ASSIGNMENT #2

How is your country related historically to America and Iran?

Pakistan is an ally of both Iran and America. In 1947, Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan as a newly created state. Since then, there is a history of contact and mutual influence between the two nations, with much of Pakistani culture directly influenced by Iranian cultures. Today, however, their relations are more complex. In 1949, the United States first established relations with Pakistan (reluctantly). They were not close allies up until 2001, when the Pakistani government established ties with the Bush administration. Today, the Obama administration is in correspondence with Pakistan’s secular government, although it does not comply with an organized fundamentalist group in Pakistan called the Taliban. 

1. List 5 historical ties since 1914 between your country and the two other countries assigned.
- Pakistan moved decisively to ally itself with the United States in its war against Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda (2001). It provided the U.S. a number of military airports and bases, for its attack on Afghanistan.
- Bilateral Investment Treaty between United States and Pakistan 
- Pakistan joined the US led military alliances SEATO and CENTO (1955)
- In 1954 the United States signed a Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with Pakistan
- Central Treaty Organization (aka CENTO) adopted in 1955 (disolved in 1979) between Pakistan and Iran
- 1980s Pakistani and Iranian opposition of the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan and coordination of support for Afghan jihad 
- Both Iran and Pakistan have joined the Economic Cooperation Organization (aka ECO, established in 1964) 

2. Has your country fought any significant wars against each other directly, indirectly, or through proxy since 1914? If so, list the wars these countries have fought against yours. 
- Pakistan has fought no major wars with the United States since 1914, however, America currently fights the Taliban, an organization shielding itself behind Pakistani citizens. 
- Pakistan has fought no major wars with Iran since 1914, however, Pakistan and Iran supported opposite sides in the 1991-2001 Afghan Civil War.

3. Does your country have any religious disagreements with the two other countries assigned that reach back through the centuries? 
- America and Pakistan have no major religious disagreements. America is an ally of the secular, federal republic of Pakistan. However, America does not condone or support the radical Islamists such as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban who increasingly operate out of Pakistan.
- Iran and Pakistan have no major religious disagreements, however, Iranian civillians (and some government officials) are typically more radical in their observance of Islam than Pakistanis are. Also, Iran has a population made up of mostly Shia muslims, while Pakistan’s population is made up of mostly Sunni muslims.  

4. Historically, has the relationship between your countries and the other two countries been amicable, hostile, or neutral? Breifly explain. 
- With the exception of support for opposing sides of the Afghan Civil War (1991-2001), Pakistan and Iran have had an amicable relationship with eachother. Much of Pakistani culture is directly derived from Iranian culture, and the two countries get along with each other on good terms today. 
- Historically, Pakistan’s relationship with America has been both neutral and hostile at times. Up until the September 11 attacks of 2001, the two countries did not maintain a good relationship. However, the two countries have made peace since and continue to be allies. America faces a challenge in its alliance with Pakistan because of its support for only half of the country’s interests. The converse is also true; not everybody in Pakistan thinks fondly of America. 

How is your country related politically to the other(s)? 

5. How do their government systems compare? 
Iran is an Islamic Republic; Pakistan is a Federal Republic; America is a Democracy. 

6. What major military and political treaties does your country share with the other countries since The Treaty of Versailles? 
See question # 1 above 

7. Is your country currently recognized by the United Nations? 
Pakistan, Iran, and America are all recognized by the United Nations. 

8. Does your country share the same type of economic system as the two countries you are asked to compare? What are these types of economies? 
America, Pakistan, and Iran are all capitalist economies. America and Pakistan purely, but Iran with a slight variation. Iran’s main industry is oil, 70% of which is controlled by the government. The rest of the private sector is permitted and common, but most of the economy is planned and controlled.