It is not easy being involved in journalistic endeavors when what is happening is at odds with what should be happening which maybe at odds with what is pushed to be happening.
What should be happening is delineated in a brilliant essay written by Najam Sethi published in the Wall Street Journal. In this essay, Sethi acknowledges that although many recognize that Musharraf is down, he is far from out, especially because of the disorganization of the opposition. Three key points that Sethi makes regarding the direction for Pakistan include 1) that America should recognize what a strong ally it has in Musharraf; 2) that the American government, in formulating long term policy, has to be aware of the possible strength of the Islamic ideologues and the possible anti-American feelings in the military; and 3) that “what is needed is a transitional power-sharing partnership between the military and political parties on the basis of an agreed moderate and liberal reform agenda.”
What is happening is an increased protest against Musharraf with calls for his immediate expulsion. America is sending its envoys to Islamabad in a move seen as putting pressure on Musharraf. The Islamic right is becoming emboldened.
What is pushed to be happening is America’s abandonment of Musharraf, leaving him to his own fate. An example is Newsweek’s calling for Musharraf to leave office. In addition, the New York Times is pushing for America to pull out support for Musharraf. At least, the Wall Street Journal is going for balance. While the WSJ acknowledges that “President Pervez Musharraf´s economic policies have worked”, it still publishes pieces, such as Max Boot’s opinion, that America should ignore Musharraf.
Musharraf being forced from office except through legitimate elections can only be catastrophic for Pakistan, considering the many divisive political factions ready to grab power. There are some who see even the peaceful ouster of Musharraf as a disaster. If Benazir Bhutto or Nawaz Sharif were to return to power, American author Arthur Herman claims, past ineptitudes would be repeated. Maybe not; after all they would be working on Musharraf’s foundation of a strong economy and international relations.
This just in: concluding their visit to Islamabad, the American envoys are expressing support for Musharraf and his reforms. To solidify their views, they might want to give Sethi a call and see what he has been up to lately.
Published by East West Services, Inc.
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