Defense bill sparks concerns about US counterterrorism strategy
New Senate legislation, coupled with the Obama administration's push for more Middle East partnerships, have activists worried about US support to controversial allies.
The Senate's defense legislation unveiled this week is raising concerns among human rights activists that the Pentagon could sidestep aid prohibitions in its quest to beef up counterterrorism partnerships with awkward allies in the Middle East and elsewhere.
While seeking to codify long-standing aid restrictions into permanent law, the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has carved out new exemptions that have set off alarm bells among activists.
The law comes as the Obama administration has been moving toward more counterterrorism partnerships following the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"People are paying attention to it," one human rights activist told Al-Monitor. "Experts are very aware of the changes — and very concerned by them."
