Petraeus wants "wartime" control over funds appropriated for Pakistan

The Obama administration wanted Congress to give wartime authorities to US military commanders dealing with Pakistan, US officials told a congressional panel.

Under the new proposal, the US Central Command will have the same unfettered authority in its dealings with Pakistan as it enjoys in the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Centcom will also have complete control over US military assistance for Pakistan and will not have to consult other US departments or agencies before disbursing those funds.

The Pentagon is seeking $400 million this year for the new Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, with an additional $700 million for 2010. Overall, the administration is seeking as much as $3 billion over the next five years in funding for the Pakistani military.

Under the proposal, Centcom chief Gen David Petraeus will control the military funds earmarked for Pakistan.

Traditionally such military aid flows through the State Department and is subject to Foreign Assistance Act restrictions. "We question the appropriateness of providing foreign assistance for Pakistan under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense" Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), the committee chairman, said in an opening statement.

article: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/12-pentagon-seeks-wartime-powers-for-dealing-with-pakistan--bi11



" We question the appropriateness of providing foreign assistance for Pakistan under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense"
SOURCE: The Washington Post 21 hours ago
http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/~r/wp-dyn/rss/politics/congress/index_xml/~3/PDhay57gVfw/AR2009043004067.html

" The responsibility for training Pakistani police and military forces resides with the Department of State, which ensures it complies with our overall foreign policy"
SOURCE: The Washington Post 21 hours ago
http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/~r/wp-dyn/rss/politics/congress/index_xml/~3/PDhay57gVfw/AR2009043004067.html

2. " We're walking a pretty fine line here. This is not a war zone for the U.S. military. But given the urgency of the situation, we need similar authorities in order to help Pakistan train and equip its troops for counterinsurgency operations ASAP"
SOURCE: The Washington Post 21 hours ago
http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/~r/wp-dyn/rss/politics/congress/index_xml/~3/PDhay57gVfw/AR2009043004067.html

3. " this unique authority for the unique and urgent circumstances we face in Pakistan -- for dealing with a challenge that simultaneously requires wartime and peacetime capabilities"
Robert Gates SOURCE: The Washington Post 21 hours ago
http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/~r/wp-dyn/rss/politics/congress/index_xml/~3/PDhay57gVfw/AR2009043004067.html

then I can't blame him. He wants his fair share next time.

Our Generals can decide everything.