New information has surfaced over the last several weeks regarding Pakistan's increasingly troubling role in the War on Terror, including unconfirmed reports they had arrested five Pakistani citizens who may have played a role in the death of Osama bin Laden. This is the latest in a string of reports that show Pakistan's continued failure to live up to their role as an ally in the War on Terror, including news reports that suggest that Pakistan officials may be leaking information to suspected terrorists and turning a blind eye to some questionable behavior. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Westmoreland is very concerned about the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Below is his statement.
"Even before the death of Osama bin Laden, America's relationship with Pakistan was on shaky ground. That is because time and time again, Pakistani officials have failed to properly fulfill their role as an ally in the War on Terror. These dubious actions on the part of Pakistan added to the recent reports are quickly moving our relationship with them from shaky to unsound.
"We have given more than $15 billion in aid to Pakistan over the last ten years -- aid that was given on the assumption that Pakistan would honor its promise to support the United States as we root out terrorists in and around Pakistan. However, it appears more and more likely that Pakistan may not be honoring that promise. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I take these matters very seriously. It is my duty to ensure there is proper oversight of our intelligence community, which includes our interaction with Pakistan. My constituents did not send me to Washington to throw $15 billion at a country who only pretends to support our interests," stated Westmoreland.