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Boosted US Presence Rankles Pakistan

Military fears too many strings are attached to new $7.5 billion in aid

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2009 1:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – The $7.5 billion aid package to Pakistan recently approved by the Senate appears to have triggered more suspicion than goodwill. Many in Pakistan, especially in the military, object that the conditions tied to the aid—which include keeping the military out of politics—are an unacceptable encroachment on national sovereignty. Suspicions have been further exacerbated by US plans to boost America's diplomatic and security presence in Pakistan.

The aid agreement is a "charter for new colonization," charged one opposition lawmaker. Military and intelligence services view US plans to use private contractor DynCorp to provide protection for a huge new American diplomatic facility in Islamabad as an attempt by the Yanks to set up their own shadow security network in Pakistan, officials tell the New York Times. American officials say the expanded diplomatic and security presence is needed to monitor how the aid is being spent.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

A Pakistani armored vehicle fires toward Taliban positions in Loi Sam, in the Bajur tribal region, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, Pool, File)

Supporters of a hardline Islamist party 'Jamaat-e-Islami' chant slogans during an anti-US. rally in Peshawar, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)

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People think this government has sold us to the Americans again for their own selfish interests. - Jahangir Tareen, a former cabinet minister and a member of Parliament

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Pragmaticrealism

Oct 6, 2009 8:10 AM CDT

We are building fortresses within a supposedly soverign country in the name of what? Planting shadow military NGOs, and their 'security personnel' throughout their cities? What would you think or do if overnight your nation was infiltrated by forces openly wielding the world's most deadly weapons, under the guise of support??? Ask yourself before accusing Pakistanis of being ungrateful. That's laughable.

George_Taylor

Oct 6, 2009 7:36 AM CDT

We are trying to protect their government, but they feel it's not worth it. Is our presence too strong for a simple taliban undermining crusade? At $1.5 billion a year... it's likely.

oldgoat

Oct 6, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

So we are suppose to just hand over a few billion dollars just for the fun of it? Sorry but the military is a part of the problem in Pakistan. It not only is too close with running the country, but also with terror groups.

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Boosted US Presence Rankles Pakistan