[Guardian Unlimited, U.K.]

The Nation, Pakistan

America's Empty Threat of an Aid Cut-Off to Pakistan

"Most of the aid is destined to reinforce Pakistan's capability to fight America's War on Terror; the rest is peanuts."

EDITORIAL

February 28, 2007

Pakistan – The Nation – Original Article (English)

White House denials that President Bush sent Vice President Dick Cheney to Pakistan to convey a "tough message" to General Musharraf - to curb the militants in the tribal areas or face an aid cut - stands belied by a Foreign Office statement issued after Mr. Cheney's meeting with Pakistan's leader on Monday.

At her weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson maintained that there was no threat of a cut in assistance. But when she added that Pakistan alone would decide what steps to take to counter militancy and that it would not accept "dictation" from outside, it was obvious that the meeting failed to bring about a common approach to tackling the problem.

Contrary to Washington's wish for Islamabad to control activities in support the Taliban in North Waziristan by armed force, the President did well to defend the government peace deal  with tribal leaders there, expressing his belief that political and administrative measures would work far better.

Obviously, the U.S. interest is simply to see an end to the movement of militants across the border, whatever the cost to Pakistan of bringing that about. But for Pakistan, to forestall a backlash and prevent the alienation of the tribes, it's extremely important that persuasion and development rather than force and coercion be used.

The United States should respond more positively to General Musharraf's remark that Afghan, NATO and American forces should also do their part to control cross-border activity, for Pakistan has done the maximum it could.

A noteworthy point is that while there is a hue and cry about the need for Islamabad to "do more," one hears far less about the refusal of major NATO powers to commit their troops to "dangerous" areas, which could be a crucial deterrent to infiltration.

Before pointing a finger at Pakistan, the United States would be well advised to see how the proud Afghans view the presence of foreign forces in their country. This was demonstrated by the suicide attack on Bagram Air Base where Mr. Cheney was staying.

He remained safe but the blast killed 20, including three members of the occupying forces. It hardly seems likely that Washington will follow through on its threat to cut aid. After all, most of the aid is destined to reinforce Pakistan's capability to fight America's War on Terror; the rest is peanuts. The long-term priorities of the United States in the region have been badly exposed by the discriminatory attitude it has adopted toward Pakistan when compared to India. The rift that is expanding was only to be expected.

 The President's refusal to bow to America's wishes is in the national interest. Rather than remaining as Western-oriented as it is today, it is hoped that the Foreign Office will take a cue and alter its policy direction accordingly.