Pakistan, July 26 -- For much of the post?9/11 era, Pakistan was cast as a reluctant ally, constantly told to do more even as it endured the heaviest toll of the war on terror-devastated cities, lives lost, and an economy strained by security demands. Today, the tone from Washington is noticeably different. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's acknowledgement of Pakistan's "everlasting sacrifices" and "positive role in global and regional peace" during his meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar suggests more than diplomatic pleasantries; it hints at a shift.

Equally significant was Army Chief General Asim Munir's private lunch with President Donald Trump, a gesture steeped in symbolism and quiet messaging. Trump has repeatedly praised ...