why would a president of the largest democracy in the world ally himself with a military dictator?
Why did FDR ally with Stalin? There was a really villainous dictator.
Yes, and Stalin did a nice job of stinging the West.
There aren't always angels around to choose our allies from.
When will you guys learn that when you hang out with rats you get fleas.
In the case of Mushareff, he's almost certainly better than an Islamist pro-Taliban pro-Al Qaida dictator would be.
Sorry, there is very little difference in my mind. Just because Musharraf gladly accepts our billions doesn't make him any better.
However, you should be aware that it was the Bush administration that urged Benazir Bhutto to return to Pakistan to help restore democracy there in hopes that would strengthen the government. They also persuaded Mushareff to resign from the army and run for election.
Yes, definitely a positive.
Secondly, at one point do you begin to take stock and realize that all the billions you are sending this guy are doing little good?
Liberals always say our allies are worthless. In truth, they're always flawed. But usually better than our enemies.
My God, what does that matter? If we are sending billions and he stashes the money in his Swiss bank acct, why is that better than America's enemies.
The Taliban and al Qaida are resurgent. What the hell has Musharraf done?
Mushareff has helped us capture a number of Al Qaida leaders hiding in Pakistan - Abu Zubaydah and Khalid Sheikh Muhammed, who planned the 911 attack, for instance.
Yes, he had to do something so he has done the minimal. You know our relationship with India has suffered because of Bush's relationship with Musharraf. Now India is a real if flawed democracy that is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse. In my mind, a relationship with India is far more important than Pakistan.
And who we choose to ally America can hurt us economically. For the last few years, Boeing has had a far superior lineup of planes to sell as compared to Airbus. In addition Airbus's new planes have suffered all kinds of design and operational problems pushing some of their delivery dates well into the future. And yet, for the past two years, Airbus continues to outsell Boeing.....not by much but still given each company's lineup Boeing should be doing much better. Why isn't it? Many of the biggest purchasers of planes are Arabs/Muslims? There biggest orders are with Airbus, not Boeing. Could that have to do with America's poor relations with the Arabs and the war in Iraq? I think so.
His government isn't in control of its northwest provinces where Taliban and AQ. In fact, no Pakistani government ever has controlled this area. Its not for lack of trying. You can look up youtube videos of jihadis beheading captured Pakistani soldiers in this area.
I've got news for you the Taliban's and AQ's sphere of influence is growing esp. in Islamabad and even to the South in Karachi.
Finally, why would you or anyone else believe that Musharraf would protect Bhutto who posed a threat to his control of Pakistan? Don't be so naive, Brumar.
The Wa Post had a story recently which said Mushareff and Bhutto were going to run on a united ticket. One as President, another as Prime Minister.
That doesn't mean Musharraf wanted her around. Certainly, her husband and son do not believe he's innocent in this mess. |
