance of continuing military cooperation with Islamabad. As the US transitions from one administration to the next, strategic priorities in South Asia are likely to shift. These changes could have potential implications for US foreign policy.

The Biden administration’s final days will serve as a transitional period. The Trump administration’s approach will likely recalibrate US policy toward Pakistan. As US foreign policy adapts to new geopolitical realities, the Pentagon’s measured stance will likely remain a cornerstone of US strategy. It will balance concerns about Pakistan’s missile developments with the necessity of preserving a crucial regional partnership.

SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own.

SAT Commentary

SAT Commentaries, a collection of insightful social media threads on current events and social issues, featuring diverse perspectives from various authors.

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Pentagon vs White House on Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program