Pakistan Gets U.S. Arms Windfall, Not Democracy

I hate to say I told you so, but...

George Bush had precious little to say about the military dictatorship he is helping to sustain in Pakistan, proving the utter hollowness and fraud of his long-time rhetoric about liberty, democracy and freedom. Nations only need those things when they aren't George's pals, it seems.

No, instead, Pakistan is to be treated to $1.5 billion of U.S. taxpayers money as a free gift to buy weaponry from U.S. firms and is also to be offered a whole bunch of deadly goodies. This to a country where the leader has said openly, within the last couple of days, that his military is aimed at neighbour India; a country that became a nuclear power in secret and then tried to export that secret for financial gain; a country that has played both ends against the middle in the War on Terror and in the U.S.'s dealings with China.

Here's what the U.S. Defense Dept.'s press release has to say:

The United States is committed to a long-term partnership with Pakistan. Pakistan currently is one of the largest recipients of U.S. security assistance. The United States has pledged $1.5 billion of Foreign Military Financing to Pakistan from 2005-2009. In June 2004, President Bush designated Pakistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally.

The United States supports Pakistan’s defense needs through sales of advanced systems (recent sales include TOW 2A missiles, P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, AH-1 Cobra Helicopters, and Harpoon missiles). Last year, the President also announced the U.S. intention to move forward with the possible sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan.

These commitments are a clear signal that the U.S. is determined to stand by Pakistan for the long run, to support Pakistan’s capabilities in the War on Terror, as well as to meet other legitimate defense needs.

I don't suppose the Right will take their Dear Leader to task for this atrocious double standard? No? Thought not.