Adil Najam
Rumors of a ‘deal’ between PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and Gen. Pervez Musharraf have been rife for a long time. All indications now suggest that a deal of some sort has, in fact, been reached.
The ferocity with which the rumors are being denied – with obvious insincerity – suggests that something is afoot. The question is, exactly what.
There is little utility, it seems to us, to indulge any further in the speculation than people already are. The much more important question is what – if anything – will such a deal mean for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan.
Will it make things better? Will it make things worse? Will things remain as they have always been and this will simply be one more round in the ‘great game’ of musical chairs that has always been Pakistan politics?
That is the question for our new ATP Poll (see top of middle column). Let us know what you think, and why? With your vote in the poll and with your comments below.
Yet again”Hum Daikhain Gay” appropriate here.
Benazir and Nawaz are both hopeless. Though mine is an outsider’s view. But I remember in my childhood when Benazir appeared on the scene, there was so much expectation here also.
‘The daughter of East’ and books with similar titles in Urdu, Hindi were selling like hotcakes in India. Once she came to power, soon all the hope faded away.
Why don’t you people give Imran Khan a chance. At least, he would not be corrupt. Kya khayaal hai?
I do not find Hussain Haqqani very believable most of the time. His past is known to us and he seems to be a lotta. This time he is with BB and he is writing this article as if he was her PR man. But I should say the argument is a good one and makes some sense. If this is true and if BB refuses whatever deal is offered then that will mean she has more intelligence than most of us think. But if that is case then why is she giving the statements she is giving?
I dont think at all that this is a good deal for Pakistan or for Benazir. I think this is the move that will end her career and whatever little support she has will go away. Whatever Pakistan might have owed to her father is now paid back and she deserves no sympathy, she will only help prolong military rule.
I guess you will call me a Jiyala, but I think a a deal with be good because:
1. It means that the military has accepted primacy of political parties.
2. It is a victory for politics and the political, even if not a full victory yet.
3. It will dilute Musharraf’s power and increase the parliaments.
4. It will move country back to return to full participation by all political parties.
5. This not ideal and complete victory for democracy but it is a step in that direction. And that is important.