Nawaz Sharif: A leader Pakistan can do without.

[southasiawatch]

Nawaz Sharif: A leader Pakistan can do without.


In the March 25, 2009 piece in the NY Times, Nawaz Sharif is portrayed as someone the U.S. and Pakistan can possible reconsider as a leader that can guide Pakistan through a challenging period. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth. In the 03-25-09 NY Times article, two important questions are asked: Can Mr. Sharif, 59, a populist politician close to Islamic parties, be a reliable partner? Or will he use his popular support to blunt the
military’s already fitful campaign against the insurgency of the Taliban and Al Qaeda?

The answer to both of these questions is a resounding NO. History has shown where Nawaz Sharif stands on these issues, it he stands for religious extremism, alliances with terrorists, and the undermining of secular rule in Pakistan, to the detriment of its citizenry and the country's neighbors near and far.


Sharif has a long history of aligning with extremist religious groups, jihadists, and the Taliban. He has previously praised oppressive Taliban rule in Afghanistan and decided that it would be an appropriate style of government for Pakistan. With the Taliban and Al-Queda taking active refuge in Pakistan, engaging in recruitment there, and basing attacks in Pakistan and across the border into Afghanistan, Nawaz Sharif is the last person that can be relied upon to control or eliminate these destabilizing and dangerous groups. Sharif's support for these extremists goes beyond admiration and rhetoric, he as personally assisted them in their quest for power, guiding the Taliban to Kabul himself.


In the NY Times article of 03-25-09, an expert notes "There’s no evidence that he understands the difference between these groups,” said Stephen P. Cohen, a scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington." However, Sharif's blindness to extremism and terror goes beyond even Mr. Cohen's observations. Sharif has met with Osama Bin Laden and has also personally approved terror attacks during his previous reign over Pakistan.


Sharif's desire for power is even greater than his respect for innocent life. Convicted for hijacking, he put the lives of 198 people on a plane in jeopardy by refusing to allow it to land. Also, Sharif funneled terrorist gunmen into disputed areas of Kashmir in 1997, risking not only the lives of innocent civilians there, but open war with its larger neighbor, India.


Beyond the blood on Sharif's hands, his corruption and that of his brother are on a vast scale. At the time of his removal from office, Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shabaz had looted approximately $60 million from people of Pakistan, via their personally owned companies. Pakistan, a developing nation, struggling to bring economic growth, education, and basic services to tens of millions of poverty stricken citizens, cannot afford the greed and avarice of Nawaz Sharif.



Pakistan's elite may be asking how much has Sharif changed, but the real consideration is; Can Pakistan afford to find out that Sharif has not changed at all?







Cross posted at MyDD.com