Kirk is right: Cut aid to Pakistan

I recently read a report offered by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk upon his return from a naval tour of duty in Afghanistan. The report brought to light the disturbing relationship that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, maintains with the Haqqani network, and other terrorist groups operating along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. These revelations spurred Sen. Kirk to call for the reconsideration of U.S. aid to Pakistan.

Since Sen. Kirk’s return, it has become a widely accepted fact that the ISI, supports, protects, and offers a safe haven for the Haqqani network and other terrorist groups that target U.S. troops, attack the elected government of Afghanistan, and endanger the safety of Afghan civilians. Last month, the ISI assisted the Haqqani network in planning and executing at least two attacks in Afghanistan. These attacks left several dead and many more wounded.

The ISI-backed Haqqani network is considered the greatest threat to U.S. troops in eastern Afghanistan. Providing aid to Pakistan undermines our efforts in the war on terror, and threatens the health and safety of our troops abroad.

America is struggling. We are facing a double dip recession, high unemployment, and mounting debt. Using our precious resources to provide assistance to a nation that has actively worked against the best interests of our nation is both irresponsible and dangerous. We cannot win a war on terror if we are funding the enemy. As the budget debate in Washington continues, I urge Congress to give serious consideration to ending aid to Pakistan.

Michael Morgan

Deerfield