U.S. Strategy for South Asia

Byline: Huzaima Bukhari and Dr. Ikramul Haq Before 9/11, the focus of United States' foreign aid and investment in South Asia was aimed at promoting the cause of democracy, economic development, human rights and betterment of societies. For a region having over a billion people, the role of the U.S. economic program until recently, was very positive and productive. It not only opened new markets for U.S. investors but also provided local businessmen access to free world consumers. This mutually beneficial business relationship and generous foreign assistance helped most South Asian countries to counter poverty, unemployment and achieve improvements in all areas of governance. Unfortunately, post 9/11,the scenario changed everything for the worse. After the Bush administration's declaration of war on terrorism, the foreign aid strategy was restructured "to serve the goal of transformational development, which places greater emphasis on U.S. security interests."