Rex Tillerson ramps up pressure on Pakistan
The country's special status as a military ally could end if it doesn't act against the Taliban

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has added to pressure on Pakistan to rein in its alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan, which Pakistani officials deny.
Tillerson's comments came the day after Donald Trump unveiled plans to commit more troops and remain in Afghanistan to "fight to win" the 16-year-old war.
"The US is a key ally of Pakistan," which "enjoys a special status as a non-Nato alliance partner and receives billions of dollars in aid," the BBC says.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Tillerson said the level of support "could be on the table for discussion if in fact they are unwilling to change their posture or change their approach to how they are dealing with the numerous terrorist organisations that find safe haven in Pakistan".
He "made clear his main goal is peace talks" in Afghanistan, reports Fairfax Media, and he said "he believed there were 'moderate elements' within the Taliban that are ready and want to help chart a path forward".
The Washington Post says the Secretary of State's peace-seeking approach was very different to the "victory at all costs" tone of Trump's speech on Monday.
"It's almost as if they aren't even working together on this," the paper says. "It's almost as if Trump's top aides are completely uncomfortable with his tendency to over-promise, especially when it comes to what many have labelled a quagmire."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - March 30, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - strawberry fields forever, secret files, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 hilariously sparse cartoons about further DOGE cuts
Cartoons Artists take on free audits, report cards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Following the Tea Horse Road in China
The Week Recommends This network of roads and trails served as vital trading routes
By The Week UK Published
-
Is it safe to share state secrets with the US?
Today's Big Question Accidental top-level leak stokes security concerns from America's allies
By The Week UK Published
-
Israeli air strikes in Gaza: why has ceasefire collapsed?
Today's Big Question Start of 'broader and more sustained military operation' denounced by domestic groups representing hostage families
By The Week UK Published
-
Can Ukraine make peace with Trump in Saudi Arabia?
Talking Point Zelenskyy and his team must somehow navigate the gap between US president's 'demands and threats'
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine: where do Trump's loyalties really lie?
Today's Big Question 'Extraordinary pivot' by US president – driven by personal, ideological and strategic factors – has 'upended decades of hawkish foreign policy toward Russia'
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
What will Trump-Putin Ukraine peace deal look like?
Today's Big Question US president 'blindsides' European and UK leaders, indicating Ukraine must concede seized territory and forget about Nato membership
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Donald Trump behind potential Gaza ceasefire and will it work?
Today's Big Question Israel and Hamas are 'on the brink' of a peace deal and a hostage exchange, for which the incoming president may take credit
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Experts call for a Nato bank to 'Trump-proof' military spending
Under The Radar A new lender could aid co-operation and save millions of pounds, say think tanks
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Taliban’s ‘unprecedented’ crackdown on opium poppy crops in Afghanistan
feature Cultivation in former poppy-growing heartland Helmand has been slashed from 120,000 hectares to less than 1,000
By Julia O'Driscoll Published