Experts comment on US cutting training program in Pakistan
(Baonghean.vn) - US officials said that the Trump administration has quietly begun cutting many Pakistani officials from required training and education programs, which have been considered typical of bilateral military relations for more than a decade.
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| US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP |
The move, which had not been previously announced, is one of the first known effects of President Trump’s decision this year to halt US security assistance to Pakistan, aimed at forcing the South Asian nation to crack down on Islamist militants.
The Pentagon and Pakistan’s military have not commented on the decision, but officials from both countries have criticized the move. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were concerned the decision could undermine a key confidence-building measure.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials warned that the decision could push the country's military to take a closer look at the idea of inviting China or Russia to train its leaders.
A US State Department spokesperson said the decision to end the US government's International Military Education and Training (IMET) program for Pakistan would allow the closure of the facilities, which were intended to train 66 Pakistani officers, this year.
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| The IMET program is considered a symbol of US-Pakistan military relations over the past decade. Photo: Getty |
The decision to suspend IMET cost $2.41 million, according to the diplomat. At least two other programs were also affected.
Mr. Dan Feldman, former US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, called Washington's decision "extremely short-sighted".
“This will have a long-term negative impact, limiting the development of the bilateral relationship in the future,” Mr. Feldman said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Pakistani Senate Defense Committee, said that the US decision to suspend such exchanges would be counterproductive and force the Pakistani military to look to other countries.
“This is one of the most stupid, severe measures they have ever introduced,” Mr Hussain complained.
Earlier this week, Russia and Pakistan signed an agreement allowing Pakistani military officers to be trained at Russian facilities.