The Decline of American Client States (The Atlantic)

Afghanistan
Foreign Assistance: $3.2 billion
U.S. Troops: 99,000
Strategic Value: Counter-terrorism
Status: Migraines in Washington

Pakistan
Foreign Assistance: $2.9 billion
U.S. Troops: 133 (officially)
Strategic Value: Afghan war, counter-terrorism, Pakistan-India peace
Status: Client relationship at risk

Iraq
Foreign Assistance: $2.4 billion
U.S. Troops: 46,000
Strategic Value: Counter-terrorism, bulwark against Iran, not falling into chaos
Status: Mixed

Israel
Foreign Assistance: $3.1 billion
U.S. Troops: 35
Strategic Value: Israel-Palestine peace, Middle East peace
Status: Migraines in Washington

Saudi Arabia 
Foreign Assistance: None
U.S. Troops: 555
Strategic Value: Oil, counter-terrorism, bulwark against Iran
Status: Client relationship at risk



        There are many reasons for the decline in U.S. client states. Some reasons include that the U.S. has a habit of choosing the most down trodden states, places where they can be the "hero", or because our democratic movements are pressuring the client states to adhere to popular domestic will instead of giving our foreign guidance.  The article seems mention that clientelism was doomed from the start and I agree, it just seems to be a milder, more politically correct form of colonization. In a way, The United States is pushing their way of governing, democracy, we don't exactly help the people but support less then ideal regime leaders in return for goods (Saudi Arabia and oil) as well as strategic geographical and political reasons to help counter terrorism. Now again, this is my personal opinion and it may not be correct, but these are some reasons why we are losing client states. Being labeled a client state seems to be a negative thing, you are a weak nation that needs the help of a larger state, in these 5 cases, you need the help of America, which may or may not always be a good thing. In the case of Israel it is a great thing, you receive that most aid out of all of the Middle Eastern countries, you get the best and most updated military support and equipment, being a U.S. client is awesome for you. However, the relationship within Pakistan is a growing mount of tension. Not only was the discovery of bin Laden only a short distance from Pakistan's West Point, but Mike Mullen, the Joint Chiefs Chairman accused Pakistan of sponsering the Haqqani network known to be aligned with the Taliban, and even labeled it as a "veritable rm" of Pakistani military intelligence. These client states seem more like game board pieces in America's security game then a nice "give and take" relationship.