American Foreign Policy, Pakistan flavored

In a continuing effort to destroy representative democracy across Asia, the US has gone so far as to "interfere," as some label it.

The first aspect of this is seen in the post-election military campaign. After three German citizens were arrested in Germany in September for planning attacks on US military bases in Germany, the Bush Administration applied political pressure to attack militants based in or near Mir Ali. On Oct. 6th, a convoy carrying military reinforcements into the North-West Frontier Province was pre-emptively attacked by members of the Islamic Jihadist Union, which has sparked the latest spate of violence. The only positive aspect of this whole affair is that at least they stopped shooting long enough to bury the dead.

On a more abstract and academic level, the second aspect of this is seen in the power sharing deal between General Musharraf and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. According to anecdotal evidence, the populace of Pakistan keenly remembers the millions of dollars the former Prime Minister is alleged to have stolen. "It (the power-sharing deal) has increased the perception that power trumps justice in Pakistan. In this respect, Jehangir looks to Americans with envy. "Whatever their religion or beliefs, at least they have rule of law."" On a related note, the Pakistani Government is concerned about protecting the former Prime Minister upon her return from exile in London and Dubai. Sure, they have a special import bullet-proof vehicle, but do they need private protection, like Blackwater? More importantly, can she control Pakistan's powerful military institutions? Ms. Bhutto points to Gen. Musharraf's promise to doff his uniform and the nomination of Lt.Gen. Ashfaq Kiani to become the next Army Chief of Staff as progress, but is really depending on a deeply felt "pretty please," as quoted in this interview. However, the promise is dependent on Musharraf assuming the Presidency. She then goes on to propose amending the constitution to remove powers from the office of President, so one can imagine how enthusiastic Musharraf will be about such reforms.

In the interest of being fair and balanced, it is worth mentioning that the Wall Street Journal feels that these policies are moving Pakistan towards representative democracy.