News
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Democrats question 6 billion dollars in aid to Pakistan
WASHINGTON: Congressional Democrats are questioning sharply a United States aid programme that has reimbursed Pakistan’s military by $6 billion since 2001, for anti-terrorism operations along its Afghanistan border. They contend the programme has grown too costly and has not delivered results. “The Bush administration has basically been shovelling taxpayer money to Pakistan, no questions asked, crossing its fingers and hoping that our Al Qaeda problem goes away,” said Democratic Senator Robert Menendez. “The more I learn about this programme, the more convinced I become that (it is) the wrong approach,” said Rep John Tierney. Democratic Senator Tom Harkin said future aid dollars must include “strict guarantees” that the money would be used for anti-terrorism and was making Americans safer. ap
Courtesy Daily Times