Posted on 08/07/2007 6:33:03 PM PDT by blam
US aid ban threatens alliance, says Musharraf
By Isambard Wilkinson in Islamabad
Last Updated: 1:43am BST 08/08/2007
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, warned yesterday that America's recent decision to link US aid to Pakistan's efforts in tackling Islamic militants was an "irritant" between the two countries.
Relations between the US and Pakistan, a key ally in the war on terror, have soured since President George W Bush signed the new law last week.
It contains a provision, proposed by Democrats in Congress, which obliges the President to withhold aid if Pakistan is deemed not to have fulfilled its obligations in combating terrorism.
Gen Musharraf told visiting Democratic senator Richard Durbin that the new law "constituted an irritant in the bilateral relationship, which must be based on trust and confidence in moving forward on issues of common interest", a foreign ministry statement said.
Gen Musharraf is under pressure from America to clamp down on Pakistan's lawless region on the border with Afghanistan. Taliban fighters seek refuge in the area after clashes with Nato forces in Afghanistan and al-Qa'eda is regrouping there.
Yesterday Pakistan launched a major assault on militant hide-outs near the border. Ten militants were killed and at least seven wounded in the strongest response yet to a month of anti-government attacks.
“trust and confidence in moving forward on issues of common interest”
common interest IS the issue, LOL
We've had more steadfast allies in the past.
ten?
wow
“Give us the money and STFU!”
Two errors in the article.
First, there is no ban on the aid. Congress merely says that the President has to certify that Pakistan is cooperating in the WOT before aid is disbursed. The law contains clauses allowing the President waiver authority for national security reasons.
Second, the idea was not a Dummycrat one. It had support from both Dems and the GOP in both houses - after the recent NIE report came out.
The Pakistanis want our $$, weapons, diplomatic support and praise while they cut “peace” deals with terrorists and cause loss of American lives in Afghanistan while Al Qaeda sets up base in their backyard. They need to earn their keep.
Yep.... Pakistan is our “ally” only so long as we send money... LOTS of money....
Why is it that the fabulously rich Muslim nations in the area - presuming they too wish to survive the onslaught of militant Islamist lunatics, can’t support the “good guys” who are fighting the fight?
Just curious....
Why are WE the only dumb shits financing the war against the lunatics?
The Pakis have always trusted the Chicoms more than the Yanks.For close to 50 years now.
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