Austrian military aviation historian and conflict analyst Tom Cooper has criticised the recent upswing in US-Pakistan relations following Operation Sindoor, calling it “silly” and politically motivated.
In an interview with ANI, Cooper suggested that Islamabad’s outreach is aimed at helping US President Donald Trump project himself as a global peace broker. He pointed to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s warm reception in Washington as part of this strategy, noting Trump’s interest in showcasing himself as the one who averted a nuclear crisis with India.
During his US visit, Munir had warned that Pakistan could use nuclear weapons against India in an existential crisis and vowed to protect its water rights over the Indus River “at all costs.” He also reiterated Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir, calling it an “unresolved international issue.”
According to Cooper, Pakistan’s charm offensive — mixing counterterrorism cooperation, trade deals, and praise for Trump — has led to unexpected gains, including Trump lauding Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts and even nominating himself for the Nobel Peace Prize for an alleged India-Pakistan ceasefire.
Cooper dismissed Pakistan’s nuclear threats as hollow, noting India has crossed multiple “red lines” without provoking retaliation. He compared the recent US-Pakistan interactions to “two little kids arguing about whose father is stronger.”
He accused Washington of having a “goldfish memory” about Pakistan’s role in terrorism and nuclear proliferation, saying the US knowingly overlooks Islamabad’s “jihad import-export business” for strategic convenience.
While Cooper doubted that the US would militarily side with Pakistan against India, he predicted continued indirect support through arms sales, spare parts, and training. Pakistan, he argued, values such backing and uses flattery to secure it.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also weighed in, condemning Munir’s nuclear remarks and calling them proof of Pakistan’s “irresponsibility” and its military’s close ties with terrorist groups.
