Pakistan Can Still Count On U.S. Aid

Source: Business Insider

May 3, 2011, 4:41 PM

The White House on Monday defended continuing U.S. aid to Pakistan in the wake of revelations that Osama bin Laden was hiding out in a million-dollar walled compound near Islamabad before he was slain by U.S. forces on Sunday.

Doubts about whether Pakistan has been a trusted partner in the effort against al-Qaida surfaced again after learning that the residence was located in an area surrounded by Pakistan military.

Even as John Brennan, the White House advisor on homeland security, contradicted Pakistan’s claims that the government was given advance warning by U.S. intelligence officials about the raid that led to the death of the 9/11 mastermind, he praised Pakistan’s efforts in the long-running war on terror. Brennan pledged continued military and foreign aid, which has totaled $18 billion since 2002, two-thirds of it security-related.

“That partnership is critically important to breaking the back of al-Qaida,” Brennan said during a White House press briefing. Bracing for what is certain to be heightened scrutiny of foreign military assistance to Pakistan, especially in the current tight fiscal environment; he called questions about aid to Pakistan “legitimate.” Bin Laden’s “location there raises questions,” Brennan said. “They seemed as surprised as we were that he was holding out” so close to the capital of Pakistan.



Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-can-still-count-on-aid-from-the-us-2011-5

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As I said in another thread....

It was an interesting White House Briefing today. Some highlights:

WH's Carney on US-Pakistan relations: 'It's a complicated but important relationship. Pakistan is a key partner in fight against terrorism'

More from White House on Pakistan: 'You have to be careful about tarring everyone in the government'

I would assume the White House knows far more than we do, or ever will. The weeks ahead are sure to be interesting as more information comes out.

Pakistan is armed and dangerous... we can only push them so far. Even with OBL dead, this president has more on his plate than many ever had in recent history.

is watching our backs. They would love to get "rid" of Pakistan. But I don't think it will go that far. It will be a lot of grumbling and protest "down with USA", but I think it will calm down, business as usual.

Is watching Pakistan's back, and watching us. They would love to ally fully with Pakistan but are restricted in doing so while we are so heavily connected with them.

...both speculation and being broadcast by the MSM.

I think that it is going to be interesting as more and more information is provided/leaked from the intelligence circles.

compound. We knew someone significant was housing himself there, but didn't know who. I guess the Pakistanis could have been in the same boat. Also it was brought out that we must retain an alliance with Pakistan and keep the government out of the hands of the terrorists. Pakistan is a nuclear armed country. UNFORTUNATELT!

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We have to buy our friends I take it? All foreign aide needs to stop.

Or we could just give them another $20 Billion. They are a terrorist state, and we are paying protection money. Let's just call it what it is.

it's in our interest