US POLICY AND THE BANGLADESH CRISIS OF 1971

This historical analysis examines United States policy toward the Bangladesh crisis of 1971, analyzing the strategic calculations, diplomatic maneuvers, and humanitarian dimensions of American engagement during the liberation war. The article explores the Nixon administration's "tilt" toward Pakistan and investigates the factors behind this policy orientation, including Cold War considerations, regional balance of power calculations, and personal relationships between leaders. The research assesses the implementation of US policy through various channels including diplomatic communications, economic assistance, military supplies, and intelligence cooperation. The study examines the internal debates within the US government regarding Bangladesh policy, analyzing differences between the White House, State Department, and Congress. The article also evaluates the impact of US policy on the liberation struggle and assesses the consequences for subsequent US-Bangladesh relations. Furthermore, the analysis considers the broader implications of the Bangladesh case for understanding US foreign policy in regional conflicts during the Cold War.

The United States policy toward the Bangladesh crisis of 1971 represented a controversial chapter in American foreign relations, with this article providing a comprehensive historical analysis of policy formulation and implementation. The research begins by examining the strategic context of US policy in South Asia during the early 1970s, analyzing how the Nixon administration's opening to China and broader Cold War considerations influenced regional approaches. The analysis explores the personal dimension of US policy, investigating the relationship between President Nixon, National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, and Pakistani leaders, and how this affected policy decisions. The article investigates the bureaucratic politics of US policy, examining differences between the White House, State Department officials including the "Blood Telegram" dissent, and congressional concerns about human rights violations. The study assesses the implementation of US policy through various instruments, including diplomatic support for Pakistan in international forums, continued economic and military assistance, and intelligence cooperation. The research evaluates the humanitarian dimension, analyzing US response to the refugee crisis and human rights abuses during the conflict. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes both the immediate and long-term consequences of US policy for Bangladesh-US relations and for American credibility in the region. The findings provide valuable insights into how great power interests and Cold War calculations can override humanitarian concerns in foreign policy decision-making and contribute to understanding the complex interplay of different factors in crisis diplomacy.