Though neither side has announced details of their talks, experts say that ending the U.S. war with the Taliban in Afghanistan is the main topic. Hussain said that Pakistan is frustrated that the U.S. only wants to talk about Afghanistan.
“The United States seems only to see Pakistan through the prism of Afghanistan,” he said. “The main thing is we would like to be allies with the U.S., but with dignity.”
Optimistic Outlook?
Both Pompeo and Khan said they were pleased with how the meeting went.
Khan, a former cricket star, said, “You know, I’m a born optimist. A sportsman always is an optimist. He steps on the field and he thinks he’s going to win.”
Pompeo seems optimistic as well, but knows there’s work ahead.
“We have worked closely with the Pakistanis in my role as CIA director. Our teams have been working together for a long time,” he said. “I hope we can turn the page and begin to make progress, but there are real expectations. We need Pakistan to seriously engage to help us get to the reconciliation we need in Afghanistan.”
