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."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellation
Cartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop scene
In the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Operation Rubific: the government's secret Afghan relocation scheme
The Explainer Massive data leak a 'national embarrassment' that has ended up costing taxpayer billions
-
How long can Nato keep Donald Trump happy?
Today's Big Question Military alliance pulls out all the stops to woo US president on his peacemaker victory lap
-
How far would Russia go for Iran?
Today's Big Question US air strikes represent an 'embarrassment, provocation and opportunity' all rolled into one for Vladimir Putin
-
How the Israel-Iran conflict broke out
The Explainer Israel's strike on Iran's nuclear and missile programmes was years in the planning
-
What happens if Israel attacks Iran?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Israel is 'ready to strike' and Tehran has plans for counterattacks against the US as nuclear talks appear deadlocked
-
Is Israel finally feeling the heat on Gaza?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu allows aid to resume amid mounting international pressure and growing internal turmoil
-
Ukraine-Russia: is peace deal possible after Easter truce?
Today's Big Question 'Decisive week' will tell if Putin's surprise move was cynical PR stunt or genuine step towards ending war
-
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