United States bill proposes to stop aid to Pakistan till it cuts terror links

WASHINGTON: A Congressional Committee in its budgetary proposals for the year 2013 has prohibited economic and security assistance to Pakistan till it co-operates with the US in the fight against terrorism.
“The legislation prohibits economic and security assistance unless the government of Pakistan is cooperating with the US on counterterrorism efforts and other issues,” the house appropriations committee said as it released the
2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.
The bill totals $40.1billion in regular discretionary funding, which is $2billion or 5% below last year’s level. The bill running into 208 pages will be considered by a Congressional sub-committee later on Wednesday.
Among other things, the bill includes $8.2billion in overseas contingency operations /global war on terror funding, which will adequately provide for continued US involvement in frontline countries and other warrelated efforts.
In total, including war funding, the bill is $5billion — or 9% — below fiscal year 2012, the house committee said.
US envoy quit over CIA interference?
The growing influence of the CIA and Pentagon in shaping relations with Pakistan was a key reason behind American ambassador Cameron Munter’s decision to quit his post, the media claimed on Wednesday.
Munter was “frustrated” that the CIA and Pentagon were not on the same page as the US state department as far as policy on Pakistan is concerned , The News daily quoted its sources as saying.