Monday, 11 July – Amid increased tensions between United States of America and Pakistan since the raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, United States is suspending some $800 million in military aid to this country.
In a Sunday television interview, U.S. President Barack Obama’s chief of staff William Daley confirmed the move and said United State’s relationship with Pakistan is “difficult” and must be made “to work over time.”
While talking with ABC’s This Week Daley said, “Until we get through these difficulties, we will hold back some of the money that the American taxpayers have committed to give them.”
Every year, Pakistan receives some $1.3 billion from the United States in aid.
The move comes after Pakistani authorities expelled American military trainers from this country.
In a report issued by New York Times says, Obama administration is upset with Pakistan for expelling American military trainers and wants tougher action against the Taliban and others fighting American soldiers in Afghanistan.
U.S. military and intelligence officials have widely criticized Pakistan for not being fully committed to weeding out extremists.
As a result of mistrust on Pakistani authorities, U.S. operatives did not inform Pakistani authorities about the May 2 mission deep into Pakistani territory that killed bin Laden, the world’s most wanted man for his role in orchestrating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
