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Historically it's been about keeping a thumb on Afghanistan. For better or worse, Pakistan has had a government which means you can negotiate with Pakistan and have a thumb in the middle east, should you need to contain Iran or Russia. Sound diplomatic relations with Pakistan means that if push comes to shove you've got airspace you can refuel over, bases you can use in an emergency and intelligence you don't have to treat as hostile. I would describe this development as suboptimal.