U.S. May Cut Aid to Pakistan for Hiding Osama bin Laden

Congress is considering cutting the nearly $1.3 billion in aid to Pakistan if investigations indicate that the country’s government knew the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden and failed to inform the U.S. In addition to being a great way to trim the federal budget deficit, it would probably send a strong message to a country that has actually had the audacity to criticize the U.S. raid on bin Laden. Senator Diane Feinstein, a Democrat from California, has already noted that she wants further details on the matter from the CIA. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, also noted that the country would have to show a commitment to fighting terrorism in order to continue to receive aid.

Noted Hoyer, "I don’t know whether it would be effective or counterproductive, we’ll have to look at that. It needs to be looked into." Pakistan apparently has U.S. lawmakers a bit angry and they want to know the answers to two very simple questions. Namely – what did Pakistani intelligence agents know about bin Laden’s whereabouts, and when? Noted Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, "I think this tells us once again that, unfortunately, Pakistan at times is playing a double game.

Senator Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, stood on the other side of the debate, saying, "For those who want to cut off aid to Pakistan, I understand your frustration. But at the end of the day, if you want to create a failed state in Pakistan, one of the best things to do is sever relationships. It is not in our national security interest to let this one event destroy what is a difficult partnership but a partnership nonetheless." At a guess, if it is determined that Pakistan knew where bin Laden was and didn’t notify the U.S., that argument is not going to hold water.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 5/4/2011