Kerry-Lugar Bill or an attempt to further pressurize Pakistan

[BATMAN]

Shujaat terms Kerry-Lugar Bill ‘Kerry looter bill’
By Dr Mumtaz Uqaili

THATTA: PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Sunday that the Kerry-Lugar Bill was actually the ‘Kerry looter bill’ for looting the assets of Pakistan.

He, along with PML-Q Secretary-General Mushahid Hussain Syed, expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Shirazi House here. Shujaat said there was no relief for the Pakistanis in this bill.

Responding to a question, Shujaat said the role of Musharraf in the politics of Pakistan would be determined in future. Mushahid said the government had completely failed to fulfil all the promises it had made with the people. He said the government did not have the courage to bring the NRO to parliament. The PML-Q leader said the government had subjected the people to power crisis and it did not appear to end by year-end, as was promised by the minister for power. He also criticised rental power projects.

He accused the government of damaging the local bodies system and said it failed to fulfil its promise to hold elections. Mushahid opposed the proposal of construction of a new city — Zulfiqarabad — in the Thatta district and termed it wastage of money and resources. He termed Thatta a historic city that should be developed instead of constructing a new city.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

Well, here is the MQM response:

‘Kerry-Lugar Bill will erode national sovereignty’​

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By By our correspondent
Karachi

Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM-Haqiqi) Chairman Afaq Ahmed has said that accepting the conditions attached to the Kerry-Lugar Bill would erode national sovereignty, claiming the Bill would likely increase American involvement in Pakistani affairs.

Talking to journalists at the City Courts after the hearing of a case registered against him, Ahmed said: “There are certain clauses in the Bill which allude to attacking targets in Balochistan, while US interference in appointments and promotions in the Pakistan Army are certainly against national sovereignty.”

Bitterly criticising the growing inflation, lawlessness, and incidents of terror, the MQM-H chief said that on the one hand, anti-Pakistan forces were trying their best to destabilise the country, while on the other, the incumbent rulers were occupied elsewhere. He said that the infamous mercenary organisation, Blackwater, had initiated its covert activities in the country, but nobody was paying heed to these anti-Pakistan activities and conspiracies.
‘Kerry-Lugar Bill will erode national sovereignty’

 

[muse]

An Alternate view:


Analysing Kerry-Lugar
Syed Mohammad Ali



Over the years, US assistance to Pakistan has fluctuated with political events, sending mixed messages and leading most Pakistanis to question both the intentions and sustainability of US support.

Conversely, the US public and policy makers suspect that they are paying too much and getting too little. To allay such fears, and to particularly contend with speculations concerning the lack of transparency of US aid which has begun pouring into Pakistan since the commencement of the ‘war against terror’, policy makers in the US began working on a new bill to more effectively help Pakistan achieve internal stability, accountability and growth.

The US Senate has just unanimously passed the revised version of the Kerry-Lugar bill, which has tripled non-military aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion per annum. With the approval of this new aid package, Pakistan has once again become one of the top recipients of US monetary assistance in the world. The US Congress has made a multi-year (five years) commitment to Pakistan, which is said to demonstrate the increasing realisation in Washington for the need for forging a long-term relationship with Pakistan, and building much needed mutual trust.

Yet, there are some serious contentions concerning this new aid being funnelled into Pakistan, which do merit a closer look. While proponents of Kerry-Lugar claim it will help Pakistan break its debilitating cycle of instability, achieve progress on fighting corruption, enhance delivery of government services, and help promote broad based economic growth, its critics are making contrary claims.

Much of the controversy surrounds the alleged conditionalities implicitly tied to the latest US aid package. In recent months, the fear of US aid being used as a tool to compel Pakistan to do more in the fight against terrorism or to even undermine its nuclear programme have resurfaced.

While US officials are being cautious not to blame Pakistan for showing indifference towards cross-border activities of the Taliban, they do maintain that unspecified individuals in Pakistan are sympathetic towards them. They also think that the Afghan Taliban leaders are hiding in Quetta and in the northern areas. Mullah Omar is also thought to move freely across the border and some other major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi.

However, US officials coming to Pakistan have been asserting that no conditions had been attached to the Kerry-Lugar bill that is against the declared policy of the government of Pakistan. Pakistan’s ambassador to the US has also said that these conditions do not subvert Pakistan’s national interests as Pakistan is already committed to policies such as nuclear non-proliferation, fight against terrorism and stopping anybody from misusing its soil for terrorist activities against other countries.

Moreover, the civilian aid, unlike the military assistance, is said to need no certification from the US Secretary of State. The release of civilian assistance does however demand a routine assurance by the special US envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan that it is being used properly.

The incoming aid to Pakistan is meant to create reconstruction opportunity zones in the tribal areas. Besides USAID, a multi-donor trust — headed by the World Bank — had also been announced for development in FATA, the NWFP and Balochistan. Southern Punjab is also going to be a major recipient of this latest US aid, given fears of growing extremism in this region. The US funds are also meant to help Pakistan meet its energy challenges, and a high level US delegation is scheduled to commence talks with Pakistani counterparts within a few weeks to work out a plan for energy generation.

Brushing aside criticism that this aid will be tied to use of US firms in the delivery of aid, US and Pakistani officials state that Pakistani organisations will be preferred over US organisations for use of the aid under the legislation. To further rebut general fears, it is being stressed that the revised bill has only authorised $40 million for administrative, monitoring and auditing purposes every year, which means that a majority of the incoming funds will be spent on poor people themselves.

The language of the revised bill is also far less prescriptive and stringent than the original version. For instance, specific references to India as well as AQ Khan have been eliminated. And, this is the first time since 1980 that a US aid package has been authorised for Pakistan with no automatic sanctions trigger.

Nonetheless, the recently approved Kerry-Lugar Bill has been called a ‘straitjacket’ by sections of the local media. The current Pakistan government is being termed ignorant to the contents of the bill, and it is being blamed for surrendering once again to US dictations. Even a constitutional petition has been filed before the Supreme Court claiming that Pakistan’s acceptance of the Kerry-Lugar bill is tantamount to admitting all the allegations of terrorism levelled against the country, which is against the integrity and security of Pakistan.

Senators from both the treasury and opposition benches have also come down hard on the supposed conditions attached to aid through the Kerry-Lugar bill, which they also claim will jeopardise the integrity of the country and are an attempt by the US to take control of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and its foreign and economic policy.

Instead of being critical just for the sake of criticism, however, it would be better if the media and the opposition were to look more closely into the text of the revised version of the Kerry-Lugar bill, and to double check claims of US and Pakistani officials concerning not only the sanction clauses, but also the administrative costs of incoming aid, and means to ensure involvement of local organisations in its disbursal.

If most of their fears are alleviated, it would still be useful for the current opposition and the media to play a constructive role in maintaining vigilance during the process of aid disbursals over the next five years, so that there is eventually more progress to show on the ground, once the allocated funds have been spent.

The writer is a researcher. He can be contacted at ali@policy.hu

 

[muse]

And then there is this : Note what Gen. talat Masood has to say about the viablity of the Pakistani state without foreign funding - :

Implications of US aid



By Talat Masood
US Congress voted last Wednesday to triple aid to Pakistan to 1.5 billion dollars every year for five years. The long-term US commitment that aims to build a strategic partnership with Pakistan has generated a serious controversy. The PPP government has hailed it as a great foreign policy success and a qualitative jump in its relations with United States, and opponents calling it a sell-out of our sovereignty. Clearly, the conditions are stringent and reflect the extent of political leverage the super power is able to exercise over us. But in return it brings considerable benefits in form of huge infusion of financial assistance and international support to confront the formidable challenges that the country faces. Due to gross mismanagement, spread over years, Pakistan has ceased to be a viable state without foreign assistance. And it would be a few years before we will be able to recover from this situation and that too if the country is put on the right course.

Apart from Iraq and Afghanistan there is no other country being micro-managed as much as Pakistan. And through the implementation of this specific legislation Washington expects to transform Pakistan in the vision of its choosing. There is also a domestic compulsion for the US to impose these conditions. Congress has to satisfy the constituencies that tax payer’s money is going for the specific purpose that it is intended and conditions incorporated in it pertaining to proliferation, democracy and terrorism, etc., will prevent Pakistan from engaging in activities that are detrimental to US national interests.

Although United States and Pakistan are close allies regrettably there is a huge distrust between them. When US invests in a long-term relationship and consequently expands its activities it is viewed with great suspicion. As we are witnessing the reaction to the increase in the embassy build-up. On the other hand Washington does not trust that money disbursed to civil or military institutions would be utilised for the purpose that it is intended.

In principle, it would be hard to disagree with most of the declared aims and objectives of the Kerry-Lugar Bill. The Congress is echoing what people of Pakistan have always yearned that democracy should be strengthened and military and judiciary should not undermine it. Although it is a paradox that in the past United States has been an accomplice in undermining democracy by supporting military rulers.

The condition requiring military and intelligence agencies to stop supporting extremist and militant organisations would be tough to implement soon due to the complexity of problem. Washington nonetheless will keep the pressure. It is time our military and political leaders realise that the network of proxies created to advance certain warped concepts of national interests have since back fired and a major policy shift is necessary.

The requirement that Pakistan conducts itself as a responsible nuclear state and assists in all efforts toward breaking proliferation networks has given rise to apprehensions. Fears are being expressed that CIA would want direct access to AQ Khan or to any of our nuclear scientists. Washington knows that Pakistan under no circumstances will hand over any of its nuclear-related scientists or engineers even if it means a rupture of our relationship. The maxim “we would eat grass but remain a nuclear power” still holds valid as it was during senior Bhutto’s time. Again this clause is to satisfy the nuclear non-proliferation lobby and domestic constituents of US that economic assistance will contribute toward tightening proliferation controls.

Politics in US is as much about posturing as anywhere else. The condition of accountability and transparency is a reflection of Washington’s frustration with the pervasive corruption that prevails in Pakistan. Whereas there is a genuine desire to assist the people of Pakistan but at the same time they do not want that the money should be squandered in corruption and mismanagement.

There is however danger of a backlash the way the legislation is worded. One, if it perceived as a dictation it could further fuel anti-Americanism and anti-Zardari if not anti-government sentiment. Secondly, even if the government was genuine in the faithful implementation of these conditions, it would not be possible to achieve these conditions in the time frame that US expects. A fragile civilian government whose leadership is uninspiring and a military that is overstretched fighting Taliban in the west and guarding the eastern frontier will find it difficult to open up new fronts with the jihadis.

Clearly, contents and objectives of the Kerry-Lugar Bill go beyond the legitimate concerns of corruption and accountability. The Obama administration wants to tie it with its policy goals. They have taken advantage of the tenuous civilian control, the civil-military divide and the extensive stretch of the army dealing with the external threat from India and internal challenges posed by the militant organisations. Nonetheless, it is a dangerous road for the US to take when it starts dictating and overstepping its balance. Washington has been dictating to many countries in the past. President Bush wanted to transform Russia when its economy was weak and national mood despondent. Russians strongly recoiled to Bush’s “lecturing” and Washington had to reassess its policies. Of course Russia is a major power and nuclear super power and Putin a highly competent leader capable of mobilising the nation to a strong response.

In the final analysis what is significant how Pakistan succeeds in achieving perceptible success on core issues. The litmus test would be how Pakistan state is able to weaken the Taliban, improve control over tribal areas, neutralise the jihadi elements, takes effective measures to promote non-proliferation, detaches from support of Afghan Taliban and establishes stability in the country. The danger is American policies could negate these efforts by their overbearing posture and ratchet up a strong anti-American sentiment. One hopes Obama being far more receptive and amenable to adjustment, unlike his predecessor Bush, would respond by pursuing a more balanced and nuanced approach towards Pakistan.

The writer is a retired lieutenant-general. Email: talat@comsats.net.pk

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

The PPP leadership has raised a couple of valid points in defence of the bill:

1. The 'conditions' only apply to the military segment of the bill.

2. The conditions on the military segment of the aid do not have to be accepted by Pakistan, and it is the US's prerogative to determine whether it wants to disburse aid or not based on whether Pakistan is seen to be meeting those conditions.

It is also true that none of the conditions are contrary to stated Pakistani policy, nor does acceptance of the aid mean Pakistan is in any way 'forced' to accept these conditions and implement XYZ.

In addition, the US military establishment and administration is well aware of the situation regarding the 'conditions' on military aid - there will be no surprises on that front a year from now for example - and so long as Pakistan's military assistance is needed for the war effort in Afghanistan, the military assistance will likely continue to flow.

Expect a change once the US withdraws from Afghanistan, or decides it does not need Pakistani military support, in which case Indian lobbying and Indian business interests may result in the US indicting Pakistan even when there is no proof of guilt - till then those conditions will be 'met' , IMO.

 

[BATMAN]

^^Let it come to the assembly, where it will be hard for political giants to support it due to awareness in public.
If US feel to have control over aid than why involve Pak govt. at all?
US NGOs are engaged in much larger aid projects in indian without any conditions, news and approvals.
No one will object if US NGO decide to put up a solar power project bigger than what they are putting up in indian Gujrat!
Where as, in reality US is pushing our govt. to switch from Hydal power to thermal power and in the process US contractors will get benifitted.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/c...s-mou-to-set-up-solar-plant-in-state/514372/#

 

[ejaz007]

Qureshi to meet Hillary Clinton today
Updated at: 0710 PST, Tuesday, October 06, 2009


WASHINGTON: Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister (FM) of Pakistan will meet his US counterpart Hillary Clinton today in Washington, where issues related to Kerry-Luger Bill will be brought under discussion.

FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi will also hold meetings with other key US officials here.

According to a senior US official, war on terrorism and other important issues will be discussed in these meetings, however their basic purpose is to settle issues related to the use of money granted under Kerry-Luger Bill.

In the meeting with US secretary of state, Qureshi will also exchanger views on her proposed visit to Pakistan.

She is likely to visit Pakistan in next few weeks; however no date has yet been fixed in this regard.

Qureshi to meet Hillary Clinton today

 

[bones20]

The PPP leadership has raised a couple of valid points in defence of the bill:

1. The 'conditions' only apply to the military segment of the bill.

2. The conditions on the military segment of the aid do not have to be accepted by Pakistan, and it is the US's prerogative to determine whether it wants to disburse aid or not based on whether Pakistan is seen to be meeting those conditions.

It is also true that none of the conditions are contrary to stated Pakistani policy, nor does acceptance of the aid mean Pakistan is in any way 'forced' to accept these conditions and implement XYZ.

In addition, the US military establishment and administration is well aware of the situation regarding the 'conditions' on military aid - there will be no surprises on that front a year from now for example - and so long as Pakistan's military assistance is needed for the war effort in Afghanistan, the military assistance will likely continue to flow.

Expect a change once the US withdraws from Afghanistan, or decides it does not need Pakistani military support, in which case Indian lobbying and Indian business interests may result in the US indicting Pakistan even when there is no proof of guilt - till then those conditions will be 'met' , IMO.

Sincere and smart at the same time

 

[MZUBAIR]

I am feeling that people in Pakistan strongly rejected Kerry-Lugar Bill conditions.
Now lets see the mood of Mr Zardari (Mr 100&#37.

 

[Y2A]

Haqqani's Holes



Their is no doubt in any one's mind about the "services" provided by Mr Haqqani to restore the level of confidence of several power players of United States on the PPP leader ship, which were just too much to handle for some one like Mr Zardari himself in order to pay him back in some sort of renouned Zardari style, so President Decided to keep Mr Haqqani at the same spot as the ambassador of Islamic Republic Of Pakistan, probably in this way President was able to reward Mr Haqqani for his loyalty towards the PPP, but ironically that has put Pakistan's interests at stake, Haqqani's blunt active stand over kerry Lugar Bill expresses this fact, according to Mr Haqqani KLB is some sort of a rainbow after the rain. every one is wondering why.

 

[BATMAN]

France, Kazakhs ink military transit, energy deals
I think Pakistan can earn much more just by raising its tarrif of transit trade!
Imagine the only other transit route of NATO and US is via Kazakhastan, whcih it self is a land locked country and in reallity have no effect other than avoiding Pakistan airspace..and to have land connection with Afghanistan.
US and NATO are spending many billions on war and it does not suit them to get transit route by cheap conspiracies and corrupting state officials... who in return grant them cheap transit or other think able means.... US should pay the fair market price which shouldd amount to 5 billion dollars per month for the transit.

 

[IceCold]

Qureshi to meet Hillary Clinton today
Updated at: 0710 PST, Tuesday, October 06, 2009


WASHINGTON: Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister (FM) of Pakistan will meet his US counterpart Hillary Clinton today in Washington, where issues related to Kerry-Luger Bill will be brought under discussion.

FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi will also hold meetings with other key US officials here.

According to a senior US official, war on terrorism and other important issues will be discussed in these meetings, however their basic purpose is to settle issues related to the use of money granted under Kerry-Luger Bill.

In the meeting with US secretary of state, Qureshi will also exchanger views on her proposed visit to Pakistan.

She is likely to visit Pakistan in next few weeks; however no date has yet been fixed in this regard.

Qureshi to meet Hillary Clinton today

Instead of meeting discussing and wasting time, the bill should be rejected altogether but then again that wont be the GOP.

 

[Student]

We the people of Pakistan are against this ****** piece of legislation. GOP will do anything that the US tells them. The US should formaly appoint the petty government servent Richard Butcher as ViceRoy of Pakistan then we will not have to feed the hundreds of thousands of ministers advisers and president. Pakistani people are offered on daily basis as Kosher Meat to US. May Allah send any servent of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to lead this country. This country was not made for the corrupt elite be it PPP PML(N) MQM ANP or anyone else.

 

[Evil Flare]

& our uneducated president saying BILL is excellent & thanking America


ALLAH .. Please save us

 

[HAIDER]

Watched Mehmood Qureshi speech along senator Kerry....I really feel sorry for Mr Foreign Minister...an educated beggar ...who thanks US govt for successful begging attempt....shame on you politicians who present the image of begging nation in the world...