Which American President would be better for Pakistan, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump
As the US presidential election approaches on November 5th, two prominent candidates are vying for the presidency: current Vice President Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and former President Donald Trump from the Republican Party. This article explores their backgrounds and potential impacts on US-Pakistan relations.
Kamala Harris: Background and Political Journey
Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her father, Donald J. Harris, was a Jamaican economist, while her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, immigrated from India. Growing up in a diverse community, Harris was actively involved in the civil rights movement from a young age.
She graduated from Howard University in 1986 and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, in 1989. Her political career has been marked by resilience, and as the daughter of immigrants, she empathizes with the struggles of marginalized communities. Harris's leadership style has garnered significant support, particularly among women.
With President Joe Biden facing health issues and concerns about his age, the Democratic Party has rallied around Harris as a consensus candidate, positioning her as a strong contender against Trump.
Donald Trump: Background and Political Controversies
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in New York City. He graduated from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 and joined his family’s real estate business, becoming a well-known businessman and reality television star through "The Apprentice."
Despite his substantial support base, Trump is a controversial figure. His presidency was marred by scandals, including allegations related to extramarital affairs and financial misconduct. He was criticized for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and faced impeachment twice during his tenure.
Trump's first term was characterized by a strong pro-India stance and a less engaged approach toward Pakistan. His aggressive tactics towards China and the economic tensions that followed have raised concerns about how his presidency would impact Pakistan's foreign policy, particularly regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Comparative Analysis of Foreign Policy Approaches
Kamala Harris is expected to adopt a more collaborative approach towards China, which could facilitate smoother relations between Pakistan and the US, allowing continued cooperation on CPEC. In contrast, Trump's assertive policies towards China may complicate Pakistan's economic initiatives and further strain US-Pakistan relations.
While Harris's policies would likely align with those of Joe Biden, maintaining a favorable stance towards Pakistan, Trump’s past actions suggest a potential deterioration of ties, particularly given his administration's history of prioritizing India.
Potential Impact on Pakistan
If Kamala Harris becomes president, she is likely to uphold favorable policies towards Pakistan, supporting regional stability and economic cooperation. Conversely, Trump’s presidency could lead to increased difficulties for Pakistan, particularly concerning its relations with China and ongoing projects like CPEC.
Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Latif Khosa has suggested that Trump's presidency might alter the political landscape in Pakistan, potentially impacting Imran Khan’s legal challenges.
FAQs
Conclusion
As the US election draws near, the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will have profound implications for Pakistan. Harris's inclusive policies may foster a more supportive relationship, while Trump’s history of aggressive stances could pose challenges. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for evaluating the future of US-Pakistan relations.
