The United States must maintain a long-term commitment to Pakistan and Afghanistan and security and economic
development
efforts should go hand in hand, foreign policy advisers to prominent American presidential
candidates said.
Spelling out foreign policy priorities of the candidates in the region, advisers to Republican contenders Senator John McCain and Mike Huckabee and Democratic aspirant Barak Obama were unanimous in voicing emphasis on a holistic approach to curbing extremism that should significantly involve grassroots economic
development in a transparent manner.
The candidates, they said, believe that stepping up the process of development -- building roads, schools, health infrastructure -- is critical to winning hearts and minds of the people and for this purpose the US must devote greater resources while also striving for security at the same time.
Senator John McCain believes that the US should "dramatically increase economic assistance" to Pakistan for development of its border regions and particularly enhance its cooperation with the South Asian ally in the field of education, the Republican candidate''s adviser Robert McFallon remarked at the National Press Club.
Tim Hutchinson, adviser to Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas Governor, also reaffirmed the candidate''s resolve to stay engaged with Pakistan and the region over the long-haul.Barak Obama adviser Dennis McDonough also reiterated his resolve to allocate greater assistance for socioeconomic development in the region to create hope and economic opportunity for local people.