Hillary Clinton arrives on Pakistan visit

[Turborama]

Source: BBC

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Islamabad at the start of a three-day visit to Pakistan.

The trip is being described as an attempt to turn a new page in the US relationship with the country.

As she arrived, she said that several civilian investment deals would be signed during her visit.

The US has concerns about the increasing numbers of militant attacks on the Pakistan authorities, and the security of its nuclear weapons.

"We have a relationship that we want to strengthen," Mr Clinton told reporters on arrival in Islamabad. "It is unfortunate that there are those who question our motives, perhaps are sceptical that we're going to commit to a long-term relationship, and I want to try to clear the air on that."

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8329166.stm

[Grinchie]

1. How come they didn't send Bill Clinton instead?

Like Hillary has any ability to come up with anything other than what the MIC script tells her to say.

Nothing like sending a NeoCon to deal with a country that just sucked up 10 Billion dollars in Military aid and then tells you to bend over.

Yep, you're doing a heckuva job Obama.

[pinto]

2. Whaa?

I agree that Pakistan is on the verge of splintering, Afghanistan's hardly a unified country, and our role in the both countries is a contentious issue. Both here and there.

Suggest another approach or two - there are a number of alternatives being discussed. But, imho, "Yep, you're doing a heckuva job Obama" doesn't seem constructive or pertinent.

[Grinchie]

3. It's not like Obama has a choice in the matter...

Nothing like sending Hillary with a goon squad of XE mercenaries for protection. You do know that they are CIA operatives right?

I'm sure nothing but good things will come out of the visit.

[saigon68]

5. Hope her (luck) is btter than Benazir Bhutto

[Turborama]

4. You should get with the facts

Instead of making shit up: "a country that just sucked up 10 Billion dollars in Military aid and then tells you to bend over"

1st, it was $7.5 billion, as described in this article which was posted on LBN just under 2 weeks ago: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4104502

2nd, it's not for military aid as was also described in the link above and later in the BBC article that's been posted in the OP:

Earlier this month, US President Barack Obama signed into law a $7.5bn aid package for Pakistan tripling non-military US aid to an annual outlay of $1.5bn for five years.

The aid money will not be directly handed over to Pakistan but will be spent on different development projects through the US embassy in Islamabad, Washington says.

[mopinko]

7. umm, cuz she is the SoS?

and bill is not?

[Turborama]

6. AP: Clinton says US `turning the page' with Pakistan

By ROBERT BURNS (AP) – 11 minutes ago

ISLAMABAD — On her first visit to Pakistan as secretary of state, Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday sought to chip away at anti-Americanism in this predominantly Muslim nation, while applauding the government for taking on violent extremist forces.

She also said the Obama administration intends to do more to support Pakistan on a wide range of issues, including economic development, energy generation, education and the environment. She suggested that the administration of former President George W. Bush had focused too narrowly on Pakistan's value as an ally in the war on terrorism, neglecting other aspects of the relationship.

"We are turning the page on what has been for the past several years primarily a security, anti-terrorist agenda," she told reporters on the flight from Washington. Anti-terrorism "remains a very high priority, but we also recognize that it's imperative that we broaden our engagement with Pakistan."

In an interview with Pakistan's Dawn TV, she was more pointed in describing what she sees as an obstacle to improving the U.S. image here.

"Maybe some in your country will say, No, I really didn't have a good opinion (of the U.S.) before; I thought it was all about, `Are you going to be with us or against us on the war on terrorism.' But this is a new day," she said. Her comment was a veiled reference to Bush's demand after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that Pakistan decide whether it would be an ally or an enemy.

More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gAOx1igr9WuB87pARePyhpBa-u2QD9BK1KN00