No Exit from Pakistan: America's Tortured Relationship with Islamabad

Though this book's title suggests mere policy prescription, No Exit contributes in several ways. First, before wading into policy, the author faces head-on the question of how an American audience should view the country that is the subject of the book. Some classic works on Pakistan have described the main power centers in the country -- think Haqqani or Nasr. Others have tackled isolated questions: for instance, whether or not the government is headed for failure. But, in addition to covering those details, this book stands out in its description of the four partially-contradictory lenses through which Americans might view Pakistan. This shows implicitly how much outsiders can miss by seeing the country through a single lens.Second, No Exit provides a helpful historical overview of US-Pakistan relations, including incidents that have unfolded recently. The historical sections are well-written and feature recaps of some interesting interactions between the author and Pakistani figures, sometimes at key moments. Third, Markey outlines the main strands of anti-Americanism in the country: different groups have different primary complaints about the US relationship. Finally, the book engages in policy prescription not by presenting a silver bullet but by sketching out three main approaches that are available to the US; he explains the benefits and pitfalls of each one and explains why elements of each may need to factor into policy.

This is the first time a leading American scholar on Pakistan so vehemently dispels the myths surrounding the Pakistani army's exceptionalism. Markey, who formerly worked for the State Department, has emerged as a new ardent supporter for US cooperation with Pakistan's civilian leadership instead of the powerful army. This book challenges the dominant narrative in Washington DC that has always talked about the inevitability of the Pakistan army. This book shows that a counter-narrative is fast taking roots in DC's policy circle against the previously held position by scholars like Dr. Stephen Cohen who portrayed the army as Pakistan's ultimate savior.

The positive reviews on the dust jacket are all from professionals in international relations, so I wasn't sure at first if this book would also be comprehensible to non-expert readers. But I was quite pleased to discover that this wasn't a problem at all and that "No Exit" should certainly appeal equally to both academics and laymen. When I start most books, I have to confess, I usually wonder if the author has gotten so close to his subject that he has lost his critical eye. One thing I appreciated about this book, however, is that it doesn't pull any punches when it comes to describing all the problems in our relationship with Pakistan and the circumstances (and people) behind these troubles. I was also relieved that I never got the sense that the author had any sort of ideological ax to grind... rather, it was a fair, comprehensive, and readable investigation of the history and issues at hand, their causes and possible remedies. The number of footnotes make it clear this is a well-researched book, but they're unobtrusive and never interfere with the readability or flow of the storytelling. I think anyone with an interest in this part of the world, regardless of their familiarity with Pakistan at the outset, would get a lot out of this book.

The book provides a deep background of the historical relationship between America and Pakistan. The author explains how over the years, inspite of the relationship being tenuous, at best, both countries have needed each other. Author suggests what can be done by both sides to help improve this relationship and alleviate the mutual distrust that has been brewing for many years.

This is an extremely well written and cogently argued book. It presents a thorough picture of a very complex relationship between the US and Pakistan, a relationship that brings to mind that line from "Cheers": you can't live with them but you can't live without them. Neither side can afford to let this relationship fall to pieces, but both have a whole spectrum of mutual complaints corroding the day to day interactions. The author does a great job analyzing these issues, and goes beyond them, offering a structured set of thoughts on how the relationship may advance from the US standpoint. As he writes, in the end, this is not a sprint but a marathon, and Washington should accept it. A highly recommended read on this long-term strategic challenge for US foreign policy.

Well referenced and honestly critical of both parties. There is hope and a deeper more meaningful relationship is the way forward!!

Excellent historical narration of the US Pakistan relationship.I disagree with the author on one point. He believes that Pakistan has the potential of becoming a failed state, but it is not there yet. I believe that Pakistan is a failed state.

It's a waste of money don't buy thus book total joke and full of lies

ok book