Keep Your Eyes On Pakistan

There's more turmoil in Pakistan, as I'm sure you're heard or read. Now, there's turmoil in many places around the globe, so why is Pakistan important? They have nuclear weapons! It is an Islamic country with a divided view of the world, part of Pakistan is more what I'd guess I'll call "westernized," and more interested in secular government, and part of Pakistan is more fundamentalist Islamic. It is an interesting country, with the Pakistani government not actually being in control of the entire country, as certain regions are still controlled by tribal chieftains, just as they have been for centuries. During British colonial times, when what is now Pakistan was a part of India, the British, too, failed to get control of many of these areas.

Musharraf is a military man who came to power in the late 1990s and who has been dictator ever since, although with some moderation at times. I have no idea how many Pakistanis want "democracy," how many want Musharraf's continuing rule, or how many want a more Taliban-type of government, with strict Islamic interpretation of every day life, the thing is, I believe we could find out who actually gets or keeps control very soon.

For us, the situation is critical, because not only does Pakistan have nuclear weapons, but Musharraf has been an important part of combating Islamic extremists. We're left with giving Musharraf some support, but not so much that we anger everyone else, and make ourselves look silly. After all, the Bush Administration has seemingly finalized it's reason for invading Iraq by advocating democracy for the country. Now, if we're seen as propping up or strongly supporting a military dictator, what kind of signal are we sending?

See:

http://pontificating-randy.blogspot.com/2007/05/importance-of-pakistan.html