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US Secretly Speeds Pakistan Military Aid

Washington funnels helicopters, arms, technology for Taliban fight

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2009 6:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Pakistani government keeps insisting that the US has little to no role in its offensive in Taliban-controlled border regions—but out of sight, Washington has funneled hundreds of millions of dollars worth of arms and equipment to the country's forces this year. President Obama himself intervened at one point to speed 10 helicopters to Pakistan for its campaigns in Swat and South Waziristan. There are also around 150 special forces soldiers advising the Pakistani forces, although none in a combat role.

Senior US and Pakistani officials would only talk to the New York Times off the record, since Pakistan believes any hint of US involvement gives insurgents further cause to fight. This weekend the Pakistani army's spokesman told reporters, "Let us finish the job on our own"—yet privately, officials grouse that aid has been slow in coming and equipment is less than state-of-the-art. "Pakistan still does not have all the weapons or assistance that it needs to do the job right," lamented one expert.

Soldiers board a vehicle in Karachi, Pakistan. The US has supplied the Pakistani army with substantial aid in recent months.
Soldiers board a vehicle in Karachi, Pakistan. The US has supplied the Pakistani army with substantial aid in recent months.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
Family members of Asif Ali, a soldier killed during the Army operations in South Waziristan, mourns his death before his funeral in Karachi, Pakistan.
Family members of Asif Ali, a soldier killed during the Army operations in South Waziristan, mourns his death before his funeral in Karachi, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Netstorm2k10
Oct 29, 2009 12:32 PM CDT
This is how we start all our debacles; first funds, weapons, and advisors. It's called buying stock in the country. This is why our corporations all own so many resources in South America. First we give them money and military aid, and then once the reigning regime is in our debt, we start telling them which direction to hop so our robber-barons can make a profit. It's the American way.
Mia
Oct 29, 2009 4:36 AM CDT
But we always have the best weapons technology. And if all else fails, we can nuke. You have to do some shady deals to make allies.
World • Politics • US

 
Barack Obama • Pentagon • Pakistan • Waziristan • Swat • US military aid • Pakistan army • South Waziristan

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