From the ArcaMax Publishing, Religion & Spirituality Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/religionandspirituality/s-373224-594535
Britain plans to double its aid to Pakistan, with more than half to be
spent on education intended to counter Islamist militants, the
government said Thursday.
Douglas Alexander, the International Development Secretary, released
details of a 480-million-pound ($960 million) appropriation, The Times
of London reported. Britain hopes to use its money to help the
Pakistan government fight militant Islamists.
The increase would make Pakistan the second-largest recipient of
British aid. Britain also plans, for the first time, to spend money in
the Tribal Areas and other regions along the Afghanistan border that
have become a stronghold for the Taliban.
At least 250 million pounds ($500 million) will go for schools and
especially for increasing literacy among girls.
"You can't have any real successful efforts to counter radicalism
without education," said Robert Templer, director of the Asia Program
at the International Crisis Group. "It's desperately needed. If this
area isn't dealt with, it's going to be a festering problem for
decades to come."