This article seeks to contribute a shift in the foreign policy of the U.S towards Pakistan due
to détente between America and the former Soviet Union during 1960s. It departs from the
exceptionalist perspectives which views that Pak-US relations were consistent with a
common goal to defeat communism. It explores the repercussions of the détente, Pak-India
wars of 1965 and 71 and the growing importance of India during Kennedy era. The article
argues that for balancing the US intimacy with India, Pakistan turned to China and thus the
misunderstandings multiplied. The essay also investigates the value of CENTO and
SEATO- the politics of alliances, which did not play any cementing factor to keep the allies
united. All such developments corresponded to the dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971.
The purpose of this essay is to give an analytical view of Pak- US relations between 1965
and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. To make it simpler, the essay is divided into three parts. First part
is related to Pakistan is alignment with US in quest of security. Second part gives a review
of how and why relations between two countries deteriorated during 1960s. Third and the
final part is about US role during 1971 crisis and drifting of allies.
http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/csas/PDF/Shaheed Soherwordi 2.pdf