Thursday, November 15, 2007

Pakistan's future

by shamanic

The Times tells us that US policy makers are imagining a Pakistani future without Pervez Musharraf, and I think that's a pretty good thing to do at this point.

Obviously, the news has been all about Pakistan for the last couple of weeks, and with each passing day I wonder more how Musharraf can hang on. An expert interviewed on the NewsHour a few nights ago explained that the generals in Pakistan are highly motivated to prevent an Islamist takeover, because, in his words, "they'd be the first to lose their heads".

Needless to say, that caught my attention. Imagine knowing that the officers behind you in line for leadership are largely radicals who would Talibanize your country. Yes, I think we should keep strong lines of communication open with the military leadership, with the understanding that they value their lives at least as much as we value a moderate Pakistan.

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