Source:
Business InsiderMay 3, 2011, 4:41 PM
The White House on Monday defended continuing U.S. aid to Pakistan in the wake of revelations that Osama bin Laden was hiding out in a million-dollar walled compound near Islamabad before he was slain by U.S. forces on Sunday.
Doubts about whether Pakistan has been a trusted partner in the effort against al-Qaida surfaced again after learning that the residence was located in an area surrounded by Pakistan military.
Even as John Brennan, the White House advisor on homeland security, contradicted Pakistan’s claims that the government was given advance warning by U.S. intelligence officials about the raid that led to the death of the 9/11 mastermind, he praised Pakistan’s efforts in the long-running war on terror. Brennan pledged continued military and foreign aid, which has totaled $18 billion since 2002, two-thirds of it security-related.
“That partnership is critically important to breaking the back of al-Qaida,” Brennan said during a White House press briefing. Bracing for what is certain to be heightened scrutiny of foreign military assistance to Pakistan, especially in the current tight fiscal environment; he called questions about aid to Pakistan “legitimate.” Bin Laden’s “location there raises questions,” Brennan said. “They
seemed as surprised as we were that he was holding out” so close to the capital of Pakistan.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-can-still-count-on-aid-from-the-us-2011-5
As I said in another thread....
It was an interesting White House Briefing today. Some highlights:
WH's Carney on US-Pakistan relations: 'It's a complicated but important relationship. Pakistan is a key partner in fight against terrorism'
More from White House on Pakistan: 'You have to be careful about tarring everyone in the government'
I would assume the White House knows far more than we do, or ever will. The weeks ahead are sure to be interesting as more information comes out.