Tensions between the U.S and Pakistan flared Thursday after the State Department announced that it was slashing its military aid budget. Over $1 billion in expected aid to Pakistan is at risk.
“Today we can confirm that we are suspending … security assistance only to Pakistan at this time until the Pakistani government takes decisive action against groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. We consider them to be destabilizing the region and also targeting US personnel,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.
President Trump has taken a fast and furious approach to international politics. A few days ago he blasted Pakistan on social media.
“United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools,” Trump tweeted.
“They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!”
Previous administrations were too afraid of rocking the boat. Obama forked over billions of dollars of taxpayer money because he was expected to, he never he even thought to challenge the merits Pakistan’s request.
Pakistani officials reacted harshly to the proposed cessation. Their government has grown dependent on U.S. aid.
“Pak as anti-terror ally has given free to US: land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16yrs, but they have given us nothing but invective & mistrust. They overlook cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis,” tweeted the Defense Ministry.
(Source: New York Post)