Why Pakistan should not be judged by the fate of US-Iran relations?

In world politics, influence is often associated with military strength, economic power and the ability to reward or punish. Yet a recent analysis published by South Asian Voices, a publication of the Stimson Center, highlights how Pakistan demonstrated that a middle power can exercise diplomatic influence through geography, credibility, access and timing. According to the analysis, Pakistan was uniquely positioned to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran. It shares a long border with Iran, maintains longstanding relations with the United States and possesses credibility within the wider Muslim world. Unlike major powers that can employ economic incentives or…