Well-stated, clear thinking. Hope this clarity of purpose can be carried out and understood by the public.

Economic Support Funds (a major or the only source of USAID funds for Pakistan) are provided in support of U.S. foreign policy aims. Therefore the U.S. can “punish” if those aims are not being met. That will be the big question before Congress and probably bashed around among the cable news analysts – are the U.S. aims being met and if not why should another $18 billion (the estimated level of U.S. economic support fund assistance since 2011)be provided?

The “nudging” concept rarely works. Egypt is our prime example of providing tens of billions in U.S. economic support funds assistance with little to show for the 37 years of attempted “nudges”. The older failed example would be the Philippines under Marcos.

Dear Madam,

I am sure that you worked hard on this article but sorry to update you; the whole event in itself is completely bogus and a sham.

Please read the following link for your information and updation on the pin point timing and killing of Osama bin Laden.

http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-.....EU-Times/1

Please also see Fair game and read on the historical background on the lead-up to the Iraq war to understand the dynamics and reasons as to why US is needlessly spending $1.5 Billion for 5 days in Afghanistan and trillions spent in Iraq.

Pakistan has its share of problems which you may not understand that have been compounded by the war in Afghanistan since 2001.

Over 30000 civilians and thousands of Army and security personnel have died as a direct result in Pakistan.

In addition majority of the nation believes that the funding for extremism is being sent through CIA; reference to the Raymond Davis case.

It is very easy to malign a country but remember that Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussain were once revered by the US and funded against Iran and Russia.

US must stop taking advantage of situations and portray themselves as sincere partners in the long run instead of creating fear, insecurity and blaming Pakistan.

I would myself advise the US Government to stop the funding for Military purpose if they are that satisfied on the condition that Nato supplies be stopped as well.

The thing is that we both need each other so media attacks and pressure is not a realistic tactic. Majority of the public do not even get a share of the funding being sent which I am sure the US Government knows as well having preference on military leaders instead of democratic ones not only in Pakistan but also in Yemen, Egypt, Libya etc.

Thus I would advise you to get a broader look at the facts and figures and not to tow the typical media line especially being a Senior policy analyst.

Thanks for these good comments (especially Ammar and MArgaret for the positive feedback!)
Adam: We think there are good signs that this time Pakistan’s democratic system will stick. The key is to watch how and whether they manage the next presidential election, and how and whether they make progress on their current effort to devolve some federal functions, such as basic education and health, to the provinces — a good idea in principle since the more local the services the more accountable to citizens. I and my co-authors agree that the U.S. development effort is burdened in its efforts to help in Pakistan by its mistakes there and in the Middle East in the past including on the military side. And CHarles is absolutely right that the point is not to spend a lot of money but to spend wisely and with patience and persistence on jointly owned objectives.

I understand the points that are made here, but with very little quality control and oversight, we have poured billions into a country that has not demonstrated significant assistance to the US or investment in its own people. At what point are the best of intentions a piggy bank for disreputable despots and how can we insure that our intentions are culturally appropriate?

You’ve got to define aid and which aid to cut. Certainly military aid should be reduced.

I have been following CGD since its inception. It has produced more sensible and relevant analysis than one comes across frequently. Aid or assistance is a tricky business, if it is devoid of built-in mechanism of accountability and transparency down to the level of citizens whom it is supposed to aid, it will not be spent efficiently. More focus has to be on empowering people to create action rather than focusing on mere raising voice.
A nation of 180 million people must learn to stand on its own two feet, how long the world will keep on pouring in funds. What is the best way to train the massive youth bulge for today’s labour market, what is the best way to make districts attractive in terms of education and jobs so that there is less burden on urban cities and less risk of militancy. How to get better politicians and policy makers who can implement good reforms in each constituency and district, and how to trim policy blockers? And also American people must be vigilant to see if they are getting the bang for their buck lest their hard earned money is being wasted.

[...] some questions about whether the US should continue to deliver aid to Pakistan. CGD’s Nancy Birdsall has some interesting things to say about [...]

[...] all the questions swirling around the U.S. aid program in Pakistan this week, one very simple one is worth asking. How much economic [...]