Should the U.S. Provide Aid to Pakistan?

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced $500 million in new development projects for Pakistan Monday, as part of the Obama administration's effort to build support in the country for the war against al Qaeda and the Taliban. Water and electricity shortages and new dam projects were singled out as receiving aid, and $100 million to aid small and medium-size businesses and a $50 million innovation fund to develop new technologies are also components of the fund. "We share with Pakistan a vision of a future in which all people can live safe, healthy, and productive lives," Mrs. Clinton said. But both Clinton and her Pakistani counterpart, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, acknowledged that skepticism remains inside Pakistan toward the United States.

What do you think? Will new aid to Pakistan succeed in building a thriving society there? Or is it too messy to fight a war and support development at the same time? Take our poll and post your thoughts below.

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