Context
The US has decided to make concerted efforts to reduce drone strikes in Pakistan. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that Washington has made the decision keeping in view the tense relations between the two countries. Ties between Pakistan and the US have deteriorated rapidly; the killing of Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad in May sparked tensions. The situation worsened further last month with CIA and military officials accusing Pakistan of supporting militant networks. The new changes include granting State Department greater authority over strike decisions. It was also decided that Pakistan would be kept better informed of drone operations.
US drone strikes have been met with resistance in Pakistan. Unmanned predators attacks on suspected groups of militants have led to high civilian casualties, which has bred anti-American sentiment in the country.
