For all his rhetoric about the threat of terrorism and extremism–and the embarrassment these had caused him personally, as well as his government–this coup was principally directed against the judiciary and was uniquely intended to thwart the possible adverse Supreme Court decision on his controversial ‘re-election’ to the post of President while he continued to hold the office of Chief of Army Staff.

Pakistan’s future remains wedded to chaos, and it must be clear that the unqualified support, on ludicrous ‘there is no alternative’ (TINA) logic, that is currently being extended to the military regime in the country will become progressively unsustainable. It cannot remain sufficient for the ‘international community’–and particularly the US, UK and neighbours such as India–simply to make the right noises, but continue with policies on Islamabad unchanged. A course correction will eventually be forced by events, but would best be initiated before the necessity becomes overwhelming, and the options further circumscribed.

Musharraf has taken advantage of the prairie fire of jihadi terrorism, which he himself caused, to remove or silence all those opposing his continuance in power.He knows the US will be initially worried. He is calculating that if he can now show results in his action against the jihadis and Al Qaeda, the US will rationalise his transgressions and will continue to back him despite his brutal crackdown and dismantling of the judiciary.

Will his calculation be proved right? Unlikely. He has created so many pockets of anger in Pakistan against himself and the US that it would be highly improbable that he would succeed in extinguishing the jihadi fire of his own creation.

Musharraf proposes, bin Laden disposes. That may be the ultimate denouement in Pakistan. US & EU have to be greatly concerned over the fire spreading across Pakistan.

The cynical dictator has started quoting Lincoln in his speeches, however he must remember what Lincoln had said,’” Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed. He who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or decisions possible or impossible to execute.’”

To those friends who think that this dictator will change his ways, I will say that it is the truth of history that once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition and media, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear. This has already happened in Pakistan. Fear of the junta & fear of the Taliban. Politics in Pakistan is not the art of the possible. It now consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable. The Pakistani dictator is now riding to and fro upon a tiger which he dare not dismount. And the tiger is getting hungry. The tiger will ultimately devour the rider. Any doubts?

Despite this scenario US and UK are extremely reluctant to do anything that might jeopardise their extensive links with Pakistan’s army and its intelligence service ISI. NATO needs logistical support for the Afghan war, undermining the Taliban’s rear base in the tribal areas of Pakistan, and intelligence on planned terrorist attacks in the West: all demand Pakistani junta co-operation.

For this reason, it appears that despite the well meaning rhetoric about democracy and human rights, the most obvious stick with which the US, UK & NATO can beat General Musharraf—the threat to withdraw American aid, of which nearly $11 billion has poured in since 2001—is difficult to use.

However this threat should be used as the junta is addicted to the cash and without the money flowing in it will be impossible for Pakistan Army to buy big ticket items like F-16s which have no use in the war against the Taliban now overrunning FATA & NWFP. After some tough talk from Bush Administration, General Musharraf has apparently promised to hold elections by mid- January under martial law, overturning the suggestion by Shaukat Aziz, his dummy prime minister, that elections due by January might be delayed a year or more. If this pressure is maintained, Pakistan can still be dragged back from the brink of self destruction.

The junta comprising the top brass of the Pakistan army are protégés of their chief, General Musharraf. They have done well out of his rule both personally and institutionally from all that American largesse and political support. However evidence suggests that their loyalty to their boss can be assumed to be finite. It will definitely end at the point where it becomes obvious he can no longer deliver the goods: either in terms of popular support for the army at home, or in terms of American backing and cash.

In the short term this is the only lever that US & EU have over this entity. And it must be made plain to the junta and its boss that such backing is dependent on restoring real democracy, through a free election open to all players. Otherwise, as tinpot military dictators go, so should General Musharraf, into the dusbin of history along with most other members of the corrupt military junta.

In the long term the Pakistan military needs to completely restructure itself and stamp out the jihadist hate mongering culture & establish a compact with the civil society and rout the jihadist forces now holding sway over large parts of Pakistan.So long as jihadism and hate mongering thrives, on in Pakistan, anywhere, it is hard to imagine such places being tamed. Even a sustained army campaign, which is essential, may fail as long as real modern education, cultivation of a culture of tolerance and acceptance of diversity in all its forms remain absent in both Pakistan & Afghanistan. And though it would help if Pakistan’s government were more broad-based and trusted by its population, that is no magic solution available to the world today. Without eradictaing the cancer of hate mongering Wahabbi Islam, introducing real education, and destroying all physical & ideological sanctuaries available to the likes of Taliban & Osama, sadly Pakistan may not survive as a modern nation.

And finally reading the blog entries makes one thing clear, many of the friends who express opinions tend to do so in a hateful manner. Is it any wonder that our leaders also tend to shout at each other rather than listen to each other, just like the bloggers do. Countries afterall are composed of humans like the representative sample of blogger friends here. Folks who spread hate about other religions, cultures, races & countries do not have a valid reason to hate you, they simply do so since they have been told to do so. Such folks are capable of hating others for any particular reason, people with different political and religious views, different lifestyles, and even fans of opposing sports teams, even those who have a different accent and those who dress differently or lead an alternative lifestyle. As several bloggers show such hatred displays feelings of prejudice, bigotry or condemnation against a class of people and members of that class. Most of such folks hate others because they are told to hate others not because of anything they have undergone or observed firsthand.The ability to quickly separate friend from foe is essential to such hate mongerers and provides the origins of hate. Hate produces aggression in order to cause harm & pain to others, both physical and emotional. Such hate produced aggression is a perplexing phenomenon.

Why are people motivated to hurt each other? Despite the labels & brands we are all humans living for some time on the third rock from the sun. From big bang to blackhole the journey for all of us will end one day in exactly the similar way. So why hate?

First of all, as a proud Indian and Hindu, let me give a few facts to the crazed islamic chest-thumpers on this blog who are venting their anger at being ruled by a thug like Musharraf who is leading their country to civil war and a rule by muslim jehadists..
1) The Prime Minister of India is a Sikh, and in all our fights against the inept and crazed invasions by your two-bit dictators like Ayub, Yah Yah, Zia and Musharraf, Sikh soldiers played a leading role in defeating Pakistani aggression. The general who defeated the Yah Yah killers in East Pakistan was a Sikh named Jagjit Sing Aurora
2) Hinduism has many faults, but intolearnce of other religions and thought systems is not one of them. In modern India, we have chief justice of supreme court to President of India to the leading male star of Bollywood who were/are muslims. As a matter of fact, the brain behind India's missile development is a scientist, and the last President of India named Abdul Kalam. Name one Hindu or Sikh or Christian leader in Pakistan.
3)India's resurgence in various areas of business and industry has little to do with IT industry, but due to a well developed plan by our first PM J. Nehru to build a modern and secular India based on freedom and equal opportunity for all. A large percent of available seats in govt colleges and universities, as well as state and federal govt jobs are reserved for dalits and other historically oppressed tribesand castes.

I have only one suggestion to the real freedom figters in Pakistan: the lawyers and journalists speaking out against the military junta: get your supporters organized in the USA so that the Bush-Cheney regime stops the US dollars going to Musharraf so that he can suppress the democracy movement in Pakistan, and encourage his Taliban and islamic jehadists followers to continue their attacks against Afghanistan and India.. This pathetic dictator's days are numbered. The only question is whether he will let an elected leader come to power, or be overthrown like the Shah of Iran..

Indeed I made some spelling mistakes and Syntactic errors, during my hurriedly composed deliberation, for that I solemnly apologise to my fellow bloggers.
But my message remains the same, and I stand by what I said.
Many countries and their people are religious and always inspired by their religious beliefs.
But problem starts when a crooked politician or a party or a Military dictator tries to Bend the rule of normal governance of His country [who by the by was elected democratically by His people in the first instance] through using Religious bigotry- baton to mould the democratic system in favour of and fulfilling his private agenda, personal financial gains and his attempted exercise on staying in power for ever- That what I call raping of Democracy, and that country bounds to fall in to the hell hole of Religious Satanic Domain. What is exactly happening in Pakistan now.
If you want your country to be Democratic, them my friends, You must get rid of "Religious Festoons" from your Parliament building. Second step- Get rid of Your Madrasa Schools that had been imported and willfully and misleadingly transplanted in the heart of your Modern Educational Systems. And believe me that these Madrasa- Teachings are creating a mass of "Illiterate Religious Zealots", and who are in turn supporting fundamentalism. And these Zealots are killing your Fundamental rights and down grading your Women's rights and their prestige and their utilities in the society. Thus Your current society has created a Burkha- Dome, means your right hand can not acknowledge your left hand. So You see that a Religion based state can not run for foreseeable future. Democracy is totally incompatible to Theocracy. They can not coexist together.
Then You have to change your current judicial systems- which have gone to Pot. Then restore the Minorities' rights. Sop all kind discrimination against Hindus, christians, Ahmedias, Baluch, Sindhi and other minorities. Save their properties and their Religious institutions and ancient Relics. Protect their lives and allow them to follow their own cultural and Religious Practices.
As I mentioned in my previous blogging, what atrocities were perpetrated by Your beloved- the then General Ziaul Haq against Baluch People? I still Stand by it. Better ask your elders in Baluchistan who survived the genocide and atrocities? Let them Speak, what they say??
About Burma- You can not compare between full Moon and a Burnt out Chapatti.
Burmese Rulers are not Religious Zealots, or Snatchers of individual's right to practice his/her religion. There is in existence of "Law and Order" situation and have social Harmony, which is completely lagging in Pakistan.
I personally do not condone any kind of Military Junta, but I consider this Burmese Junta is lesser Evil. They have problem of keeping their territorial integrity and National identity from chinese incursion and Rebellions from North east and she is surrounded by Hostile Nations. Therefore Burmese have chosen Military administration. so I do not encourage Comparison.
What about Indians? Well, they are light Year ahead of You. Yes they have follies, but they are now in rectifying mode, and they are succeeding. All Your misconceptions and your tendencies of mollifying India will not succeed. Brother- This is 21st.Century and India will be a World Class Democratic Nation and evil design of yours to destroy it is impossible. Most important- Indian Muslims are now enjoying their full democratic rights and they are doing all their religious practices without any Hindrance. They now consider their Roots and Identities as Indians.
Better cast off your jealous complexes and accept your mistakes, rectify it and survive. Amen.

We (US) should support anyone who supports democracy, war against terrorism and freedom of speech in Pakistan.

Pakistan in turn clean up the mess near Pak/Afghan border and bring back democracy simple!

Religious radicals have threatened to burn a Christian church's pastor and his family, and the church building was vandalized with a Hindu "Om" symbol, according to the Voice of the Martyrs, the worldwide ministry to persecuted Christians.

It's just the latest attack by Hindus on Christians around the world that Voice of the Martyrs has documented. Just weeks earlier, another church leader in India was attacked, beaten and kicked for being Christian.

In the latest attack, VOM sources within India reported that the attackers were members of the Hindu organization Hindu Ikyavedi.

Before the attack, Pastor Koshy Thomas and members of his family had been warned to stop holding worship services in their facility in Bangalore

NEW DELHI, INDIA (BosNewsLife) -- Active Christians in rural areas of India, including pastors and evangelists, faced another potentially dangerous day Monday, June 11, after reports that two Christian workers were killed by suspected militants in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh while elsewhere Hindu extremists threatened to burn alive church leaders.

"Disgruntled Hindu villagers, who could not get admission to the Catholic school made accusations that the Catholic priest was promoting conversions to Christianity through the school," GCIC said. On May 12 he was allegedly ordered to leave the village of Parsad in the state's Udaipur area by 15 militants who, Christians said, threatened to burn him alive.

Sikh Genocide of 1984
Thousands of sikhs butchered in India's Capital City

warning: graphic material

http://youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=...p;v=375VrVG3src

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4kEnzhsXIw...ted&search=

HINDUISM'S AMAZING METHOD OF TURNING 'USED' WOMEN BACK INTO VIRGINS
A sexual ritual is prescribed to purify a woman who has committed sexual sins:

"A woman who has been unchaste should worship Siva in his calm aspect, Siva who is Kama. Then she should summon a Brahmin and give herself to him, thinking, 'This is Kama who has come for the sake of sexual pleasure.' And whatever the Brahmin wishes, the sensuous woman should do. For thirteen months she should honour in this way any Brahmin who comes to the house for the sake of sexual pleasures, and there is no immorality in this for noble ladies or prostitutes." -- Matsya Purana 70:40-60; cf. Mahabharata III:2:23.

Nag

obviously india is without a mess (Kashmir, Assam punjab, i can go on for hours). india will break up soon read TOI. call centers will not save india from breaking up in to pieces and poverty. 71 Pakistan broke up due to indian state sponsor terrorism. but now its india's turn.

on regular basis your soldiers are killed in Kashmir and Assam, Human rights violations are committed against the residents of this areas.

Clean up your own gutter before throwing a stone on the other's pond.

Hey Anonymous,
Every religion has aberrations. The pernicious caste system is suh an aberration.Independent India has given preferential treatment to dalits through job reservation.However, the scope of this discussion does not include fault finding amongst religions.The scope of the discussion is the mess Pakistan has created for itself and off course for us Indians.You may note I have not blamed Islam, I have blamed the Islam followed by Pakistanis.Belittling Hinduism cannot wash the blood off Pakistan's hands.Let me give you a delusional congratulation for anticipating Kashmir's accession to Pakistan.Read all newspapers including your own publications like Dawn.Right now everyone is discussing about the possible balkanisation ( NOT partition ) of Pakistan and which fragment of Pakistan will be inheriting its nuclear arsenals.I am not for once saying we Indians have no problems. We are working hard to solve our daily problems of grinding poverty,unemployment, social problems, etc.However, Pakstanis seem more involved in bleeding India than solving its own problems ( I would be foolish to assume that Pakistan has no such problems ).The net result is that Pakistan is now on the verge of a breakup in to pieces. Unlike the situation in 1971, this prospect is now going on without any contribution from India.

Nag (means Snake) said

Our religion teaches us " SARBA DHARMA SAMANNYAY " which is to treat all human beings as equal, regardless of their religion

You're kidding right?

Hindusim created caste system, you have the worst human rights violation against dalits and lower caste. You're higher class brahimns treat dogs better than dalits, Christians, muslims and sikhs.

Don't try to educate us about your relegion. we all know hinduism is only good for one thing and that is Kama S.

indians on this forum gloating about the situation Pakistan jus have to remember one thing KASHMIR is still disputed, on the UN and will become a part of Pakistan.

This is a political situation Pakistan is facing every country faces these kind of upheaveals but we are united as one nation to take back KASHMIR from state sponsor of terrorism "india".

Nag (means Snake) said

Our religion teaches us " SARBA DHARMA SAMANNYAY " which is to treat all human beings as equal, regardless of their religion

You're kidding right?

Hindusim created caste system, you have the worst human rights violation against dalits and lower caste. You're higher class brahimns treat dogs better than dalits, Christians, muslims and sikhs.

Don't try to educate us about your relegion. we all know hinduism is only good for one thing and that is Kama S.

Pakistan is not Burma.

This is seriously flawed question.Because conditions in Pakistan do not resemble Burma in any respect. And Mush the dictator has shown no signs that he following Burmese junta's path.

In fact he has likely to follow his election schedual and step down as chief of the Military.In past eight years, elections of local councils have been regularly held.While we dont see such things happening in Burma.Therefore I am not sure on what grounds the author has tried lump Pakistan with Burma.May urge to sensationalise took over the rational analysis.

In contrast to Burma, Musharraf's emergency is very liberal.One proof of is that all the major newspapers of Pakistan are available online.(Check out the english papers like DAILY TIMES, DAWN, THE NEWS AND THE NATION)

After going through editorials and columns you will find that there is very harsh criticism of Musharraf's emergency rule and his actions.But despite all this no newspaper has been stopped from publishing and neither any newspaper editor has been handed death sentence like in Iran.

As far as ban on processions is concerned, there is also some logic if one considers the wave of suicide boming in previous months. Processions will only provide opportunities to terrorists and no good will come out.

Finally, it is hard to understand that why US media is so obessed with Bush's Musharraf policy especially when US is allied with far more repressive rgimes of Uzbekistan, Tajikstan, and Gulf States.).Perhaps it has something to do with up coming election.

People who are supporting Musharraf are slavish and ignorant and should be ashamed of themselves. They are letting people like Asma Jahangir who are putting their lives on the line to fight for rule of law in the country. Musharraf regime should be declared as illegitimate by the international community. The real purpose of the emergency rule is to weaken the legal and political institutions of Pakistan so as to allow Musharraf to continue to remain in power. People of Pakistan should not allow this thug to remain in power in any circumstances even if the new elections are held in February.

I am shocked to note that some Pakistanis are spewing venom on India without any apparent reason.If anyone criticizes a genuine mistake in Pakistan, he is branded a Pak hating Indian.This is not correct.It reflects a defensive mentality to secure a wwrong.It is an undeniable fact that Pak based militants are wrecking havoc in India with the west turning a blind eye to such human misery.Please note my points below:
1)Hindus have been driven out of Kashmir through a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing.Professionally qualified Kashmiri pandits are now living a destitute life in the rehabilitation centres in Jammu and Delhi.
2)Pak sponsored Jehadi violence has penetrated deep inside India beyond that borders of Kashmir.Several Pak politicians including cricketer Imran Khan have proudly claimed that Jehadis are Pakistan's auxilliary force who are bleeding India to a slow death.
3)Pakistani militants have carried out numerous acts of bombings at public places during Hindu festivals.Bombings are mostly done on Friday afternoons to avoid Muslim causalties.Two years back, almost a hundred people died in Delhi during serial bombings during Diwali shopping.
Can any India hating Pakistani let me know why you gloat over such human miseries ?Some Muslims tell me that Quran does not favour civilian violence during Jehad.But Pak sponsored militants are following this despicable policy and receiving claps from Pakistanis.And yes, the west, including the US, turned a convenient blind eye till Sep 11.It may be noted that independent polls in Pakistan show a high level of support for incidents like market place bomb blasts in India, Sep 11. People there feel that such recourses are needed in trying to Islamise the world.The peaceful means in achieving that objective being mass immigraton ( legal or illegal ) and unbridled reproduction which too are being liberally followed by Pakistanis.
However, unfortunately hatred knows no boundaries as is being exemplified by the present mess in Pakistan.It is only when the Jehadi killers are coming home to roost that Pakistanis have started protesting.Expertise gained by terrorists in triggering bomb blasts are now argetting Pakistanis.In this messy situation, Pakistanis have started insulting Indians as if we created this mess. Hey guys, wake up !Your present day bane of suicide bombings have played havoc with our lives since 1989.Our festivals have become filled with fear due to your Islamic jehad.Hindus shop in fear on Diwali and Durga Puja, mindful of the fact that these occassions are fertile times for your killers to attain martyrdoom.Stop blaming us Indians. We do not hate you. We did not create this mess you are in.We are hardworking people who are striving hard to end our problems of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy,hunger.We are the helpless victims of the violence you have unleashed on us.Every newspaper in India has condemned the violence in Pakistan because we as victims know the pain terror can inflict.On the other hand, every newspaper in Pakistan routinely justifies Jehadi violence as legitimate means to annex Kashmir.Your religious leaders openly praise such violence as religious war and state that suicide bombers are destined for heaven. Have you heard any Hindu religious leader rejoicing over violence in Pakistan ? The answer is NO.Our religion teaches us " SARBA DHARMA SAMANNYAY " which is to treat all human beings as equal, regardless of their religion.Unfortunately, Pakistanis do not realise this sentiment.And the version of Islam you follow ( I am not blaming Islam, just the version followed by Pakistanis ) goads you to harm and insult Indians.However, the world is round.What goes around will come around.So, look at the present misery in Pakistan.And yes, all this mess is taking place without India doing anything to provoke or stimualte it.

india is a third world country with 3rd world issues (poverty, child slavery, disformed babies considered to be goddess, etc). just because they speak to us in broken english when we call customer service in a weired accent pretending to be John or Jack,that doesn't make them developed. 80% of the population lives under the poverty line. Human righs violation and state terrorism occurred in Kashimir, Assam and Punjab. india provides aid and comfort to sri lankan terrorists. This is the only country which have nukes and no command and control system.

Absolutely! Nobody'd better say nothin' about Burma...the best shaving cream ever comes from there! :)

Are you people crazy? Burma is a terrific country. They make some of the best shaving cream the world has ever known.

So please stop saying bad stuff about Burma.

In fact, there is a saying in Burma that goes like this:

Grandpa's beard
was stiff and coarse
and that's what
caused his
fifth divorce
Burma-Shave

To say that 'don't let Pakistan become Myanmar' is starnge when one considers the fact that Osama bin Laden is more popular in Jehangir's Pakistan than any US leader despite US pouring billions of dollars in that bottomless pit. Afterall it was democratic government of Pakistan that facilitated Osama's relocation from Sudan to Afghanistan and it was democratic government of Pakistan that created and nurtured taliban movement and installed Taliban government in Afghanistan. Pakistan's economy has flourished under Musharraf, thanks to Uncle Sam but that has not increased America's popularity there.

To the Gloating Indians on this page:

Take a peek beyond the economic growth and democracy in India and you will find poverty, terrorism and huiman rights abuses. Solve your own problems, dont gloat over Pakistan's.

To those who fear for Asma Jehagir's life, dont worry.

hmm....so much for Bush's reason for invading Iraq: "to spread the ideals of democracy!" Indeed!

Looks like we're in the middle of a negative spiral- the fear of terrorism and radical Islamic goverments with nukes making the US support dictator (and sultanates). The dictatorship and political repression feeding terrorism and radicalization in Pakistan and the Arab world. It's not easy to break out of this spiral without the West facing short term setbacks. Afterall, it does seem easier to deal and patronize a few bullies to keep the pack in order than to deal with a political goverment with complex interests at play. (just look at the Indian debate on the US-India nuclear deal as an example!)

I hear that the Generals are also business Czars in Pakistan. Would they give up power and lose their financial empires funded directly and indirectly by the Western aid? Only the US can nudge them into it and broker peace between the politicans and the military. (and the US must, if they take a longer term view that an India type Pakistan is better than the current version).

To me, Pakistan and India are blood twins who moved different ways. Pakistan can still emulate India, if only the State Department, the US President, the CIA and the Pentagon all believed the same vision...somehow one gets the feeling they don't...and that's what makes me sigh.

hmm....so much for Bush's reason for invading Iraq: "to spread the ideals of democracy!" Indeed!

Looks like we're in the middle of a negative spiral- the fear of terrorism and radical Islamic goverments with nukes making the US support dictator (and sultanates). The dictatorship and political repression feeding terrorism and radicalization in Pakistan and the Arab world. It's not easy to break out of this spiral without the West facing short term setbacks. Afterall, it does seem easier to deal and patronize a few bullies to keep the pack in order than to deal with a political goverment with complex interests at play. (just look at the Indian debate on the US-India nuclear deal as an example!)

I hear that the Generals are also business Czars in Pakistan. Would they give up power and lose their financial empires funded directly and indirectly by the Western aid? Only the US can nudge them into it and broker peace between the politicans and the military. (and the US must, if they take a longer term view that an India type Pakistan is better than the current version).

To me, Pakistan and India are blood twins who moved different ways. Pakistan can still emulate India, if only the State Department, the US President, the CIA and the Pentagon all believed the same vision...somehow one gets the feeling they don't...and that's what makes me sigh.

The biggest mistake that Bush made was to rely on Musharraf to fight Terrorism. Mussharraff was himself responsible for encouraging and suppporting Taliban. He has supported Terrorism in Afghanistan and India. So maybe he caught a few Al-Qaeeda terrorists every time he visited Washington. The fact remains that Taliban is now stronger than it has ever been and a danger to Afghanistan, U.S and it now appears even to Pakistan. A lot of Indians are having a "We told you so" moment right now ....

The biggest mistake that Bush made was to rely on Musharraf to fight Terrorism. Mussharraff was himself responsible for encouraging and suppporting Taliban. He has supported Terrorism in Afghanistan and India. So maybe he caught a few Al-Qaeeda terrorists every time he visited Washington. The fact remains that Taliban is now stronger than it has ever been and a danger to Afghanistan, U.S and it now appears even to Pakistan. A lot of Indians are having a "We told you so" moment right now ....

The biggest mistake that Bush made was to rely on Musharraf to fight Terrorism. Mussharraff was himself responsible for encouraging and suppporting Taliban. He has supported Terrorism in Afghanistan and India. So maybe he caught a few Al-Qaeeda terrorists every time he visited Washington. The fact remains that Taliban is now stronger than it has ever been and a danger to Afghanistan, U.S and it now appears even to Pakistan. A lot of Indians are having a "We told you so" moment right now ....

Okay, I'm done reading this thing and hearing about how America is somehow behind this little coup. Trust me, America loses WAY too much in this bid to have ever backed it. They just also lose WAY too much to stop him directly.

Unless Bush grows a real, hairy set here in a couple days, either Musharraf will remain in power or Islamic fundamentalists will oust him. America has played its hand out, lost, and is watching from the sidelines.

If Musharraf wins this power struggle, America has an ally in the 'war on terror'. It also has a nasty little dictatorship to prop up. Sure, people talk about the Shah and Bin Laden in the past tense, but this is history in the making. Unfolding before even the youngest eyes is the way in which America contributes to dictatorships when it places one idea above the lofty idea of fighting for freedom.

It isn't about oil this time. It's not about repression. It's not about Islam this time. This has everything to do with the war and Bin Laden. If Bush ever wants to see Bin Laden captured and the Taliban finally broken, he's going to need someone in Pakistan willing to work with him.

So the question becomes, what is more important? Freedom in Pakistan or military success against Al'Qaida? And all signs point to Bush choosing the latter. Musharraf allowed the American government to give him money, military might, and power despite his overwhelming unpopularity. And now they can either erase this and work out a new relationship with a new government who may or may not like him, or they back Musharraf and pray his coup is enough to keep him in power. And Bush has chosen to keep up the fight instead of defending the Pakistani people.

The account of this lawyer, fighting for the freedom of her country from military rule, is a reminder of the price Bush is willing to pay in his war. He has been willing to sell souls in the past. This woman is his sacrifice on the altar, his price, his deal with the devil for a check mark in the win column.

He's willing to let these brave people hang for a shot at winning. He has a choice, and he's chosen the easy road. And this black stain is going to be on America's soul for decades.

I read accounts coming out of Pakistan. I read Bush's statements in response to them. I read reassurances and false promises from Musharraf. I read it all and it makes everything in me that has come to respect my country quiver with anger.

How dare he? How dare Bush let the only positive legacy of our country rot by standing by and doing nothing. Everything I've ever been taught by my parents to respect, a love of freedom, the will to right the wrongs you've made, the clarity to choose between a powerless people and an oppressive elite. Bush has turned his back on all three of these things with his responses.

There is no political justification for this. We should be willing to pay any political price, sacrifice any well-being with Musharraf, choke him with sanctions, and do whatever is necessary. Even if his weakness gives the country to terrorists, there should be no moral difference between Musharraf running Pakistan or the Taliban. They are both the same wrong.

But worst of all, Musharraf is our monster. We created him. We trusted him. We gave him what he wanted and he has done what we have asked. And now he has gone too far.

This is our wrong. This is our wrong to right. Maybe we shall fail. Maybe we shall lose power. Maybe a democratic government, once elected, will hate us to the core. This is the kind of sacrifice we should be willing to make as Americans. This is what I was raised to believe in. That nothing, NOTHING makes Musharraf justified in his actions.

And yet Bush has chosen as his sacrifice the people of Pakistan.

I can't describe my shame in him. That bast***... That coward...

J Khan, as i said earlier, you are pathetic. I dont know what mad you think that I am an elite and I speak english in western accent. My english is real pathetic like you. You have no information, no sense, thats why you peoples could not describe whats is the ideology of Pakistan even after 60 years. But for you idiology of Pakistan mean hypocrisy, fanaticism, blindness and darkness. This is your idiology of Pakistan. The peoples like you, who are just a product of military dictatorships are unable to see and hate to get information and knowledge.

What is likely to happen to Asma Jahangir now that she has been arrested and taken from her home? How many other women are in the same position she is? Are there many women lawyers in Pakistan? Most of those I've seen on television are men.

This Was Bound to Happen:

You can find a terrorist or any ethnic or religious persuasion in India today and in the past, due to the huge number of insurgencies and terrorism in that country. That is not Pakistan's fault

Anonymous:

Well if its this hopeless then dont bother yourself and go watch some Bollywood.

"Amazing!
In the global War on Terror our forces continue to battle in Iraq, and our most important ally in this war Pakistan uses military to terrorizes it's own law abiding citizens and judiciary rather than focus on war. Terrorist organizations must be celebrating!"

Hmmmm... sound like anyone we know?

That's what makes him Dumbya's kind of guy.

Anyone who looked into Bush's soul would find out he hasn't one...

I must ask to any Pakistani who believes they have the answer: What happens if Benazir Bhutto is assassinated, as has already been attempted? Will Pervez be blamed, no matter what? Who would investigate such a crime? This seems very likely at this point.

This is sad.

Apparently the entire Islamic controlled world is decades behind in the evolutionary process and freedom will not arrive for the people under the repressive Islamic regimes for quite some time.

If we support elections the Islafascist brainwashed masses elect murderers like Hamas in Gaza. If we make an alliance with autocrats like Musharraf they too end up as a dictators and we loose the battle for the hearts and minds of the people.

What is the alternative? Trade autocrats like Mrs. Bhutto who is accused of stealing 1 Billion dollars from the Pakistan treasury and does not support the west?

Sadly only time and evolution will sort out this tumultuous part of the globe.

For hamza's likes!!

You never repudiated my argument because its a fact (Asma J or Asma K don't matter). Idiots like you who support this despicable human being makes me sick. You support this so called human rights activits but in real you hate Pakistan and its ideology. People like you (elite class burger eating. Sharab drinking idiots) will drink and dance with indians on the border, promote any incident to international media to beg for funds.

Tell how many women or children you have rescued from Arab countries. How many innocent people she rescued from indian jails while spewing anti Pakistani propaganda in indian media. How many people she rescued or saved from slavery.

The answer is none.

People like you (elite class) speaking english with accent like to lick western boot will do any thing to harm Pakistan.

Shame on you!!!

Military dictatorship and human rights violations are anathema to "spreading freedom" in the world. Nevertheless, Bush is going to sit on his ass on this one and look the other way. What can the citizens of the world do for Pakistan at this point? Any ideas?

J. Khan, your information is pathetic like you. Asma is not Khan, her name is Asma Jahangir and before marraige was Asma Jilani. You have no idea about her struggle. Civil society in Pakistan is fighting against peoples like you, who are nothing but just darkness.

Let the Pakistanis handle their own problems. They need to grow up some day.

Let the Pakistani's handle their own problems. They need to grow up some day.

Pakistan is full of delusional people like Aamir and they are the future of this failed country. It's quite hopeless, really!

Pakistan is a country known for its religious extremism since her birth. This country was born on the basis of religion. So I would not surprise if Pakistan can ever become a peaceful democratic nation.
I m from India and very well know that pakistan is a important country in regards with to fighting against terror , just due to the fact that the terror itself is buried to the depth in this country.

The world may not know that for India , pakistan has been a bad neighbour , tried 5 unsuccessful invadtion plans. Even India 's internal problems are due to export of terror from pakistan , which india has been louding the world for ages.. but now World can realise what India was telling.Its staying with a neighbour full of terrorists.

A stable pakistan is in india's interest.

IPSY:

Rationalist is not a Pakistani, he has too many mistakes and bogus claims in his "history of Pakistan".

Rationalist is an Indian gloating over Pakistan's problems while forgetting the same problems exist in his country.

To answer your question: Pakistan is fighting its own wars, this is terrorist propaganda that Pakistan is fighting "America's wars".

Come on, get serious. The situation in Pakistan is nowhere as bad as Burma. Burma has a military dictatorship that has impoverished the country for the past 45 years. Pakistan's dictator is at least concerned with the modern world. I think we need to get some perspective on this.

Asma khan is an oportunistic and self promoted individual, she hasn't done any thing in her career to promote or rescue poor or ordinary Pakistani from poverty or human rights violation (Pakistanis in indian jails, child labor, slavery) except for those cases (women rape cases)where she knows she'll get international attention and aid for her group. It pathathic to see western NGOs promoting this despicable individual.

Aamir, I am pretty sure the Rationalist is from Pakistan and perhaps living in the US. He is talking from the 'inside'. I am in a country near Pakistan but wish it well. All developing, and even developed countries, have social and human rights problems. The issue here is 'which war is Pakistan fighting?'. Its own social and human rights wars (like Gandhi did) or America's wars? It is unbelievable that China, Russia and India are silent on the mess in Pakistan. Wonder what is their angle? Waiting for something like Darfur or Rwanda to happen before they step in?

Rationalist and Fan of Rationalist:

your knowledge and history of Pakistan contains a lot of bogus material. You are not going to convince any Pakistani by insulting their country and making up stuff.

Maya:

Asma Jahangir has never condemned terrorism, dont think of her as a solution to our country's problem. She is vehemently anti-military, which might explain her popularity in the West.

Rationalist and Fan of Rationalist:

Pakistan is a religious society, you have to accept that. Secondly if you look at your own country, you will find the same human rights abuses and social problems that you mock Pakistan for.

USA has always favoured army dictators through out the world in her own vested interests.

We still remember in recent past Saddam Hussain, Shah of Iran, ZiaulHaq, Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Kings/Shah's of Mid-east, etc.etc. etc.

Democracy, human rights , literacy and economic development in 3rd world countries never suits USA/West.

Therefore, WEST & USA always help all those lements who can depress the sciety at large e.g army dictatorships, religous fundamentalism, fanaticism, corrupt leadership/politicians, power hungry elites, poverty, illitracy etc. etc. all these are flourished in 3rd world countries to suppress the nations to keep them vulnerable enough to invade anytime.

Pakistan Government is fighting against terrorism, getting large scale foreign aid in due course and in fact their target is;

democratic/moderate elements like lawers, human right organizations,media, judiciary, civil right activists, secular minded class, middle class and all other moderate elements.

Saddam has gone, Shah of Iran has gone, all past dictators in Pakistan and world have gone one by one. No one is indispensible in this world.

I can just hear Bush saying "Heck of a job Mushie...Heck of a job. " Clueless as usual- the Bush asylum of idiots aka Bush Administration.

It's really starting to make me nervous, this situation in Pakistan. We're planning to finally overstretch to the genuine breaking point our armed forces by invading Iran, but here is a new dictatorship crushing democracy, installing a military junta, and - what else? - in full possession of nuclear weapons. Their ideology is not moderate if their safety is more important than their liberty whatsoever - and remember, these are the people who would "eat grass, if necessary" until they developed nuclear weapons (got that from a project I did). Iran is screwed up, but their president is just a lunatic, not a calculating, determined, and unbearably sane general who knows what to do with the tools at his command. We failed Burma, Sudan, and now we'll fail Pakistan, but we're perfectly willing to invent pretenses to invade Iran, even when we have real crises we could attend to. It honestly makes me suspect - I'm quite serious - that the GOP, at the expense of the country, is trying to leave as much mess for the Democrats to have to clean up and be blamed for as possible.

No matter what the politics and arguments are here, what is happening to this woman and others is both frightening and outrageous.

Dear Rationalist, I think you have done a good job of telling the Pakistani people where their OWN faults lie. But its Uncle Sam who takes advantage of this. The Pakistanis didnt want to fight the Soviet army in Afghanistan or side with the Americans in the Cold War. The intellectuals in Pakistan supported the Military (as you say) which the US then bribed and trained the jobless into fighters for Afghanistan. Now they have turned against the country that bred them and on the US. Pakistan after all was an 'experiment', not a country.

I have to agree with rationalist despite his dreadful spelling. The elites go on and on about human rights, democracy etc. and these, of course, are great things but the minute the come to power, they can't seem to deliver on even the basics of their high falutin' rhetoric.

I hope the Pakistan develops into a stable democracy but it carries a huge ball and chain - from its history of intolerance to others, its support of terrorism (in Kashmir and Afghanistan), tribalism, illiteracy, and just plain overall societal failure.

Quit blaming the United States for everything and take responsibility for your weaknesses. Most people know but won't say because of the madness that exists in your souls. They will smile at your and nod their heads because disagreeing will get them a fatwa from one of your crazy clerics.

Getting rid of Musharraf alone will not solve these problems. It has to come from within. Finding a Luther might be a good first step.

Both Afsin yurdalkul and Asma Jahangir, I respect both of you for your massive efforts to bring back human right and democracy in Pakistan.
But Both of you have failed miserably to make even small steps in right direction.
To begin with - both of you are right persons in a wrong place and wrong Time and moving in aimlessly in your dark premise.. err.. in Pakiland . For last 60 years you people so called Elites, were and have condoned and sill condoning few things that brought both of you in present quagmire situation and hell hole of Evil Land- called Pakistan.
Amongst those few things- One is- Why you people allowed your Pakistan been declared an "Islamic Republic State of Pakistan"? You should know that in democracy and in Democratic Systems- Where,There is no place for Religion based State or Nation??
Second- You people allowed Democratically elected goverments to fall and allowed Your Army to take control of Power? I remember- How You people were gloated and were marrymaking when Nawab Serif was deported to Saudi? and Mrs. Bhutto had to leave country for fear of her own life? I still remember Your so called leader and Ex- Cricketer Imran Khan rejoiced Mush dick's ascend?
Third- You allowed your society to degenerate into hell hole of social corruption. From top to bottom in your administrative apperatuos is based on pillars of all types of corruptions. You have destroyed your Judiciary system through corruption, and those who need Justices didn't have.
You condone religious Bigotry, showed extreme in tolerances to Other faith holders, like Hindus Christian and Ahmedia. You kill them. You forcefully convert them to Islam, You allowed Religious bigots to plunder and burn down the Churches and Temples and ancient Buddha relics. You allowed your Islamic bigots to kill innocent Hindus and snatch their women, remarried them and converted them to Muslim.
Forth-You allowed and supported Terrorists and fundamentalists to grow at your back yard. You gave shelters to AL qaeda, create Taliban, and they plundered and raped Afghanistan. Still they [Taliban] are killing Innocent Afghans.
Fifth- You allowed to create terror and extreme animosity amongst Panjabi,Sindh and Baluchies. The Punjab domination over Sindhi's and Baluchies are so acute that these races had re-voled in may occasions. I remember during Gen. Jia- UL Haq, Pak army literally invaded Baluchistan, killed the Baluch freedom fighters, Punjab Army Burnt Baluch villages and killed innocent Villagers, some youth were transferred to POK to build High way as Slaves. And most of young Baluch women were soled to Arab Traders. Then How do you expect to build a Democratic Nation with unisoin?
Sixth- You the Pakistani elites did encourage Pez. Mush to acquire Nuke arsenals from China? What was the purpose? To attack India? India was not a aggressor, but Your Beloved Army invaded India five times. The end result- You failed miserably and Your Army still licking their wounds. India as a democratic county, has the capacity to sustain such invasions and defeat the Enemy. And India have indigenously built Nuke Arsenals, they did not buy or borrowed from Pariah countries, actually as you did.
Seventh- Your total GDP growth, from where about 37% to 40% are been siphoned to buy Arms and non conventional Arsenals, and keeping Your army in to tip top condition? These drastic stealing of State revenues, caused a mother of imbalance in your society. Poor are getting poorer, and few elites becomes richer and corruption brewed. Nation's infrastructure building severely suffered. Social and medicare system turned to be non- Existent. so How do you expect Your ordinary Subjects still support you and believe you???
Now situation arise here- You can not stop splitting of Pakistan, and it will disintegrate.
some of your own Quarter- Blaming America for all these down terns?
If it is be so? then Why you people gone to Uncle Sam with Begging bowl in the first place??? Dear fellows- Time is up.

Iftikhar has this naive thought Bush invaded Iraq to topple Saddam instead of securing its oil and 125 billion in no bid contracts for friends. We hear the same terrorist threat nonsense about Iran. Israel will bomb the nuclear facilities before they become a threat. They may even bomb oil facilities to get back at China for selling missile technology. Our dollar propped up by Chinese intervention makes it difficult to stop Iran's oil exports which would cause a collapse of its economy. Besides punishing the people is never good policy as shown by the worlds disdain for our Iraq intervention. The less Musharraf is criticized, the more chance he will ease the crackdown and get Pakistan back on the track of growth and freedom. Bush supports Musharraf because his friends do not gain if he is gone. If you want to know where Bush is headed, its easy, just follow the money.

No JRLR, the US does not bear full responsibility for the state of affairs in Pakistan. The blame is game is much too easy, how about accepting the fact that Pakistan has a long history of military rule and martial law? And the issues in the way of democracy are way beyond the US.

Thanks for playing. Bye-bye now.

Our basic problem is the absence of true democratic political parties. What we have are rich people's family hierarchys which are not representative of the public requirements. My fear is that after Musharraf we will get the same people as before which can result in another military takeover.
We MUST start a movement by which this " CHAUDRYPANNA( and SHAIKHSAHIB or MIANSAHIB etc., et.) is finnished. We can only then start becoming democratic with more true political parties with manifestos which attract voters not mobs and which gets them out of govenment if they dont perform.

Musharraf believes he is the only one that can hold the country together. We in this country fail to realize his former head of intelligence (Gul) and his following supported fundamentalists. The drug money is a major underpin of the northwest economy, that help is supporting terrorism. They were always Fundamentalists, but never exported or forced their viewpoint on others until the Taliban and foreign fundamentalists arrived. Most in Pakistan would have a dictator that raises their standard of living then freedom with chaos under someone else. With his purge of intelligence and closing down red mosque type operations, he no longer can make deals with the terrorist elements. Musharraf is the U.S. best bet for keeping nukes away from these madmen. Until we pay more to Afghan farmers for legal crops as opposed to poppy and increase the educational, medical and economic aid to Pakistan's northwest, the terrorists will continue to have a base of operations there. The more criticism Musharraf receives the tougher he will crackdown to the countries detriment. Bhutto came to an accomodation, why can't the above writer?

i have another one of her interviews here...it is not only the human activists facing the blows...our prominent and respected senior lawyers are also suffering police brutality...

"I am fortunate to be under house arrest while my colleagues are suffering. The Musharaf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. While the terrorists remain on the loose and continue to occupy more space in Pakistan , senior lawyers are being tortured.

The civil society of Pakistan urges bar associations all over the world to mobilize public opinion in favor of the judges and lawyers in Pakistan . A large number of judges of superior courts are under arrest. Thousands of lawyers are imprisoned, beaten and tortured.

In particular the cases of Muneer A Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd are serious. Muneer A Malik, the former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and leader of the lawyers’ movement has been shifted to the notorious Attack Fort. He is being tortured and is under the custody of the military intelligence. Tariq Mahmood, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was imprisoned in Adiala jail. No one was allowed to see him and it is reported that he has been shifted to an unknown place. Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd, former Vice Chair of the Pakistan Bar Council is in the custody of military intelligence and being kept at an undisclosed place. Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar is being kept in Adiayala jail in solitary confinement.

Representatives of bar associations should approach their governments to pressure the government of Pakistan to release all lawyers and judges and immediately provide access to Muneer A Malik, Tariq Mahmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd and Aitzaz Ahsan. The bars are also urged to hold press conferences in their country and express their solidarity with the lawyers of Pakistan who are struggling to establish the rule of law."

Asma Jahngir
Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan
Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

please,if the lawyer community is reading this...we need your help...we the people are being violated in everyway and those that stand up for justice are being tortured unjustly..

To Musharraf, any one opposed to the military rule, is a terrorist. To label a distinguished Human Rights activist as a 'terrorist' is disgraceful abuse of power. I thought his complaint was against militant Mullahs and interfering Justices; Asma (and people like her) couldn't farther away from the groups the General has targeted. In fact, these are very much the people that Musharraf needs to fight against the extremist militants.

The fact that Asma takes it all in so calmly is a tribute to her sense of humor together with a strong belief that, no matter how harsh, the military is not going to impose the answer -- not for long.

Asma represents the future, however dim and dismal it may appear today; Musharraf will soon be another military brute, like those Pakistan has seen before, who just happened to be there in Pakistan on 9/11 and received some legitimacy for the promises he had made then.

More power to the powerless in Pakistan !

I happened to see a line by famous Urdu poet Faiz in his poem on Pakistan's Independence, 1947, translated by Riz Rahim: 'It's not time yet for the freedom of heart and soul/ Keep moving, this is not our destination, yet' ['Sub-hey Azadi, August 1947': 'Nijaath-e-deeda-o-di ki ghari nahin aa-ee / Chalay chaloo kay woh munziil abhi nahin aa-ee'].

Pakistan is fighting some one elses war. General Musharif is trying to be the policeman of the area for the US. But I fear that the fate of Pervez Musharaf will not be different that of Sadam Hussain once the White House is fedup with him.
As Sadam was used by the US against Iran and its own country and was later convicted by the judges of his own country and finally hanged to death along with supporters and relatives. The same would be the fate of Musharaf and his cabinet. Musharaf has killed thousands of innocent people in this own country in the name of terrorism just to please the United States. How many terrorists have been either killed, produced before the court of law, captured or handed over to the US officials against the 10 billion dollors paid by the US govt from time to time. Once the pantagon realise that they have been betting on the loosing horse then it will be too late. I, there fore dont see much of a difference between the things that had happened in Iraq and are and will be repeated in Pakistan.
Further more i have one more observation and that is the US and the west really dont want a stable Pakistan with a nuke.

Pakistan is fighting some one elses war. General Musharif is trying to be the policeman of the area for the US. But I fear that the fate of Pervez Musharaf will not be different that of Sadam Hussain once the White House is fedup with him.
As Sadam was used by the US against Iran and its own country and was later convicted by the judges of his own country and finally hanged to death along with supporters and relatives. The same would be the fate of Musharaf and his cabinet. Musharaf has killed thousands of innocent people in this own country in the name of terrorism just to please the United States. How many terrorists have been either killed, produced before the court of law, captured or handed over to the US officials against the 10 billion dollors paid by the US govt from time to time. Once the pantagon realise that they have been betting on the loosing horse then it will be too late. I, there fore dont see much of a difference between the things that had happened in Iraq and are and will be repeated in Pakistan.
Further more i have one more observation and that is the US and the west really dont want a stable Pakistan with a nuke.

Pakistan is fighting some one elses war. General Musharif is trying to be the policeman of the area for the US. But I fear that the fate of Pervez Musharaf will not be different that of Sadam Hussain once the White House is fedup with him.
As Sadam was used by the US against Iran and its own country and was later convicted by the judges of his own country and finally hanged to death along with supporters and relatives. The same would be the fate of Musharaf and his cabinet. Musharaf has killed thousands of innocent people in this own country in the name of terrorism just to please the United States. How many terrorists have been either killed, produced before the court of law, captured or handed over to the US officials against the 10 billion dollors paid by the US govt from time to time. Once the pantagon realise that they have been betting on the loosing horse then it will be too late. I, there fore dont see much of a difference between the things that had happened in Iraq and are and will be repeated in Pakistan.
Further more i have one more observation and that is the US and the west really dont want a stable Pakistan with a nuke.

Pakistan is fighting some one elses war. General Musharif is trying to be the policeman of the area for the US. But I fear that the fate of Pervez Musharaf will not be different that of Sadam Hussain once the White House is fedup with him.
As Sadam was used by the US against Iran and its own country and was later convicted by the judges of his own country and finally hanged to death along with supporters and relatives. The same would be the fate of Musharaf and his cabinet. Musharaf has killed thousands of innocent people in this own country in the name of terrorism just to please the United States. How many terrorists have been either killed, produced before the court of law, captured or handed over to the US officials against the 10 billion dollors paid by the US govt from time to time. Once the pantagon realise that they have been betting on the loosing horse then it will be too late. I, there fore dont see much of a difference between the things that had happened in Iraq and are and will be repeated in Pakistan.
Further more i have one more observation and that is the US and the west really dont want a stable Pakistan with a nuke.

I have been closely watching the political landscape of Pakistan since 1958 when the first Martial Law was clamped by the late General Ayub Khan who ruled the country till 1969. He handed over the presidency to his C-in-C General Yahya Khan, though he was supposed to hand it over to the Speaker of the National Assembly under the 1962 Constitution promulgated by President Ayub Khan himself.

General Yahya Khan imposed a second Martial Law and remained in power till ousted in 1971 after the fall of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) by late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who had assumed the mantle of prime ministership as a result of 1970 general elections.

The third Martial Law was imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977. The general remained in power till 1988 when his C-130 was blown up in the air.

General Pervez Musharraf (COAS) deposed the former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif in Oct 1999 in a military coup after the latter dismissed the Chief of Army Staff on his way back home from Sri Lanka.

The past history of Pakistan from 1958 todate explicity highlights the significance of repeated events.

1. Military usually takes over when the civilian political leadership is weak or is deemed to be weak. The opposition leaders, by and large, are often the first to applaud the military take-over.

2. Politicians inside and outside the government often create the circumstances most favourable for the military take-over.

3. Military is practically a 'state' within a state. It has its own rules and regulations. It has its own domain. It has its own style of leadership. It does not like to be brow-beaten, weakened or humiliated by the civilian setup. It prefers to be left alone and does not like the civilian establishment to poke its nose into military affairs.

4. Civilian political leadership in almost every tenure of office miserably failed to strengthen democratic institutions from bottom up so much so that there were no general elections in their own political parties. And yet, they were always clamouring for general elections in the country.

5. Civilian political leadership often encouraged lame-duck parliament, complacent judiciary and gagged media.

6. Civilian political leadership often came into power through rigged elections or backdoor facilitation except once in 1971.

7. Washington is believed to be behind every change of government, whether civilian or military, for its own reasons, rationale and geo-political interests.

It is really hard for a concerned citizen who is educated, politically conscious, and resourceful to contribute to democracy, civil liberties and freedom from poverty when he is unable to reach out to the civilian or military establishment. He is as helpless in civilian setup as he is under military rule.

The 'Great Change,' as I may call it, can never come to Pakistan without honest, sincere, and loyal political leadership committed to the welfare of the people and the well-being of the country. Such a leadership is so far hidden from the naked eye.

That's right amir. That's why we have to put people like Asma Jehangir under house arrest.because she is the biggest terrorist of them all.

after reading this news of asma jahangir's house arrest and the state of affairs going on with other protesters, one can hardly imagine that such things happen even today when there is a global agenda for sustainance of democracy and human rights. redressing of this problem this is possible with international intervention and pressure to restore democratic norms at all costs. its time for uno to intervene.

RUPMLD:

The civil society in Pakistan condemns the govt for anti-terrorism operations, while the courts reward criminals who make good enough emotional cases. That is the reality in Pakistan.

Are you kidding me Shalin??? By restricting freedom of speech you think that he can restore order? By keeping people on house arrest you think that will make Pakistan into a better country??? Think again. Military government's don't work well. Let's take Syria's Hama Massacre of 1982 with Hafez al Assad or even Hitler. No, I'd say its safe to say that we need to do something about the situation before thousands of innocent people are put into even more direct danger. Who knows what happened to this lawyer who DID speak out.

Musharaf is trying to bring rule of law to the country. He has been trying to do so inspite of the rise of militancy. The previous so called "democratic" political leaders can do nothing. It's a country that is lawless and the military is the only institution that has the means and the might to oust the fundamentalists who are gaining power and strength. Let Musharraf do his job and when things return to normalcy, you people can have your media, telephones and cable back.

Let us never forget that the United States of America bears full responsibility for that state of affair prevailing in Pakistan, and for the predicament such courageous human beings as Asma Jahangir find themselves in. That to this day, the United States has constantly supported friendly dictator Perverse Musharraf against democratic Pakistan ought to put every single American to shame.

Amazing!
In the global War on Terror our forces continue to battle in Iraq, and our most important ally in this war Pakistan uses military to terrorizes it's own law abiding citizens and judiciary rather than focus on war. Terrorist organizations must be celebrating!