By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Terrorists are still operating freely in Pakistan along the country’s Afghanistan border, despite the U.S. giving Pakistan more than $10.5 billion in military and economic aid, according to a government watchdog agency.
The Government Accountability Office says in a report released Thursday that the U.S. lacks a comprehensive plan to deal with the terrorist threat.
A tribesman with a rocket propelled grenade launcher mans a makeshift bunker following clashes between two rival factions in the Khyber tribal agency near Peshawar April 17, 2008. At least 20 people were killed and dozens others injured in clashes between the two factions in the Khyber Agency area of Jamrud, local media reported.REUTERS/Stringer (PAKISTAN)
Democrats called the report appalling because of congressional mandates demanding the nation do more to coordinate efforts by federal agencies.
“For anyone wondering how we’re doing in the fight to get the terrorists who killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11, this report pretty much says it all,” said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.
Some federal agencies, including the Defense Department, agreed with the findings. But the State Department disagreed, saying that a comprehensive strategy does exist and is being implemented.
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Peace and Freedom II 