The Current Discussion: Will Pakistan be better or worse off after Musharraf?

I would like to think, as a Pakistani, that the future of a nation cannot rest on the fortunes or misfortunes of one man. Indeed in the history of Pakistan there have been a number of men who have been quite instrumental in the course of the nation, and while they have passed away or been removed from office, the country has continued its journey. General Musharraf does come across as perhaps one former leader who will evoke strong emotions from all sides. As a secular thinker in Pakistan, supporting the U.S. in its war on terrorism and acting with disdain towards key aspects of the country's constitutional law, the General was always walking a tight rope. Ironically after publishing his memories he seemed to have become arrogant, and perhaps thought of himself as infallible.

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The Current Discussion: In their campaign, should Barack Obama and running mate Joseph Biden advocate a clean break in U.S. foreign policy, or should they rely on continuity and experience?

The past eight years of U.S. foreign policy have been perhaps the worst ever for the image of the United States. I am not supporter of either Democrats or Republicans, especially when it comes to foreign policy. The U.S. policy towards other nations has been one of dictation, coercion and feeding off the fear that is being bred within the U.S. domestic policy. The war on terrorism has been made such a priority that upon its pretext two countries were invaded resulting in more than 5,000 U.S. deaths alone (many more than the 2,800 who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.) After seven years, the man they seek is still at large, Iraq is a mess and unfortunately the U.S. image in almost every country is at rock bottom. It has become such a farce that the U.S. policy makers (and indeed the fellows in Homeland Security, too) do not know friend from foe, and a criticism of U.S. policy has been equated with being an enemy of the U.S. There must be a departure from this policy of alienation that the present U.S. administration has engaged upon.

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