House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) says a robust U.S.-Pakistan relationship is critical to stopping the terrorist al-Qaida network, pushing back on congressional criticism and calls for cutting off American aid.
Boehner made the comments in an hour-long interview with a handful of reporters.
Republicans and Democrats have raised questions about whether Pakistan knew of Osama bin Laden's presence in the country. The terrorist leader was killed at his compound just miles from the capital of Islamabad.
Boehner said the U.S. should use this moment to strengthen ties with Pakistan and not back away. He said, however, that the U.S. should have what he called an "eyeball to eyeball" conversation about its role in the fight against terrorism.
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