US suspends $800 million of military aid to Pakistan

Story by The Takeaway. Use audio player above to listen to full report.

The United States is suspending as much as $800 million of military aid to Pakistan, in a bid to change the behavior of one of America’s most crucial — and controversial — partners. The move is an effort to admonish the country for expelling U.S. military trainers, and show disapproval for terrorist activities, such as the slaying in May of Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad, whose death has recently been linked to Pakistan’s powerful spy agency.

Eric Schmitt, a reporter covering terrorism and national security issues for The New York Times, says the deferral may have a negative impact on US relations with Pakistan and counterterrorism efforts there: “In the end, the pressure that the U.S. puts on Pakistan may well be counter-productive, and again that’s the fine line. How much pressure do you put on them to try to change their behavior, but not do so much that you rupture the relationship all together?”

Read Schmitt’s article in The New York Times.

————————————————————-

“The Takeaway” is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.