Rather than Musharraf Dilemma as Max Boots puts it, it is the American Dilemma.
Do we really believe democracy is the panacea? Does our President and the Past Administrations understand the returns on supporting democracy are greater than supporting Fascist regimes?
Democracy is the first step in achieving peace and justice in the world, and we talk about these values, and yet, we have gone against the democratic movements and supported regimes that are totalitarian. Examples are plenty; Iran, Philippines, Cuba, Iraq (once) and a whole lot of them in the last 50 years, and currently we are supporting many such regimes, the most critical of them now is Pakistan.
Musharraf was hailed as a savior of Pakistan; indeed, he navigated Pakistan through the most difficult times and has done a lot of good to Pakistan, more than most of the rulers in the past. However, he has lost confidence in his own governance and that insecurity in him frightens to face the facts on the ground, he cannot answer open questions, instead he resorts to clamping down on freedom and resorting to oppression. How long will he get away with it?
It is up to the people of Pakistan to set their nation on the course of stable governance coupled with prosperity for every citizen of the nation. These guys come and go, Musharraf is just another one, his days are numbered, and his jet to America is perhaps booked. He has got nothing to lose, people need to wake up to that.
It is indeed an American Dilemma. Who should we support; Mortal beings as rulers or perpetual systems of governance. We need to guard our nation from short sighted approach, we need to create an environment of friendliness and prosperity for people around the world, that is not individual dependent but systems dependent. and it is good for us and good for the world.
Mike Ghouse
