US Aid & Political Game--A blessing or Curse!

Introduction
American aid and demands proved to be a curse for Pakistan. Pakistan joined the so called American led ‘War on Terror’ after the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. As a reward, the US Government offered billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan for their contribution in the war. But slowly this aid turned into a curse as the American Government started making unrealistic demands from the Pakistani Government and started blaming Pakistan for their own incompetence in this war. The availability of these funds hampered efforts to initiate reforms for the generation of revenue internally.


Due to the flawed policies of the American war strategy inside Afghanistan, they are looking for a scapegoat for their failures. Pakistan fits the perfect description for their scapegoat and that is why they have launched this mantra of “Do More”. By pressuring Pakistan to do more, the Americans are relieving the pressure off themselves. They are pressuring Pakistan to launch an operation inside North Waziristan while on the other hand 60% of Afghanistan is under the control of Taliban or local warlords. Kunar and Nuristan, which neighbor Waziristan, have minimal presence of International Security Assistance Force led by the US. Thus, the US wants to successfully pin the blame for their own failures on Pakistan by launching this mantra of “Do More”.

Repercussions for Pakistan
American aid and demands have had a very negative impact on Pakistan. Pakistan has received $20 billion in the form of aid from the US since 2001, but has ended up suffering losses of almost $70 billion due to terrorist attacks. Since Pakistan is seen as an ally of the US, it has become a legitimate target for the militants fighting against the US in Afghanistan. This is why Pakistan has suffered thousands of suicide bombing attacks by the terrorists. Also the availability of
American funds has blocked efforts to initiate unpopular tax reforms, which would generate revenue domestically. America aid has resulted in greater American control on Pakistan’s foreign policy resulting in instability for the federation.

Suggestions
Pakistan needs to reject American aid and initiate structural reforms across the board to generate revenue domestically. Tax reforms need to be introduced in the country to increase revenues. Non-discretionary expenditure needs to be curbed to bring the fiscal deficit down. Pro economic policies need to be introduced to jump-start the economy. A strong economy would ensure political independence from the Americans, as they would loose their leverage against Pakistan. Pakistan needs to make it clear to the US Government that Pakistan will launch operation in North Waziristan according to her time table and threat perception.

Conclusion
In conclusion, American aid has presented to be a curse for Pakistan. It has resulted in a stranglehold of the US on Pakistan’s internal and external policies. Reforms need to be implemented inside Pakistan to make the economy strong and self-sufficient. A strong self-sufficient economy would ensure that Pakistan would
not need American assistance for the survival of the nation.