Washington Backs Musharraf On Democracy Denial

[Flabbergasted]

2007-02-19 13:52:33 - Washington's unqualified backing for Gen. Pervez Musharraf, despite his questionable record as regards combating terrorism, has caused a setback to the aspirations of the people of Pakistan for genuine civilian democratic rule, which was promised, to them


Washington's unqualified backing for Gen. Pervez Musharraf, despite his questionable record as regards combating terrorism, has caused a setback to the aspirations of the people of Pakistan for genuine civilian democratic rule, which was promised, to them. The military regime is not only being bolstered with cash dole and deliveries of lethal weaponry, including F-16 fighter and attack helicopters, but
also encouraged to crush the movement for restoration of democracy. Musharraf is also being helped to install himself as President for another five-year term and continue as Chief of the Army Staff as well, thinking that a military ruler is best qualified to end Taliban and Al Qaeda invasion of neighboring Afghanistan, where US-led NATO forces are faced with a no-win situation. He is also regarded as the best bet for furthering Washington's strategic objectives in the region.

Homilies on the urgent need of democracy in the Muslim world by President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as well as, pressure on the military regime, which was accused of systematically rigging the last parliamentary and provincial legislature elections, to democratize have been given up. The people of Pakistan, who were living in the hope of getting "moral backing" of Washington in their quest for complete civilian supremacy, are sorely disappointed. They do not visualize an alternative being allowed to emerge, given the military's control of all aspects of life and organs of governance and continuing manipulations as also Musharraf's firm refusal to allow popular leaders, such as, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to return and stand for election.

The change in Washington's thinking became clear when President Bush visited Pakistan last year and refused to meet any opposition leaders, including the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was invited to a prayer breakfast meeting at the White House recently, was denied a meeting with President Bush despite waiting for several days in Washington. Any lingering doubts in democracy-seeking Pakistanis about Washington having reneged on its commitment were also removed by the US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker who categorically stated that democracy is Pakistan's "internal issue, we cannot do anything in this regard. America cannot design what kind of democracy should be practiced in Pakistan."

http://www.pr-inside.com/general-musharraf-washinton-government-muslims-al--r53724.htm

[WCGreen]

1. Let freedom ring...

as long as it is bush pulling the cord of the liberty bell....