Though experts and analysts have consistently made doomsday predictions about the longevity of the Musharraf regime, a closer look at the evolving and complex situation in Pakistan, suggests that the country will need Musharraf more than ever, says a Pakistani analyst in an article for the New York Times.
New York, Aug.14 : Though experts and analysts have consistently made doomsday predictions about the longevity of the Musharraf regime, a closer look at the evolving and complex situation in Pakistan, suggests that the country will need Musharraf more than ever, says a Pakistani analyst in an article for the New York Times.
According to Amir Taheri, this sort of speculation about "imminent dramatic changes" in Pakistan once again in the wake of reports of an emergency being declared, should not come as a surprise.Pakistan, he says, is facing a growing Islamist challenge, and the last thing it needs, is a military coup or another dramatic regime change.
"Any institutional crisis at the summit of the state would only undermine its legitimacy and thus, encourage elements that wish to replace the republic with a Taliban-style "Islamic emirate," adds Taheri.The country, he further goes on to say is presently without any other charismatic figure, who can bring the nation's disparate forces together at a time of dangerous transition.
Economically, too, Pakistan can ill-afford another military coup, as such an incident "could quickly undo Musharraf's success in restoring economic growth and attracting unprecedented foreign investment.""Pakistan's best bet would be for Musharraf to stay at his post until after the next general election. Then, he should be asked to give up either the presidency or command of the armed forces," Taheri says.While Musharraf's overall performance in office remains positive, he would be ill advised not to recognize his record's negatives.
The first is desire to abolish the country's political life. Musharraf sees politics as a messy, dishonest and, ultimately, unnecessary business. Like past military rulers of Pakistan, he has tried to destroy currents that have provided Pakistan with a lively political life.
Recent weeks have brought signs that Musharraf may be toning down his anti-political, anti-democratic prejudices.
Musharraf needn't change his personal sentiments toward Bhutto or Sharif, but he must acknowledge that both cannot be scripted out of Pakistan's political life.
"Musharraf now knows that he's closer to Bhutto and Sharif than to the fanatical demagogues who preach murder and mayhem in religion's name," says Taheri.What Pakistan needs is a democratic front against terrorism, and Musharraf can't create such a front alone. Only leaders and parties that can mobilize Pakistan's silent majority can isolate and ultimately defeat the terrorists.
In conclusion, the article says that to defeat terrorism, Pakistan needs unity. That can be achieved only through free elections open to all parties and, preferably, under a neutral caretaker government.
"Once the internal democratic front is in place, Pakistan would also need to develop a united front with Afghanistan to pursue the War on Terror to ultimate victory, with or without NATO, and on both counts, Musharraf has a major role to play," it says.
ANI