THE GLOBAL ELITE

20: Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan

John Moore / Getty Images

Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

NEWSWEEK

Published Dec 20, 2008

From the magazine issue dated Jan 5, 2009

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In theory this mumbling, chain-smoking general answers to President Asif Ali Zardari. But Kayani and his troops remain the dominant power in what could be the most dangerous country in the world. He's responsible for Pakistan's nukes; for the battle against Al Qaeda and its tribal allies along the Afghan border; and for managing tensions with neighbor India. So far, his army has kept itself out of politics and seems focused on the battle against jihadists. In the wake of the November terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Kayani stood firm on Pakistan's sovereignty while also taking measures against the alleged sponsors of the outrage.

Kayani insists he's a committed democrat, but he nevertheless argues that military interventions (there have been four since independence 61 years ago) are sometimes necessary to maintain Pakistan's stability. He likens coups to temporary bypasses that are created when a bridge collapses on democracy's highway. After the bridge is repaired, he says, then there's no longer any need for the detour.

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Posted By: RAHUL D @ 01/07/2009 10:43:40 AM

What do you think about the recent 65% of voting in election of Kashmir? I think you must have some point of view on that as well. All right - how many times you have heard about "INDIA TERRORIST" either in media or any news & im not talking about INDIA media any media of the world. Do you think entire world does not like PAK????????? Again your name is ZAMIR.....

P.S- I hope I have improve my English little bit communicating with you back & forth... thank you for that.

i have Pakistani friend who is hate to say & go to pakistan because >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>i can go on on & on>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
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Posted By: Zamir @ 01/07/2009 1:02:39 AM

Rahul you have heard about the atrocities from your neighbors, now go ask some Kashmirs. I have Kashmiri friends who tell me that there is not single family in Srinagar that has not lost a family member (mostly Indian army???s doing). You may speak of friends, but I have lost family members Indian trained Mukti-bahini terrorists. You are an Indian so you think your country is innocent. Well it is not. In almost every country of South Asia, India has trained terrorist groups.
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Posted By: Zamir @ 01/07/2009 12:46:33 AM

Rahul you have heard about the atrocities from your neighbors, now go ask some Kashmirs. I have Kashmiri friends who tell me that there is not single family in Srinagar that has not lost a family member (mostly Indian army???s doing). You may speak of friends, but I have lost family members Indian trained Mukti-bahini terrorists. You are an Indian so you think your country is innocent. Well it is not. In almost every country of South Asia, India has trained terrorist groups.