Allocate More Aid to Pakistan to Education and Youth

February 19, 2008

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Too much attention and resources have been focused on the military in Pakistan. While military assistance should be maintained, the focus of U.S. support must be expanded to the people of Pakistan by assisting in the development of democratic institutions and economic and humanitarian assistance.

As the 9-11 Commission recommended, more aid should be dedicated to education. In addition to their symbolic value, better public schools will lessen the appeal of the radical madrassas, which are currently the only option available for education in many areas of Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan faces an enormous youth bubble in an environment with few economic opportunities and a growing radical movement that recruits youth. The United States should focus on youth in its aid programming.

For more information on the Center for American Progress' comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan, which includes a chapter on recommendations for Pakistan, see:

• The Forgotten Front, by Caroine Wadhams and Lawrence J. Korb