Pakistani dictator Pervez Musharraf has done away with even the veneer of constitutional governance and declared a state of emergency–martial law (for more see my “shared items” in the sidebar or here). Taking a page from the Bush play book, Musharraf blames activist judges and terrorists for bringing about this emergency. As such, he has cracked down on the judiciary, the media, and civil society. Somehow, the most liberal elements of the Pakistani establishment are to blame for the Taliban-like elements who actually do represent a serious challenge to the Pakistani state. From what I hear, the declaration of emergency has as yet had little effect on extremists, or whatever we’re calling them these days.
The United States government must withdraw the support that it has provided to the Musharraf dictatorship for far too long. US civil society must demonstrate solidarity with those who have been courageous enough to challenge Musharraf’s second coup from within the country. US aid to Pakistan should not be restored until Musharraf steps down and restores constitutional government. Free and fair elections should take place as soon as possible to restore democracy.
A Pakistani government that does not represent the will of its people cannot achieve lasting stability. It cannot act as a serious negotiating partner with India to resolve the ongoing disputes between these two countries. Kashmir is too much of a flash point. The conflict in Kashmir has become a threat to the prosperity, the stability, and even the existence of South Asia. Open conflict between nuclear powers is something to be avoided.
A new democratic government in Pakistan should make peace with its neighbor a priority. India should reciprocate. A secure, stable Pakistan is in India’s interest. A weak, threatened Pakistan is a dangerous neighbor.
Is it significant that Musharraf doesn’t blame India for the state of emergency? That must be some kind of first.
12 November 2007 at 10:32 pm
James did you see the front page of The Indian Express today Nov. 12th 2007? One of the headlines reads, “Crackdown in Pak has militants in Valley confused and worried.” It contains an excerpt from supposed radio communication between “a militant in Kashmir and his handler in PoK.” It is a bit strange in that it puts a positive spin on the events taking place in Pakistan as if they will help India. As Many Pubby writes on page one, “A flurry of radio messages and phone calls across the LoC in the last few days indicates that Kashmiri militatnts, preparing for a winter stay in the Valley, are a worried lot with the declaration of emergency in Pakistan.” Yes, Musharraf’s crackdown on the judiciary must really be worrying those operating in Kashmir. Does this make any sense? Check it out if you get a chance.