After Sept. 11, we all recognized that we had a problem with terrorism. Recognizing you have a problem is the first step to resolving the problem. The next step is a plan to do so. Well, when it comes to planning to resolve the problem presented by the wild areas of Pakistan that border Afghanistan and that were home to Al Qaeda, we have yet to do much other than issue statements, give money away and create ineffectual organizations.
In 2003 the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism directed that a comprehensive plan be developed to root out the terrorists in Pakistan's mountains. The 9/11 Commission called for a plan. Congress passed a law mandating such a plan. The National Counterterrorism Center was established in 2004 to develop plans to combat terrorism. The results to date: nada, according to the General Accountability Office (GAO).
We've given a good deal of money ($10.5 billion) to Pakistan but that's about all. Congress doesn't seem eager to enforce their mandate. The Department of State says such a plan exists although they did not give it to GAO. The Defense Department doesn't know of any plan. The National Security Council did not deem the matter worthy of comment.
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