> Pakistan is a big and important country, so their position is actually important. To further your point: Pakistan has the 5th largest population in the world

> Pakistan is a big and important country, so their position is actually important. To further your point: Pakistan has the 5th largest population in the world, has complicated relationships (including contested borders 20 miles from its capital) with #2 and #1, and has a weak enough economy that a little money can go a long way. I would be shocked if the US weren't applying any force to its politics.