Kerry, Lugar aim to triple nonmilitary aid to Pakistan

[Coventina]

Source: Boston Globe

WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman John F. Kerry and ranking Republican Richard Lugar introduced a bill yesterday that would triple nonmilitary assistance to Pakistan to $1.5 billion annually for the next five years in a bid to help stabilize the democratically-elected government of President Asif Ali Zardari, who is besieged with a festering insurgency and a domestic financial crisis.

The aid plan, which Kerry attempted to get passed last summer, would fund roads, schools, and clinics at a time when many average Pakistanis have grown disillusioned with their government and the US-prompted war against Taliban militants who have taken control of large parts of the country.

When asked at a news conference whether the funding would come too late to help Zardari, Kerry acknowledged that "we have lost a lot of time."

But the Massachusetts Democrat said the money would be an important signal of America's long-term commitment to Pakistan, where many see the United States as a fair-weather friend that will withdraw its aid as soon as its goals are accomplished.



Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/05/05/kerry_lugar_aim_to_triple_nonmilitary_aid_to_pakistan/

[blm]

1. I prefer strengthening the bonds with the people and helping them with REAL NEEDS that govt.

in Pakistan has ignored for many years.

This has been Kerry's goal for decades - With Obama in the WH he finally has a president who will appreciate his efforts to craft doable legislation.

[karynnj]

2. Me too - and that believe seems to be at the very core of

the way Senator Kerry sees the best of foreign policy. It is wonderful to have a President and the top Senate FP person in agreement on this.