Is Pakistan our ally or enemy?

[Scott Robert Shaw]

The United States has a chance to save one billion dollars, without cutting any services that affect a single American. One billion is how much the United States gives to Pakistan each year to fight insurgents. And the U.S. should stop sending that money now that sensitive documents have been released suggesting Pakistan is not really a U.S. ally. In fact, these documents paint a picture of Pakistan as a country which gladly cashes our checks, but helps the Taliban fight against American soldiers in Afghanistan. The public stance of the U.S. government is that Pakistan is our friend. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just this month announced $500 million in assistance, calling the United States and Pakistan “partners joined in common cause.” But partners don’t help fund those seeking to kill us, then provide a safe haven upon their retreat. With the nine year war continuing to drag on with no end in sight, some in Congress are likely to increase pressure on Pakistan, and clearly the burden of proof is on that country to show they are not saying one thing but doing another. We have 100,000 troops in that country, and we owe it to them to stop insisting on being friends with those who are trying to kill them.

[Lefse]

It depends how much money we have available, and what day it is?