Congress Tears Up the Aid Check to Pakistan (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Congress awakened to the reality that Pakistan is not a trusted ally in the war on terror and cut off the latest installment of aid. Finally, our congressional representatives are beginning to understand Pakistan is using their relationship with us to line its wallet -- and nothing more.

Reuters reported the $700 million in aid hasn't been "cut" so much as it has been put on hold until Pakistan improves its cooperation in stopping roadside bombs. Pakistan's response was immediate -- after all, it is losing a sugar daddy payment -- and completely as expected. A senior Pakistani legislator said it could hurt bilateral relations between the countries if the U.S. stopped the aid.

Our relations with Pakistan are so dependent on it receiving a check from us on a regular basis that any other issue pales by comparison. I guess peace in Afghanistan only sounds good if the billions of dollars in economic and military aid convince it of such. Reuters reported the U.S. has given Pakistan more than $20 billion in aid since 2001.

That whole region poses serious challenges for the U.S. and our allies. We find it expedient to have a reliable supply route through Pakistan -- but at what price? We reasonably expect our allies to celebrate our triumphs, yet Pakistan was angered over the killing of Osama bin Laden. We expect our allies to provide open communications, especially during tactical maneuvers. Yes, Pakistan was incensed when a friendly-fire accident killed 24 of its troops and, according to The Guardian, has now issued a standing order to return fire against any NATO aggressive action.

I doubt Pakistan would get the time of day from the U.S. if it were not a nuclear power in that region. The problem with the American containment approach in this case is that Pakistan will take our money until our relations irreparably sour, then it will run to our enemies. It is playing both sides of the nuclear power struggle right now, and only the Pakistani military and government officials benefit.

Congress made a good start by freezing this aid. Now they need to finish the job by cutting all aid to Pakistan.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/asia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111213/pl_ac/10669899_congress_tears_up_the_aid_check_to_pakistan

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