Adil Najam
Noises drenched in that uniquely Pakistani mix of rumor, spin, speculation, and analysis suggest that something is afoot in Army House, Rawalpindi. Some suggest that spurred from the US as well as the new political dispensation in Pakistan, but largely because of their own accord, the military leadership is finally ready to ease Gen. Musharraf not only out of Army House, but also out of the Presidency. Official spokesmen, of course, deny this vehemently. Which, given that this is Pakistan, adds an added layer of authenticity to the rumors.
It is time, once again, to wonder what lies in the future of Pakistan.
Although October 2007 now feels like another era, we had asked some similar questions then. At that point we had wondered about the future of Pakistan’s politics (for the next year) in light of the possibility of Gen. Musharraf doffing his uniform. Our readers’ responses had been mostly on the mark – most of you had predicted a year of increased political turbulence and a curtailing of Gen. Musharraf’s influence. Of course, the year is not up yet and anything could well happen between now and October 2008.
The record of our readers in the last ATP Poll we did – on the future of the PML(N)-PPP coalition – was a little less stellar. Most had thought that the coalition would weather the judicial storm. As it turned out, the coalition fell even before the Poll ended.
So, what do you think lies in Gen. Musharraf’s future between now and October 2008. Has anything changed since the last poll? What? Do vote and do share your views in the comments section.
Nayyar Hashmei:
Despite being a “dictator”, Mr Musharraf asked for Pakistanis support many many times, on many important subjects, such as investing in Pakistan, supporting women’s and minorities rights, and most of all in fighting the evil of extremism. Pakistanis REFUSED to support him in any of these ventures, preferring instead to call him an “American dog”.
Perhaps in the next sixty years a great, perfect and democratic ruler will emerge in Pakistan who deserves the support of the amazing Pakistani nation. Until that time you work with what you have, and Pakistanis missed a huge opporunity under Mr Musharraf.
Have seen some interesting comments by fellow readers. Everybody has the right to express one
Adnan Siddiqi, You are doing it again. PLEASE STOP LYING.
And trying to get traffic directed to your website through these baseless comments is really a cheap trick.
RAND, is NOT a Liberal institution it is a Right Wing Conservative institution… much like Bush and the Mullahs you defend. So, please spare us these silly comments.
Answer the question if you can. Yo have been making baseless accusations about Pakistani liberals on this blog and elsewhere and you just made the accusation that we (I am a Pakistani Liberal) think that those who die from US drones are not innocent. That is a lie against me and other Pakistani Liberals. So, please, show me where I or anyone else has said that.
Otherwise, at least apologies for your lies. And pray for your own forgiveness.
By the way, here is what is beyond hilarious. DO you actually think Musharraf is a LEFTEST!!!!!!!!!
Give me a break. Musharraf is a political Right Winger, maybe a Noe-con. His biggest ally is George Bush–No one has ever accused Bush of being a Leftist. Musharraf’s political partners were Right Wing parties like the religious parties and the PML-Q and Military leaders are generally right wing anyhow.
Give me a break, man. DO you even know what a Leftist is? The left is people who believe is social justice, in equality, in human rights, in equal economic opportunity, in social welfare. Right-wingers – like you, like George Bush, like Musharraf, like Mullahs, like your suicide bombers – all like to solve their problems by killing people!
I agree that Gen. Musharraf is no longer as important as he was to anyone, so whether he stays or leaves it does not matter to most Pakistanis
But he does matter to Americans. Sooner or later we might hear some “news” about him like we heard about Saddam and Zia? *shrug*
Musharraf has always been having his way. Now he wants to be humiliated and then leave in disgrace. So that is what he is getting and will get sooner than you may expect. You may wonder why does he want to leave this way. Well, because he wants to atone all his sins , starting from Kargil to his action of 02 Nov 07, this way. Can you think of anyother reason for his getting humiliated the way he is. I can’t.