First muslim US senator-elect El-Sayed questions aid to Pakistan: 'Using American money to violate int'l law'

Newly elected US Senator Abdul El-Sayed has called for Washington to reconsider its financial and military assistance to countries that use American funds to violate international law, naming Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

El-Sayed, a Democrat who recently made history in Michigan by defeating Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, said American taxpayers’ money should not be used to support countries accused of violating international law.

In an interview with ABC, El-Sayed said the US needed to ensure that its own actions were consistent with international law, adding that the issue should not be limited to Israel.

“How do we make sure that we’re holding ourselves accountable to international law? And it’s not just about Israel. I take the same approach to Egypt, where my family immigrated from. I take the same approach to Pakistan and to Jordan. I think we need to be the first among equals to make sure that we are enforcing international law," he said.

“When we are giving money to a country that is using our money to violate international law, that seems to me a good place to start," he added.

His remarks come as US President Donald Trump has announced plans to end roughly $4 billion in annual military assistance to Israel by the end of the year.

El-sayed backs Trump’s proposal on Israel aid

Following his electoral victory, El-Sayed welcomed Trump’s proposal to reduce military assistance to Israel, saying he agreed with the president’s approach.

“I think the president is actually right on this policy," he said.

He also called for restrictions on American weapons sales to Israel, arguing that some of the weapons supplied by Washington were being used in actions involving what he described as genocide and apartheid.

“I’d also like to see us stop selling weaponry that gets used to do the worst things, including genocide and apartheid, to Israel," he said.

The US currently provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military assistance under an agreement that remains in force until 2028.

However, El-Sayed’s criticism extends beyond Israel. He has also questioned American military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Pakistan, arguing that US taxpayer money should instead be directed towards domestic priorities.

Read More

US, Iran would have signed a deal except for midterms: Trump

India’s longstanding objections to financial assistance for Pakistan

El-Sayed’s comments on Pakistan come against the backdrop of India’s objections to international financial assistance to Islamabad. New Delhi has consistently raised concerns that funds provided through international lending programmes could be diverted towards state-sponsored cross-border terrorism or military activities.

India’s position has been that financial assistance should not indirectly support terrorism or reward countries that fail to fulfil their reform commitments.

New Delhi has also attempted to raise concerns over Pakistan’s access to additional World Bank funding, citing issues related to terrorism financing and the country’s compliance record in forums such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

India abstained from voting in favour of a $1-billion disbursement to Pakistan through the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, despite New Delhi’s objections, the IMF approved the review and released the payment.