Dancing with the Dictator

Can somebody tell which is a bigger threat? Nuclear-armed Pakistan or Iran who is going to arm itself 10 years from now?

Dictatorship can not serve the purpose of democracy. Pakistan may now become another Afganistan or Iraq. Will the US policy makers ever understand this? Blind as they are in their persuit of power and resources around the world. When they do, the world will be a far better place for everyone to live. Better for Pakistan and rest of the world struggling for democracy. There would have been no need for the disastrous war on terrorism if democratic aspirations of the people of South and West Asia were duly supported. Rather not tampered by US power interests.

Yes when USA's ally Gen. Musharraff could not maintain his writ and control extremism, it is rather now time to involve general public in fight against terrorism as unpopular Government of the dictator is only paving the way to more terrorism. Only solution is free and fair elections at the earliest. Believe me no sane person in Pakistan likes terrorism, it is hatred towards military junta which is undermining war against terrorism. And undercover elements in the present regime which were flourished under the hagemony of jihadis against USSR(that time) in fact is a problem in restoring moderate society in Pakistan.

It is time to understand that US cannot impose democracy in countries where for centuries they were leaving as they are now. Why our interest is to oblige democracy in those countries? Is it not the same that if they were like to impose in our country the Islam? Unless we can understand and respect the principles of leaving together -and that is- leave and let leave in peace, we always going to confront violence and murders as we see today and therefore, war.

Posted By: An Student of polical Science

Free and independant judiciary, democracy and economic prosperity is strong reply to terrorism. Terrorists get space to flourish where poverty, illetracy and dictatorial rule (law of jungle) is prevailing. Civilised world has to decide whch course Pakistan needs at this crucial time. If army rule is that better then West/USA must have the same rule of law.

Regret having to admit, that Musharrat and Bush are good, in fact the best bed fellows and as such they deserve each other and we deserve Bush, since our Supreme Court elected him by implementing a collegiate electoral system.

God Bless America in spite of Bush.

john s. ursic

As the Leading democratic nation in the world, we as a nation should take the high moral ground. As we regard our judiciary system in high regards as no "one" is above the law / constitution, we as a nation should condemn the sacking of the Chief Justices' and demand their that they be reinstated and the judicial arm should be free from any interference, that is democracy and that is how we will find moderate friends in Pakistan, not by supporting dictators. We have to end this hyprocricy and once for all, stop supporting military regimes and dictatorships as by doing so, we will make friends and win the hearts and minds of the ordinary citizen, as tat is where true power lies to change a nation. That is how we should combat extremism by supporting the average Joe while exporting democracy around the globe.

American leaders simply don't understand asian way of thinking. the desire to look for easiest face saving relationships also creates such a huge mental block in the planning process. The US would do well to be less chummy with dictators and potential dictators.

this is typical of American understanding of affairs of Asia. there is this strong desire to look for easiest face saving solutions which have most often complicated matters. the desire to look the driver in all affairs also is such block to common sense thinking.

If Bush Administration does not act fast to force Musharaff to restore the constitution and the superior judiciary, there is every danger that some other person from the Army may oust him out and take over. In order to rally public support which is presently against Musharaff in Pakistan, he may announce a U-Turn in Pakistan policy towards support to the USA in its war on terror. Can the US afford that? If not, please act fast before it is too late. Kamran

Musharraf's days are numbered. The question is how we can make sure the nuclear arms don't go into the wrong hands. And we should think fast.

Versamedi

It seems all through history great powers bungled in treating others fairly - arrogant, using military power unnecessarily, involving in other countries' affairs where it was not really needed, easily enticed by so called friendly countries to subjugate and exploit other countries, hence using their hard earned resouces of its people in pursuit of stupid goals, spending their own resources to an extent leading to hyper inflation, devaluation of their currencies thus leading to economic meltdown to a point of being basket cases. Remember, Roman empire? Is this happening to United States? Will Americans realize before it is too late, if not already?

It is time President BUsh dump the dictator who has taken the entire Nation of Pakistan Hostage for his own power. This is not rule of law this is the terroism of the worst kind.
S. Shaikjh

Respectfully, I don;t agree with mr. Hirish..In order to fight this war against extremism element you need a strong dictator like Mushraaf not looters like Benazir or Nazwaz Sharif. These politicians will sell Pakistan. The political parties in pakistan are highly beaurocratic with no demoratic structure within the parties themselves. Only Musharraf presence could make pakistan secure and give peace with the rest of the world. He is a true patriot. May God bless Pakistan.

Its outrageous about our two-faced "empty rhetoric" on democracy. This is what Presidential Candidate Ron Paul means when he says, "we better practice what we preach." By supporting the anti-democracy dictator in chief, the Bush administration has once again shown crass judgment. As a Pakistani, I can swear the people have turned against this "SOB" Bush puppeteer and has declared war on his Muslim tribal brethren who are fiercely independent and govern their "own semi-autonomous" tribal Western Frontier.
I see grave consequences for my country if the Democracy preaching President of this country and the EU don't rein in this illegitimate power-grab now. The Chief Justice is under house arrest, television channels have been shut down, lawyers and lawmakers are surrounded by troops, and the Constitution suspended indefinitely. Would any Americans tolerate such abuse by their chief executive under the guise of "security?" If not then help us freedom-loving Pakistanis stop your gov't from turning this nation half of America's size into a fascist state under anti-Muslim forces and allies like Bush, neocons, and their Israeli supporting backers.

To steal a quote from FDR, "while he might be an SOB, he's our SOB."