Congress ties Pakistan aid to terrorism progress (Reuters)

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Congress ties Pakistan aid to terrorism progress
Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:50AM EDT

By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional negotiators have agreed on
legislation that would tie U.S. aid to Pakistan to significant progress
by Islamabad in cracking down on al Qaeda, the Taliban and other
militants, congressional sources said on Thursday.

The agreement, which must still be approved by the U.S. Senate and
House of Representatives, reflects growing concern in Washington
that al Qaeda has become entrenched in a safe haven in Pakistan's
tribal region near Afghanistan.

A new National Intelligence Estimate found a "persistent and evolving"
threat to the United States from Islamic militant groups, especially
Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.

The government of President Pervez Musharraf has been an important
ally in the U.S. war on terrorism declared after the September 11
attacks, but administration officials and lawmakers say it could do
more.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2742190620070727