Hillary Clinton Announces $7.5 Billion Aid Package for Pakistan
PHILLIPS: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces a $7.5 billion aid package for Pakistan. And, unlike previous cash coming from the US, to the tune of $9 billion plus since 9/11, this money has no security strings attached. It's strictly for civil improvements as Secretary Clinton tries bridging the trust gap that many Pakistanis have with the US. CNN'S Reza Sayah is live in Islamabad this morning with the reaction to Secretary Clinton's announcement. Reza, there's a lot of criticism that the US already gives so much money to Pakistan, a place that many believe is harboring Osama bin Laden.</s>REZA SAYAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra, and I think that criticism is going to continue, but this is an approach that the Obama administration and Mrs. Clinton really believes in. They don't think that a military approach is enough. They think in a fight against militants, you need social and economic development, and Mrs. Clinton in Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan, today trying to sell that idea, trying to win as many hearts and minds as possible this morning in Islamabad. She unveiled a number of plans and programs designed to specifically meet Pakistan's biggest needs. And those are an energy crisis, a water shortage, and jobs. Among the projects, the building of several hospitals, hydroelectric dams, and revamping Pakistan's aging power grid. One of the plans is designed to increase the export of Pakistan's world-famous mangoes. The US hoping that will create jobs here. Here's Mrs. Clinton earlier today in Islamabad.</s>PHILLIPS: I thought we were waiting to listen -- are you waiting to listen to sound from Hillary Clinton, Reza?</s>SAYAH: Apparently we don't have sound from Mrs. Clinton, so let's continue on. She basically explained why this is a good idea, why it's necessary to bolster relations between the US and Pakistan. And keep in mind, ultimately, it is all about security. The fight against militants. The Obama administration has said that there's not going to be success across the border in Afghanistan if Pakistan doesn't help, if they don't do more against militants. But it's been very difficult sometimes for the US to get Pakistan to do more because of the trust deficit. And Mrs. Clinton hoping these projects will bridge the trust deficit, Kyra.</s>PHILLIPS: We'll see if it does work, because already that military in Pakistan gets so much money from the US, and that's exactly what we hope it does, is fight terrorism. Reza thanks. What's going to happen to the Utah state employees who allegedly compiled and released a hit list of illegal immigrants? First, they need a fact check. We talk with Utah's attorney general next.