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Originally Posted by donsutherland1  As the U.S. ponders its foreign policy choices, it should bear in mind that Pakistan’s emergency is limited. It does not seek to impose a totalitarian dictatorship. It targets the judiciary, but does not inhibit Parliament’s capacity to function. |
Hmmm.... doesn't seem to be functioning too normally at the moment whatever it's intent is. I see no reason to think it's going to return to normalcy soon.
To be fair, Musharraf seems rather kindly by the standards of someone seizing power through a military coup. I don't think he aims towards totalitarianism, but his oft given promises for democracy keep getting broken.
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Originally Posted by donsutherland1 Behind-the-scenes, there will be opportunities for U.S. diplomats to raise constructive concerns with their counterparts from Pakistan. Those discussions should be held in private. |
And what makes you think that those discussions haven't already been had? The writing has been on the wall for this to come to a head for months. If the US could do something successfully along those lines they would have and this wouldn't have happened.
The US isn't going to do much more than soft pedal this and give mild admonishments to try to save face.
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Originally Posted by donsutherland1 Pursuing such measures would be a potentially grave mistake. Pakistan is confronted by a rising pro-Taliban opposition. Should such elements gain power, a nuclear-armed state could become a new haven for pro-Taliban and even Al Qaeda elements. |
If such measures actually threaten the stability of his government than he will be forced to respond to them.
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Originally Posted by donsutherland1 In short, as Pakistan sorts out its internal difficulties, the U.S. could work with President Musharraf to foster and deepen a dialogue with some of his more moderate opponents e.g., former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, aimed at a long-term strategy of transitioning Pakistan into a parliamentary democracy. |
Once again this situation is not a huge surprise and it has been building for some time. If that was sufficient this wouldn't have happened.
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Originally Posted by donsutherland1 As part of the package, the U.S. could increase foreign assistance to help alleviate some of the more difficult economic challenges confronting Pakistan in order to mitigate the extremists’ ability to appeal to the broader population. |
Hmm... a tie between economic opportunity and violent political extremism. Very interesting.
I have skepticism about this, but I can hold out hope that it's possible there's some way to package humanitarian aid without it appearing as some kind of reward for anti-democratic behavior.
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Originally Posted by donsutherland1 That danger would be especially acute should the U.S. radically alter its relationship with Pakistan on account of appeals to idealism. |
Hah! Fat chance on that one. I think you can stop holding your breath.