New US anti-terror law, a sword for Pak

The new US anti-terror legislation signed by President George W Bush will act as a Damocles sword on Pakistan, whenever Washington feels Islamabad is not doing enough to curb terrorism in its territory.

Islamabad, Aug 7 : The new US anti-terror legislation signed by President George W Bush will act as a Damocles sword on Pakistan, whenever Washington feels Islamabad is not doing enough to curb terrorism in its territory.

The Pakistan-specific provision will be used to maximise Islamabad's efforts in fighting al-Qaeda and Taliban within its borders. It would entail constant pressure on Pakistan and would be linked to American military and financial aid.

The law specifically states that extension of "a variety of other assistance" to Pakistan in financial year 2007-08 will hinge on "the pace of democratic reform, extension of the rule of law, and the conduct of parliamentary elections scheduled for 2007."

The legislation, perfectly reminiscent of the infamous Pressler Amendment that was introduced only for application to Pakistan, would be a pain in the neck of not only the Musharraf-Aziz administration but for all governments to come, The News reported.

President Bush and his successors would have to certify every year that Pakistan Government is making all possible efforts to prevent the Taliban from operating in areas under its sovereign control subject to a national security waiver.

The new legislation will revive the status of Islamabad as "the most sanctioned ally of the US."

Islamabad has remained unsuccessful in persuading the Bush Administration to avoid such treatment to it, while it continues to wage the anti-terrorism war.

There was a remarkable unanimity among Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the passing of the over 6,000 word 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007, which provides for the implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the US.

It was approved by 85 votes to eight in the Democrat-led Senate and the House of Representatives followed suit by 371 votes to 40.

The Pakistan-specific Pressler Amendment was enacted in 1985, but invoked against Islamabad in 1990.

It provided for the banning most economic and military assistance to Pakistan unless the US President could certify on an annual basis that "Pakistan did not possess a nuclear device, and that US aid would reduce the risk of Pakistan possessing such a device."

Following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan lost its strategic significance, and the US president refused to certify that Pakistan "did not possess a nuclear explosive device."

On October 1, 1990, Washington suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Islamabad under the Pressler Amendment. The sanctions hurt Islamabad severely.

ANI