Obama links Pakistan aid to accountability on border security

Washington, Jan.22 (ANI): Non-military aid to Pakistan will increase only if it holds itself accountable for security in the border region with Afghanistan, says a new White House foreign policy agenda issued on Wednesday.

Afghanistan and Pakistan top this agenda, followed by nuclear weapons, Iran, energy security, Israel, bipartisanship and openness, in that order.

"Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will refocus American resources on the greatest threat to our security - the resurgence of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan,' the statement said.

A brief note preceding the statement outlines the objectives of the new strategy, which is defined as renewing America's security and standing in the world through a new era of American leadership.

According to the Dawn, the new administration will also 'secure nuclear weapons and loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and renew American diplomacy to support strong alliances and to seek a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.'

The Obama administration promises to 'dedicate more resources to revitalise Afghanistan's economic development' but makes it clear that the new US leaders also expect the Afghan government to do more. (ANI)