US offers Pakistan aid as it seeks help in Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N17149324.htm

WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush's $87 billion war budget includes debt relief and other assistance for Pakistan, a key ally in the war on terrorism which is under U.S. pressure to send troops to Iraq, according to budget documents released on Wednesday.

Wrapped in with tens of billions of dollars for the U.S. military and Iraq's reconstruction, Bush asked Congress to allow up to $200 million to be used to provide debt reduction to Pakistan.

The spending plan, which must still be approved by Congress, also sets aside $1.4 billion to "reimburse Pakistan, Jordan and other key cooperating nations" for logistical and military support they provide in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Such support includes transportation into the theater, providing supplies to coalition forces in the theater, and helping coalition forces with communication support," the White House said in its budget documents.

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[E_Zapata]

1. Fuck - why not give some debt relief to like a US state?

oh noooooooooooooooooo.........that's out of the question.

I am so mad about this whole thing. Millions of americans saw the writing on the wall on all issues re invading Iraq, like before it even started.

What about providing cannon fodder in the form of young soldiers? Isn't that a key component to this whole thing?

Bastards.

[wtmusic]

2. A bribe by any other name

Pakistan would have to be nucking futs to send troops to Iraq

[punpirate]

3. I would guess...

... that the domestic repercussions in Pakistan would be considerable. Musharref wants to hold onto to what he has, and for him to send Islamic troops to fight against Islamic people in Iraq would likely cause his own military to overthrow him. A similar appeal from the Bushies was made before the invasion, and they didn't bite then--I don't expect them to do so now.

Cheers.

[seasat]

4. What's wrong with this picture?

We invaded a country with a military dictator that posed no threat to us and are sending aid to a country with a military dictator that has nukes and may have sold nuclear technology to N. Korea. Plus, haven't they figured out that our support of dictators in the Middle East is one of the reasons why the people over there hate us so much? It's how we helped create Sadaam.