U.S. Defers Millions in Pakistani Military Aid

[alp227]

Source: The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is suspending and, in some cases, canceling hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to the Pakistani military, in a move to chasten Pakistan for expelling American military trainers and to press its army to fight militants more effectively.

Coupled with a statement from the top American military officer last week linking Pakistan’s military spy agency to the recent murder of a Pakistani journalist, the halting or withdrawal of military equipment and other aid to Pakistan illustrates the depth of the debate inside the Obama administration over how to change the behavior of one of its key counterterrorism partners.

Altogether, about $800 million in military aid and equipment, or over one-third of the more than $2 billion in annual American security assistance to Pakistan, could be affected, three senior United States officials said.

This aid includes about $300 million to reimburse Pakistan for some of the costs of deploying more than 100,000 soldiers along the Afghan border to combat terrorism, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in training assistance and military hardware, according to half a dozen Congressional, Pentagon and other administration officials who were granted anonymity to discuss the politically delicate matter.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/world/asia/10intel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

[bemildred]

1. This ought to be interesting. nt

[lib2DaBone]

2. Pakistan didn't want us there anyway...

George Bush and Colon Powell forced their way into Pakistan under threats and duress.

Now we are dropping drone bombs killing their women and children...? How popular is this? I don't think they want our brand of "Democracy".

[loudsue]

6. They don't want us there, but they sure as hell want our tax dollars.

Our tax dollars seem to build nuclear/war arsenals all over the globe. There's a lot wrong with this picture.

[Vidar]

8. I agree. Other than the local rich bastards, why would anyone want

our brand of democracy?

[pettypace]

3. War with nuclear armed Pakistan

A country with 200 million people along with another million of them here in the US.

Better get that draft card ready America.

[Johnny Harpo]

4. And I Fear Pakistan Is Not 'Afraid' Of The Bomb....

I am not sure they comprehend the consequences of such an action.

[blackbart99]

5. Here are the consequences.....

If relations continue to deteriorate then we won't be able to sustain the war in Afghanistan.

We currently are shipping supplies through Pakistan for our war. So...let it deteriorate and
maybe the war will become unsustainable. Works for me...and Pakistan can fuck itself anyway.

They are hindering not helping.

[cosmicone]

7. Great strategy ...

I hope the suspension is made permanent and aid diverted to Baluchi freedom fighters to free baluchistan from Pakistan. That gives us a direct supply route to Afghanistan (from the port of Gwadar to Quetta) without ever needing Pakistan again.

Without American aid, Pakistan will come to its knees and be forced to develop its civilian economy which will be good for its citizens.