H!TchHiker
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Again its US that influence EU/NATO practically be it Iraq, Libya or Afghanistan militarily or economically. Remember how US exert its influence and snub member for increasing the NATO budget.Obviously when you fail to acquiesce to the policy of choice, there will be a snub but that would not mean that you have no political clout in that arena. The President of France has issued several snubs towards the USA after its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, would that somehow translate to the observation that perhaps the US does not possess any political clout in Europe? They were snubbed after all. Macron said that the US decision to withdraw from the accord will strengthen rather than weaken it, he called on American scientists plagued by budget cuts and policy hurdles to continue their research in France. Very significant statements.
In Pakistan's case, we exercise our influence by means of our military capacity. It is an essential safeguard that the Arab States, particularly KSA are dependent on for the security and survival of the regime. Be it in the case of Yemen or that of the IMA, they need Pakistan's military strength to breathe life into their imperial ambitions. That also gives us the leverage to pursue an independent foreign policy despite being an economically weaker state. KSA can snub Pakistan for its decisions but never challenge it. If such a situation would come to pass, Pakistan would simply withdraw all troops from KSA, two brigade's worth. With that, the Kingdom's security and training infrastructure would unravel.
This is of course, a hypothetical worst case scenario. The truth remains that they are never likely to do so because Pakistan is as important to them as they are to us. Relations between states are always transactional.
Pakistan can just say yes or no but can it influence the decision ?No..
Turkey has influence and it has base in Qatar ..We can't even response back in the words like Kashghar did once in Yemen fiasco.
Influence has no benefits if its not converted into military or economic benefits..Influence has no benefits if it can't bend the decision making authority..
Perusing independent foreign policy is not influence, i beg to differ.By this logic India too has influence on GCC but we all know this is not the case.
What influence so far Pakistan has got vis-a-vis India in GCC states ?We can't influence them for our enemy..
Being neutral is not the influence sir..
Can you draw out the extra or out of the way favor or influence our presence has brought to us in last decade ?
On the other hand they clearly don't need us and it reflects in there actions as they have clearly stated it internal GCC affairs..
IMA , yes they do need us but what do we get out of this ? so far so