Event

The Rise and Fall of the US–Pakistan Relationship After 9/11

Join us for a discussion detailing the highs and lows of US-Pakistan relations during the consequential post-9/11 decade — and what that period can teach us about the relationship today.

Upcoming Event in

October 15, 2026 from 10:00 AM (US Eastern)

October 15, 2026 from 7:00 PM (Asia/Karachi)

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In his new book, “History Begins Today! The Rise and Fall of the US–Pakistan Relationship After 9/11,” Col. (ret.) David O. Smith offers an insider’s account of US-Pakistan relations during the pivotal decade following 9/11. Drawing on what he witnessed from postings in Islamabad and Washington, Smith traces the relationship’s highs and lows, highlights key inflection points, and identifies lessons from a period that continues to shape ties between Washington and Islamabad today. 

This event will draw on those lessons to ask timely questions about the current moment in US-Pakistan ties, which have dramatically rebounded since President Trump’s return to office. Discussants Shuja Nawaz and Tamanna Salikuddin will offer their assessments of where the relationship stands a quarter century after 9/11; they will also explore what policymakers on both sides can learn from the successes and failures of the post-9/11 decade in charting a path forward.

Featured Speakers

Colonel (ret.) David O. Smith, Distinguished Fellow, South Asia Program, Stimson Center

Shuja Nawaz, Former Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council

Tamanna Salikuddin, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security

Elizabeth Threlkeld, Senior Fellow and Director, South Asia Program, Stimson Center (Moderator)

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Akriti (Vasudeva) Kalyankar
Asfandyar Mir
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Betzalel Newman