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United States public opinion on the Indo-Pakistan conflict
Indo-Pakistani conflicts have culminated in four major wars between the two nations. These wars are First Kashmir War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and the Kargil War. The United States has had interests in all of these conflicts. United States public opinion plays a role in United States intervention in these conflicts. Shifts in U.S. opinion have also happened after major events, specifically 9/11 and the death of Osama Bin Laden. These opinion shifts have coincided with U.S. foreign actions, though the U.S. has typically been neutral in the conflict.

First Kashmir War

The First Kashmir War, sometimes known as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, was an armed conflict between the newly independent nations of India and Pakistan. The war was fought over the disputed territory of Kashmir, which remains an internationally controversial territory. The United States did not intervene in this first conflict, but was part of the United Nations resolution that created a temporary peace agreement between the two nations.

Kargil War

The United States took a diplomatic role in the Kargil War, with the Clinton administration primarily advocating for peace. At the time, United States public opinion largely favored Israel over Muslim countries. During this conflict, Israel actively took a stance supporting India, leading to the American media and public to support India as well. During the war the issue of nuclear arms in India and Pakistan arose as both countries tested nuclear weapons in the months before the conflict. Overwhelmingly, the American public feel that it is safer for India to have nuclear weapons than it is for Pakistan. 72% of Americans feared that nuclear weapons in Pakistan may fall into the hands of Jihadists. During the conflict, US intelligence revealed that Pakistan had moved nuclear weapons toward the border. The United States directly threatened Pakistan with consequences in response. Reports indicated that India had also moved toward nuclear conflict, however the United States never intervened.

During the war many countries condemned Pakistan for its in instigating the conflict. While the United States remained neutral, President Clinton denied a direct appeal for assistance from Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Clinton later explained this denial as a response to Pakistan having killed bilateral talks.

9/11

In addition to conflicts between India and Pakistan, public opinion in the United States greatly shifted following the September 11th terrorist attacks. While historically the American public had similar views of India and Pakistan, the U.S. public has grown increasingly weary of the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Following 9/11, US public opinion showed many Americans no longer trusted Pakistan as an ally. A Gallup Poll conducted in 2004 showed that less than 30% of Americans find Pakistan to be mostly favorable as opposed to greater than 60% that found Pakistan to be mostly unfavorable. This lack of trust for Pakistan is exemplified in the U.S. operation to kill Osama Bin Laden, which took place in Pakistan without the consent or knowledge of the Pakistani government. The majority of Americans felt it was justified to enter Pakistan to kill Bin Laden without informing Pakistan, while the majority of Pakistanis felt it violated their sovereignty. In addition, post 9/11 attitudes saw US public opinion shift against muslims as the United States invaded Iraq.

United States Interests

The United States has strong economic interests in India but they also hold defense interests in Pakistan. Americans typically find economic interests to be more important than national security interests.