In deference to the adage, “Of the dead, speak no ill,” we should pay respect to Benazir Bhutto as a remarkable human being before the pundits get a hold of the story and tell us what she symbolized and what her death means to Pakistan.
The BBC offers an appropriate and reverent obituary.
Born in 1953 in the province of Sindh and educated at Harvard and Oxford, Ms Bhutto gained credibility from her father's high profile, even though she was a reluctant convert to politics.
Since the assassination of her father, she worked hard against the corruption and misuse of power in Pakistan. However, she constantly had to deal with accusations leveled at her, accusations which could not be substantiated.
None of about 18 corruption and criminal cases against (her husband) Mr Zardari has been proved in court after 10 years. But he served at least eight years in jail… Ms Bhutto also steadfastly denied all the corruption charges against her, which she said were politically motivated… She faced corruption charges in at least five cases, all without a conviction, until amnestied in October 2007.
Pervez Musharraf granted her amnesty and allowed her to return to Pakistan earlier this year. One reason was that she was seen as a natural ally in (the government’s) efforts to isolate religious forces and their surrogate militants.
Many of Bhutto’s critics have forgotten the good she did in her second term as Prime Minister.
In 1993, she was re-elected as Prime Minister. While in office, she brought electricity to the countryside and built schools all over the country. She made hunger, housing and health care her top priorities, and looked forward to continuing to modernize Pakistan… At the same time Bhutto faced constant opposition from the Islamic fundamentalist movement.
Bhutto’s autobiography was titled “Daughter of the East” in Britain and “Daughter of Destiny” in America. “Which are you?” she was once asked by journalist Mary Anne Weaver.
“I’m partly a child of destiny. Fate put me where I am now, against my own inner wishes, but I chose to stay on, when I could always have opted out… I have a duty to those people who believe in me and to myself… Did I have a choice?”
She also gave good reason for being the “Daughter of the East”.
“I am a daughter of the East. I was born into it; conditioned by it; thrust into a political system which is Eastern… as a daughter of the East I want other women, born into this tradition, this environment, where they’re forced to submit to those societal pressures and those fates which have been written for them, to see how I fight—as a politician, as a woman, as a mother—and how I survive.”
She survived much in her shortened life. Her father has arrested and executed. Her brothers were murdered. She was imprisoned for five years, mostly in solitary confinement. While making her prison conditions unbearable, her jailers encouraged her suicide by leaving poison in her cell. She survived many death threats and assassination attempts.
And she survived the assassination today. She continues to live in the hearts of all Pakistanis she tried to help.
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Is there an emergency or not?
At a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, John Negroponte, the US Deputy Secretary of State, acknowledged that Pakistan faced a dangerous situation with the Taliban gaining ground in the nearly-autonomous regions of the North West Frontier Province.
"The situation in Swat is a reminder of the fact that there are issues to deal with regarding violent extremists in this country. The Pakistan Government is undertaking major efforts at the moment to deal with the situation in Swat and I suspect it will be doing so for a while to come," Negroponte said.
This is exactly the type of crisis that President Musharraf recognized in declaring a state of emergency.
"We are facing the threat of terrorism,'' Musharraf said... The army is fighting non-Pakistani gunmen, elements of al-Qaeda and their local sympathizers... the country has "suffered a lot of casualties in the war.''
Still... Negroponte put pressure on Musharraf to end the state of emergency.
Diplomats say Negroponte warned Musharraf that Washington would review its aid -- some 10 billion dollars since 2001, much of it for the military -- but he gave no details.
Meanwhile, for most Pakistanis, life goes on.
According to Muzaffar Riaz, Rwalpindi bridal shop owner, "the political crisis is there, over our heads, and it can come to us. But the reality for most Pakistanis is we are depoliticized, almost beyond belief. And so life goes on. Perhaps even with a vengeance."
Listen... Eids is just around the corner. If you don't prepare your wedding now, crisis or no crisis, you will have to wait another year. (And who's to say next year will be better?)
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"The situation in Swat is a reminder of the fact that there are issues to deal with regarding violent extremists in this country. The Pakistan Government is undertaking major efforts at the moment to deal with the situation in Swat and I suspect it will be doing so for a while to come," Negroponte said.
This is exactly the type of crisis that President Musharraf recognized in declaring a state of emergency.
"We are facing the threat of terrorism,'' Musharraf said... The army is fighting non-Pakistani gunmen, elements of al-Qaeda and their local sympathizers... the country has "suffered a lot of casualties in the war.''
Still... Negroponte put pressure on Musharraf to end the state of emergency.
Diplomats say Negroponte warned Musharraf that Washington would review its aid -- some 10 billion dollars since 2001, much of it for the military -- but he gave no details.
Meanwhile, for most Pakistanis, life goes on.
According to Muzaffar Riaz, Rwalpindi bridal shop owner, "the political crisis is there, over our heads, and it can come to us. But the reality for most Pakistanis is we are depoliticized, almost beyond belief. And so life goes on. Perhaps even with a vengeance."
Listen... Eids is just around the corner. If you don't prepare your wedding now, crisis or no crisis, you will have to wait another year. (And who's to say next year will be better?)
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Sunday, October 14, 2007
Peace Prize and Human Rights
Now that Al Gore has received the Nobel Peace Prize, he is likely relegated to obscurity as the “curse of the Nobel Peace Prize” takes its toll. Hopefully, there is an inverse property of the curse that elevates the runner-ups to renown. With that in mind, it seems appropriate to highlight one of those also-rans, a courageous human rights activist.
ABC News, last week, identified Rebiya Kadeer as a known nominee for the Peace Prize. “Kadeer has gained recognition for fighting for the rights of the Uighur Muslim minority” in China. She sacrificed a comfortable life as a successful entrepreneur to speak up for the rights of her people.
The Uighur are a Turkic Muslim ethnic group living in western China in an area once part of the sovereign nation of Turkestan. The Uighur have experience much discrimination and loss of human rights under the Chinese government. “Considering them a separatist group, Beijing has used a variety of means to crush any sign of restiveness among Uighurs.” There have been several waves of Uighur refugees leaving China for other countries through out modern times. The Uighur Diaspora has generated communities of Uighur people in other countries including Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
The refugees are not safe, even outside of the Chines territories. Using international anti-terrorism laws, China has successfully extradited Uighurs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Many times those Uighurs captured and returned to China face executions. Ismail Semed captured in Pakistan and accused of being a member of a terrorist group was handed over to China. He was executed in February of this year. International human rights groups say that “the case was marred by a lack of evidence”.
A Uighur seeking asylum in Kazakhstan described being beaten by police just walking in the marketplace. He claimed that although China calls them terrorists, the only evidence is that they are Uighur. According to Sharon Hom, Executive Director of Human Rights in China, the treatment of the Uighurs is based in religious persecution. “Religious regulation in Xinjiang is so pervasive that (the authorities) can catch just about anyone."
In this volatile environment, Rebiya Kadeer dared to ask for justice and human rights. For her role in exposing the rights abuse, Kadeer spent five and a half years in prison. She was arrested on her way to speak to a delegation of US Congressional staff members who were visiting China. Released on March 17, 2005 through negotiations between the American and Chinese governments, she was warned as she left prison not to associate with other Uighurs and not to discuss their plight. She bravely ignored these warnings. Her family in China have been regularly harassed and arrested.
Kadeer still carries on with her cause. As president of the Uyghur American Association, she is based in Washington, DC. However, she gives speeches wherever she is invited, as she did in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier this month, to encourage solidarity with the Uighur people.
There are those who think that the Peace Prize should be awarded as originally intended. There are those who believe that someone who risks his/her life should receive the award.
...And then there are those who think someone like Rebiya Kadeer should be held up as an example for future generations whether she receives a meaningless award or not.
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ABC News, last week, identified Rebiya Kadeer as a known nominee for the Peace Prize. “Kadeer has gained recognition for fighting for the rights of the Uighur Muslim minority” in China. She sacrificed a comfortable life as a successful entrepreneur to speak up for the rights of her people.
The Uighur are a Turkic Muslim ethnic group living in western China in an area once part of the sovereign nation of Turkestan. The Uighur have experience much discrimination and loss of human rights under the Chinese government. “Considering them a separatist group, Beijing has used a variety of means to crush any sign of restiveness among Uighurs.” There have been several waves of Uighur refugees leaving China for other countries through out modern times. The Uighur Diaspora has generated communities of Uighur people in other countries including Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
The refugees are not safe, even outside of the Chines territories. Using international anti-terrorism laws, China has successfully extradited Uighurs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Many times those Uighurs captured and returned to China face executions. Ismail Semed captured in Pakistan and accused of being a member of a terrorist group was handed over to China. He was executed in February of this year. International human rights groups say that “the case was marred by a lack of evidence”.
A Uighur seeking asylum in Kazakhstan described being beaten by police just walking in the marketplace. He claimed that although China calls them terrorists, the only evidence is that they are Uighur. According to Sharon Hom, Executive Director of Human Rights in China, the treatment of the Uighurs is based in religious persecution. “Religious regulation in Xinjiang is so pervasive that (the authorities) can catch just about anyone."
In this volatile environment, Rebiya Kadeer dared to ask for justice and human rights. For her role in exposing the rights abuse, Kadeer spent five and a half years in prison. She was arrested on her way to speak to a delegation of US Congressional staff members who were visiting China. Released on March 17, 2005 through negotiations between the American and Chinese governments, she was warned as she left prison not to associate with other Uighurs and not to discuss their plight. She bravely ignored these warnings. Her family in China have been regularly harassed and arrested.
Kadeer still carries on with her cause. As president of the Uyghur American Association, she is based in Washington, DC. However, she gives speeches wherever she is invited, as she did in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier this month, to encourage solidarity with the Uighur people.
There are those who think that the Peace Prize should be awarded as originally intended. There are those who believe that someone who risks his/her life should receive the award.
...And then there are those who think someone like Rebiya Kadeer should be held up as an example for future generations whether she receives a meaningless award or not.
Published by East West Services, Inc.
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East-Asia-Intel.com
Monday, September 17, 2007
People bring peace and understanding
The school year has started again in America. Pakistan is on the minds of many returning to campus. A bright young sophomore at the University of Southern California has an interesting essay on how she spent her summer vacation in Lahore. Author Greg Mortenson has been visiting campuses sharing his stories of humanitarian efforts in the hills of Pakistan.
Natasha Khan spent a wonderful three months in Pakistan this summer. Her friends at USC cannot believe it: she actually had a good time! "Yes, summer in Lahore was safe. Moreover, it was both wonderfully relaxing and exciting".
But Natasha what about all the political turmoil?
How... the networks broadcasted the major Pakistani stories... I do not know... my time in Lahore was golden.
In her opinion piece for the USC student newspaper, she breaks down the hot stories of the summer, one by one. She writes about being in the courtroom when the decision to reinstate the Chief Justice was reached. She sees the so-called crisis for what it was: a long overdue separation of the judiciary branch from the executive branch. It was not the break-down of civilization in Pakistan as so many Western media sources portrayed it.
One night while in Pakistan, "at about 10 p.m., the government announced that the country may fall into a state of emergency". However, later that night, the government relented. Another evening there was a serious bomb threat. "That night, all the restaurants were as full as usual, business was roaring". Life goes on!
She concludes with "A country only reaches an equilibrium when its people are at peace with themselves and their governing system, but people need to find this peace for themselves... A great exercise of of autonomy is the right to improve your country yourself, without external forces shaping the answer for you".
Over at Montana State University, Greg Mortenson spoke to the students about his adventures building schools in the Pakistani frontier. He once became lost in Pakistan while traveling to climb Summit K2. Village people took care of him and brought him back to health. He made a pledge to come back and build a school for the village children. He has fulfilled that pledge many times over. As the founder of Central Asia Institute, he has been responsible for having 61 schools built in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
His message to the students centered on the idea that "Politics is not what brings peace... People bring peace". His other points included:
The CAI emphasizes girl education because "If you educate a boy, you educate a person. If you educate girls, you educate a community."
"You can't have democracy unless you have education and land ownership."
He reported that the Taliban is actively destroying schools because it is easier to control people through ignorance.
"It is said that only when it is dark enough can one see the stars."
Mortenson brought a similar message to the students of University of North Carolina Charlotte where the University Honor Students held a successful fundraiser for the CAI.
Mortenson's book is "Three Cups of Tea". It should be on everyone's bookshelf.
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Natasha Khan spent a wonderful three months in Pakistan this summer. Her friends at USC cannot believe it: she actually had a good time! "Yes, summer in Lahore was safe. Moreover, it was both wonderfully relaxing and exciting".
But Natasha what about all the political turmoil?
How... the networks broadcasted the major Pakistani stories... I do not know... my time in Lahore was golden.
In her opinion piece for the USC student newspaper, she breaks down the hot stories of the summer, one by one. She writes about being in the courtroom when the decision to reinstate the Chief Justice was reached. She sees the so-called crisis for what it was: a long overdue separation of the judiciary branch from the executive branch. It was not the break-down of civilization in Pakistan as so many Western media sources portrayed it.
One night while in Pakistan, "at about 10 p.m., the government announced that the country may fall into a state of emergency". However, later that night, the government relented. Another evening there was a serious bomb threat. "That night, all the restaurants were as full as usual, business was roaring". Life goes on!
She concludes with "A country only reaches an equilibrium when its people are at peace with themselves and their governing system, but people need to find this peace for themselves... A great exercise of of autonomy is the right to improve your country yourself, without external forces shaping the answer for you".
Over at Montana State University, Greg Mortenson spoke to the students about his adventures building schools in the Pakistani frontier. He once became lost in Pakistan while traveling to climb Summit K2. Village people took care of him and brought him back to health. He made a pledge to come back and build a school for the village children. He has fulfilled that pledge many times over. As the founder of Central Asia Institute, he has been responsible for having 61 schools built in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
His message to the students centered on the idea that "Politics is not what brings peace... People bring peace". His other points included:
The CAI emphasizes girl education because "If you educate a boy, you educate a person. If you educate girls, you educate a community."
"You can't have democracy unless you have education and land ownership."
He reported that the Taliban is actively destroying schools because it is easier to control people through ignorance.
"It is said that only when it is dark enough can one see the stars."
Mortenson brought a similar message to the students of University of North Carolina Charlotte where the University Honor Students held a successful fundraiser for the CAI.
Mortenson's book is "Three Cups of Tea". It should be on everyone's bookshelf.
Published by East West Services, Inc.
WorldTribune.com
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East-Asia-Intel.com
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Happy Independence Day!
On Tuesday, Pakistan celebrated its 60th birthday. In commemorating the day, President Pervez Musharraf encouraged all citizens “to serve as instruments of enlightened moderation”. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz claimed that the day was not just for the people of Pakistan. The day marks the end of foreign rule over a sovereign nation, but also demonstrated to the world that a democracy could be built on Islamic principles.
It is a good time to remember the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Jinna who wanted to build Pakistan as a nation where Muslims could live in safety. That nation was not to be an Islamic state governed by sharia, but a modern democracy where freedom of religion was guaranteed for all. In Jinna’s Pakistan, Islam was supposed to be a culturally binding force and a source of morality and compassion among the governing bodies.
The charisma of Jinna gave hope to many people including the religious minorities. When Jinna wrote to Gandhi that the “Quran is a complete code of life. It provides for all matters”, he assured Gandhi that Islam in Pakistan would guarantee the civil rights of each individual. Jinna felt firmly that religious intolerance had been “the biggest hindrance in the way of India to attain freedom and independence.” If there had been no intolerance, the people of the subcontinent would have been free “a long, long time ago”.
In his address at the inauguration of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Jinna stated…
“If you change your past and work together ...in a spirit that everyone of you, ...no matter what his color, caste or creed, ...is first, second and last a citizen of this state ...with equal rights, privileges and obligations, ...there will be no end to the progress you will make.”
It is a good time to remember the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Jinna who wanted to build Pakistan as a nation where Muslims could live in safety. That nation was not to be an Islamic state governed by sharia, but a modern democracy where freedom of religion was guaranteed for all. In Jinna’s Pakistan, Islam was supposed to be a culturally binding force and a source of morality and compassion among the governing bodies.
The charisma of Jinna gave hope to many people including the religious minorities. When Jinna wrote to Gandhi that the “Quran is a complete code of life. It provides for all matters”, he assured Gandhi that Islam in Pakistan would guarantee the civil rights of each individual. Jinna felt firmly that religious intolerance had been “the biggest hindrance in the way of India to attain freedom and independence.” If there had been no intolerance, the people of the subcontinent would have been free “a long, long time ago”.
In his address at the inauguration of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Jinna stated…
“If you change your past and work together ...in a spirit that everyone of you, ...no matter what his color, caste or creed, ...is first, second and last a citizen of this state ...with equal rights, privileges and obligations, ...there will be no end to the progress you will make.”
He continued, “I cannot emphasize it too much. We should begin to work in that spirit and in the course of time all these angularities of the majority and minority communities will vanish.”
Three days after Independence Day, on August 17, 1947, Jinnah, lived up to his words. Risking much criticism, he attended a Christian thanksgiving service held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karachi. Emulating the spirit of Quaid-e-Azam, may the people of Pakistan see no end to their progress!
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Sunday, July 15, 2007
A nice place to visit
Imagine my surprise reading Ted Rall’s column dealing with what a gloomy place Pakistan is. Rall paints a grim picture of life and travel in Pakistan. Pakistanis are not happy and there is danger everywhere. Not to mention the inefficient public transportation and the hypocrisy of the ruling class. He describes Pakistan as “a mass of internal contradictions” beginning at the airport where the airport staff is cold and the tension is thick.
He describes the political situation as if it were the only thing any one is thinking of. “The Red Mosque crisis symbolizes the devil's bargain Pakistan's ruling elites have struck with Islamic radicals.” He reminds us that Pakistan is a “nuclear-armed state” and “a terrifying cauldron of instability”. Further discoloration follows with describing General Pervez Musharraf as “a military dictatorship… an antidemocratic despot… (coming) to power by allying himself with radical Islamist political parties. (Therefore), most Pakistanis… watch their nation's Talibanization in passive silence.”
Is Rall suggesting that if Musharraf was not in power, there would be stability in Pakistan?
Rall is particularly concerned about the “the dismal condition of Pakistani highways” where unless you are one of the “elite motorists” the four hour drive from Islamabad to Lahore will “costs 12 hours and the occasional broken axle”. He refers to the countryside in between as “impoverished wasteland”. Well… you know… actually, a lot of it is summer vacation land.
He claims that “Pakistani women rarely venture outdoors. When they do, they cover themselves--with headscarves… and burqas.” Interesting. What are they going to wear on the catwalks at the Pakistan Fashion Week later this year?
Furthermore, “Muslim Pakistan banned alcoholic beverages in 1977. Drinkers face 20 lashes and three years in prison.” When was the last time this law was enforced?
The Lahore Museum, “notable for its… sauna-hot browsing conditions, displayed a map of cultural anthropological sites. Pakistan's neighbors…were clearly labeled, (except India)”. I think the average Lahorite knows where India is especially with all the goodwill tours currently going on.
Rall’s viewpoints hardly matches the ones I gathered from my visits. But do not take my word for it. Let’s read the more recent impressions from Santosh Ojha, correspondent for the Deccan Herald in Bangalore, India.
So, Ojha, what do think of the airport?
Lahore airport came as a pleasant surprise! To start with, the airport is named after a poet and (not after a politician)… Allama Iqbal.
What about the airport staff?
The immigration is staffed by smartly-clad women with their heads covered. No fuss, no delay and we are out of the terminal building quickly.
And the quality of the roads?
I… can not help but (be amazed) about the quality of the roads! Six lane roads, well maintained. The trees are bedecked with lights.
Did you receive 20 lashes for your drink of whiskey?
Islam taboos consumption of alcohol. And Pakistan is a dry state… But mercifully for the tipplers, Pakistan does not prohibit consumption of alcohol provided you are a non-Pakistani and a non-Muslim and you are consuming the daaru within the confines of your room.
By the way, Rall describes the Pakistanis as humorless, What do you say to that?
Our colleague based in Islamabad… a devout Muslim, …is a quiet and genial sort of a person and ever willing to help.
Any place you would like to recommend visiting?
The memorable trip to Food Street in Gawalpura! A plain, non-descript street… blocked at either end of the street after 7 pm; the Street bristles with gastronomic activities till the wee hours of the morning. (And…) a quick visit to Shalimar Garden.
I know where you are talking about. My favorite places too. Say, Ojha, why don’t you and I take Rall out on the town sometime. The poor guy really needs to get out more often.
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He describes the political situation as if it were the only thing any one is thinking of. “The Red Mosque crisis symbolizes the devil's bargain Pakistan's ruling elites have struck with Islamic radicals.” He reminds us that Pakistan is a “nuclear-armed state” and “a terrifying cauldron of instability”. Further discoloration follows with describing General Pervez Musharraf as “a military dictatorship… an antidemocratic despot… (coming) to power by allying himself with radical Islamist political parties. (Therefore), most Pakistanis… watch their nation's Talibanization in passive silence.”
Is Rall suggesting that if Musharraf was not in power, there would be stability in Pakistan?
Rall is particularly concerned about the “the dismal condition of Pakistani highways” where unless you are one of the “elite motorists” the four hour drive from Islamabad to Lahore will “costs 12 hours and the occasional broken axle”. He refers to the countryside in between as “impoverished wasteland”. Well… you know… actually, a lot of it is summer vacation land.
He claims that “Pakistani women rarely venture outdoors. When they do, they cover themselves--with headscarves… and burqas.” Interesting. What are they going to wear on the catwalks at the Pakistan Fashion Week later this year?
Furthermore, “Muslim Pakistan banned alcoholic beverages in 1977. Drinkers face 20 lashes and three years in prison.” When was the last time this law was enforced?
The Lahore Museum, “notable for its… sauna-hot browsing conditions, displayed a map of cultural anthropological sites. Pakistan's neighbors…were clearly labeled, (except India)”. I think the average Lahorite knows where India is especially with all the goodwill tours currently going on.
Rall’s viewpoints hardly matches the ones I gathered from my visits. But do not take my word for it. Let’s read the more recent impressions from Santosh Ojha, correspondent for the Deccan Herald in Bangalore, India.
So, Ojha, what do think of the airport?
Lahore airport came as a pleasant surprise! To start with, the airport is named after a poet and (not after a politician)… Allama Iqbal.
What about the airport staff?
The immigration is staffed by smartly-clad women with their heads covered. No fuss, no delay and we are out of the terminal building quickly.
And the quality of the roads?
I… can not help but (be amazed) about the quality of the roads! Six lane roads, well maintained. The trees are bedecked with lights.
Did you receive 20 lashes for your drink of whiskey?
Islam taboos consumption of alcohol. And Pakistan is a dry state… But mercifully for the tipplers, Pakistan does not prohibit consumption of alcohol provided you are a non-Pakistani and a non-Muslim and you are consuming the daaru within the confines of your room.
By the way, Rall describes the Pakistanis as humorless, What do you say to that?
Our colleague based in Islamabad… a devout Muslim, …is a quiet and genial sort of a person and ever willing to help.
Any place you would like to recommend visiting?
The memorable trip to Food Street in Gawalpura! A plain, non-descript street… blocked at either end of the street after 7 pm; the Street bristles with gastronomic activities till the wee hours of the morning. (And…) a quick visit to Shalimar Garden.
I know where you are talking about. My favorite places too. Say, Ojha, why don’t you and I take Rall out on the town sometime. The poor guy really needs to get out more often.
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East-Asia-Intel.com
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Reality, ideals, and opinions
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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East-Asia-Intel.com
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.
WorldTribune.com
Geostrategy-Direct.com
East-Asia-Intel.com
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