PAKISTAN IN THE REGIONAL AND GLOBAL POWER STRUCTURE.

The article reports on the position of Pakistan in the regional and global power environment. It states that Southwest Asia is an essential strategic region that has figured in the foreign and security policies of Pakistan. This fact is apparent in this country's participation in the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) alliance system and its close relationship with Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States. It also mentions that Pakistan remained neutral in conflicts involving Arab and Islamic states until the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. However, its decision to send armed forces against Iraq ultimately altered Pakistan's contention on neutrality.