U.S. Forgives $1B in Pakistani Debt

Yahoo! News ^ | Sat Apr 5 2003 | Paul Haven

[AM2000]

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The United States wrote off $1 billion in Pakistani debt in a ceremony in the capital on Saturday, one of the rewards for President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's support for the war on terrorism.

The debt relief represents nearly one third of what Pakistan owes the United States. The rest of the money was rescheduled on more favorable terms last year with approval from Congress.

"Today's signing represents a promise kept and another milestone in our expanding partnership," U.S. Ambassador Nancy Powell said at a signing ceremony with Pakistani officials.

Powell added that "the United States is in Pakistan for the long-term."

The often tense relationship between the United States and Pakistan came to a head in the days after the Sept. 11 attacks.

As President Bush (news - web sites) rallied countries to back a strike on Osama bin Laden (news - web sites)'s al-Qaida network and its Afghan hosts, he demanded Pakistan decide whether it was an ally or enemy of the United States.

Musharraf chose to be an ally, severing ties with Afghanistan (news - web sites)'s Taliban regime and allowing U.S. troops to use Pakistan territory for logistical operations.

Since the war, Pakistan has been vital in the hunt for al-Qaida fugitives. Three of the top al-Qaida arrests have occurred in Pakistan, including the March 1 arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The decision to back Washington has earned Pakistan dividends in the form of Western aid packages and debt relief, but it has also brought a wave of violence by Islamic extremist groups angry over Musharraf's abandoning of the Taliban.

The relationship between America and Pakistan has been tested again over the war in Iraq (news - web sites). Pakistan has condemned military action against Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s regime, saying it preferred a peaceful solution. But the government has also blamed Iraq for refusing to disarm.

Pakistanis are overwhelmingly against the war, and anger at the U.S. action has helped a coalition of hardline religious groups surge in popularity in recent months. Still, officials on both sides said the debt relief was a sign of renewed friendship.

"The new relationship between the United States and Pakistan is not just about Sept. 11," Powell said. "It is about the rebirth of a long-term partnership between our two countries."

[aimhigh]

The United States wrote off $1 billion in Pakistani </><pPTranslation = U.S. taxpayers involuntarily donate $1 billion to country that severely persecutions Christians and other non-Islamic religions.

[joesnuffy]

The White Man's Burden- Kipling


Take up the White man's burden --
And reap his old reward:
The blame of those ye better,
The hate of those ye guard --
The cry of hosts ye humour
(Ah, slowly!) toward the light: --
"Why brought ye us from bondage,
"Our loved Egyptian night?"

[Libertarianize the GOP]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[AnnO]

As far as I am concerned I am in support of this. Sure the Muslim street is against us but the leaders have been performing honorably and eventually we can turn the street around but it will take time, a change in our media reaching the street with the TRUTH and above all our incredible show of strength in IRAQ!

[duk]

April 15 is about to be declared a national holiday.

Trying to vote this insanity out of congress has proven to be completly ineffective. That said, what really are our options to regain controll? I know it isn't Republicans, they are just as bad as the Democrats.

Fighting Mad....

[Fraulein]

Ping

[lilylangtree]

Since the US gave the Turks a $1 billion, why not give the Pakistanis a $1 billion to even the score. What's a billion here and a billion there? It's just money! (sarc in full bloom)

[Fraulein]

Since the US gave the Turks a $1 billion, why not give the Pakistanis a $1 billion to even the score.

And while we're at it...

U.S. Will Pay an Extra $100 Million in Increased UN Dues NEXT YEAR

[TLBSHOW]

I see it and add on top of this out rage the increase in money being paid to the united nations of commies. Its Disgusting and its way past time for a boston tea party.

[wcbtinman]

"What are our options to regain controll?(sic)

The only way to get to these guys is to not give them money. Without the ability to pay people to do the dirty work of the govt, they cannot function and have no power.

I would suggest that you file a return this year, but tell the IRS that you are broke, and don't have the money to pay any taxes. Work out a loooong term payment plan.

Outside of armed resistance, this may be the only way.

[tlrugit]

Since the US gave the Turks a $1 billion, why not give the Pakistanis a $1 billion to even the score. What's a billion here and a billion there? It's just money! (sarc in full bloom)

It is vitally important the interests of the United States that we follow through with promised rewards to those who help us advance our cause. Musharaf (sp) was placed in a no-win situation by Bin Laden's policies, he had no easy choices. He chose to take our part at no small risk or cost to himself, his regime and his country. He may yet traduce us or himself be betrayed and killed. For Pakistan this is a proof of the long term good intentions of the Unted States and a vindication of Musharaf's perilous choices.

[kellynla]

Since we (the US) are in such a generous mood why not forgive the federal income tax of all armed forces personnel....hmmmmmmmm

[Jesse]

Inquiring minds want to know. Does ANYBODY ever have to pay back these so-called loans we make to foreign countries. Anyone at all?

[lilylangtree]

You're logic is right. However, it's not easy to watch the US give $1 billion to the Turks for turning us down during the war but to stay away from the Kurds. It was like a threat. When the Turkish parliament failed to support the coalition forces and the $16 billion was removed from the bargaining table, the Turks deliberately moved into northern Iraq ostensibly to protect their borders, but in reality working up to a confrontation with the Kurds as a detractor to the war effort which the coalition forces could ill-afford to have occur. Then Powell hurriedly flies to Turkey and gives a $1 billion for the Turks to stay cool and calm. Frankly, he should have thrown in some right guard deodorant while he was negotiating Then the US turns around, knowing that Pakistan and Turkey are fighting over Kashmir, to even the score and basically gives Pakistan $1 billion. The politics of the situation is enough to croak over but I don't plan to do that anytime soon. All this money is coming from the taxpayers is what aggravates me.

[AM2000]

Then the US turns around, knowing that Pakistan and Turkey are fighting over Kashmir, to even the score and basically gives Pakistan $1 billion

Pakistan and Turkey are not fighting over Kashmir. To the best of my knowledge, they're not fighting over anything at all.

India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir. Both countries have been against the war in Iraq, but India has been much more vocal about its opposition. Back when we were going into Afghanistan, however, India was vocally in our favor while Pakistani support took some arm-twisting.

[lilylangtree]

Thank you. I stand corrected. My brain wasn't functioning all cylinders. Kashmir is the disputed land between India and Pakistan.

[ChadGore]

A billion here, a billion there, sooner or later that's real money.

[tlrugit]

Ah, I just might mention that Pakistan is fighting with India for Kashmir, not Turkey.

[lilylangtree]

I knew that. Unfortunately, when I misstated, my brain was caffeine-deficient, and I was peeved at the US offering Turkey a $1 billion when they didn't help us. In fact Turkey hindered the war effort by moving some military into Northern Iraq to ostensibly protect their interests. Thanks for the heads up, though.