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.
If there is a deal, it will be a bad day for Pakistan and for the civil society. If “this dealâ€
[quote comment=”44142″]I think it’s GREAT NEWS for Pakistan if there is to be a PPP-Musharraf deal.
No, I’m not a fan of either; however, I’m not an unrealistic idealist who thinks that another party like PTI with clean, honest people will take the country by storm within 6 months or so.
If these groups (PPP, pro-Musharraf ppl) are sidelined, the country will almost certainly plunge into chaos with fringe Mullah groups getting even more control than they have now.
The fact that two corrupt parties who were against each other are now forging a compromise, should be great news. This is because they’ll keep each other in check.
My hope now is that these parties will win, form government, and COMPLETE THEIR TERM. Once we get into the habit of respecting the institutions involved in the political process, we can proceed further with appointing decent people in those institutions.[/quote]
[quote comment=”44079″]inviting a known,proven corrupt person to take over the country…
I am surprised “it will make things better” is even a part of this poll[/quote]
Totally agree with you – pleasure to read a realist because although we civilians may not like it politics is the art of the possible!
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In more important news, Shoaib Malik is the new captain.
I think it’s GREAT NEWS for Pakistan if there is to be a PPP-Musharraf deal.
No, I’m not a fan of either; however, I’m not an unrealistic idealist who thinks that another party like PTI with clean, honest people will take the country by storm within 6 months or so.
If these groups (PPP, pro-Musharraf ppl) are sidelined, the country will almost certainly plunge into chaos with fringe Mullah groups getting even more control than they have now.
The fact that two corrupt parties who were against each other are now forging a compromise, should be great news. This is because they’ll keep each other in check.
My hope now is that these parties will win, form government, and COMPLETE THEIR TERM. Once we get into the habit of respecting the institutions involved in the political process, we can proceed further with appointing decent people in those institutions.
this is for sure that without some sort of a deal between the mainstream political parties and the military, there is not going to be any change in the political scenario, unless musharraf does a ziaul haq and disappears. maybe benazir is trying to do what she did to GIK. it remains to be seen if she can do it this time. as far as corruption is concerned we are all corrupt, so lets not worry about it!!!!