There is lot of anti-West resentment in Pakistan, because of a general perception that the Western countries favor Musharraf. His is the most corrupt government in the history of the country. The worst group of people from the major political parties were joined to form a political base for a military dictator. Many of them were fujitives or had court cases against them for corruption. They support him to avoid prosecution. The government keeps reminding people of the foreign currency reserves. This has increased for two main reasons. They have sold most of the profit making industry
pocketing huge sums for themselves[ look at the Steel Mill]
Secondly the remittances by the Pakistanis abroad are now going through banks.
It will benefit the war against terror , if the Western governments stop supporting dictators and help create genuine democracies, which will in the long run errode support for terror.

TARIQ QURESHI, GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA U.S.A.

almost all the politicians and army generals are corrupt. Nawaz has setup steel mills in KSA with public money , Benazir Bhutto owns Rockwood Estate in Surrey again with Pakistani money.
common people want to get rid of both including Musharraf if George Bush "allows".

Dr Amer, Worthing, West Sussex

I think it is very terrible to write like that. Does West want that we have corrupt politicians, who have looted the booty of the country and now very merrily enjoy the sympathies of the west for nothing.

Dr.M.S.S.Siddiqui, Karachi, Pakistan

In normal circumstances no country would interfere with another sovereign country. But one can not eat the cake and have it too. Borrowed ease ( of life ) does not go hand in hand with respect. Beggers can't be choosers. Pakistan has had ( now it is too late ) two alternatives. ( 1 ) learn to live with their limitations without outside help or earn obligation through economic help and pay the price depending upon the size of the obligation. Since Liaquat Ali Khan's inability to select the Russian bloc and have an Asian power for support, we have been reared by US like orphans and have had to dance at the master's tunes. Now it is a routine. If we develop the self respect and the determination to die rather than beg we can look at ourselves with respect and then demand respect from others ; not until then.

M.M. Abbasi, Dubai, U. A. E.

As you saw in the VIP lounge Sharif was charged for corruption and a warrant of his arrest announced on a mega phone. Legally, after an arrest the charged has to be presented in a magistrate’s court within 24 hours under habeas corpus. Instead, the fascist regime of Musharraf abducted Sharif and sent him into exile. This is tantamount to smuggling a fugitive, a crime under the UN Human Rights Convention. The world knows now how Pakistanis fare when the cameras are not running.

As you state Britain and US should act as they preach. At every opportunity Bush talks of bringing democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan, yet he frustrates democrats and constitutionalists in Pakistan. This flawed view of Musharraf is turning people against the US and it's war on terror. Rule of Law needs to be established before education reform can be implemented. Musharraf has no interest in either. He is no born again Oliver Cromwell capable of seeding roots of a legal and democratic future.

Billoo Bhai, London, UK

Your article is spot on. Imran Khan seems to me the best leader for Pakistan, but unfortunately, his party is still too small.

Ahmad, Tunbridge Wells,

"...if only because it would clear the path for future politicians who could be better..." There are no worthy ones. Musharraf came from nowhere and brought a long peirod of prosperity and stability to the country. Interesting how relations with India were much better under him than his 'democratic' predecessors. Most of the politcians who have been in power recently and are looking to come back in to power are unworthy and impotent. The only thing that can bring short to meidum term stabiilty to a country such as Pakistan is a strong leadersship.
The fundo influences are the problem and not a fractitious army.

John Smith, Smithsville, Smithyton

You forgot to mention what Sharif's flag has on it, what is he, who is he? Bush and Musharraf are hated equally by those who want to kill Jews, Americans, and people in the West! I'm for anybody the bad boys hate. Be careful, those Pakistani nukes could end up in a shipping container with tee shirts and socks headed for the West!

Roger, Glen Gardner, New Jersey, 08826 ,USA

The most ironic aspect of Musharraf's desperate attempt to hold on to power is the fact that it plays into the hands of the exact same people he so vociferously claims to be saving Pakistan from.
His Government has seen an increase in the popularity of right leaning elements of the political divide, whether this be Imran Khan’s Tehreek-i-Insaaf (which in a free and fair election will do better than many think) or Nawaz’s PML (N) or the extreme right wingers of the MMA. At the same time his clandestine dealings have managed to dent the popularity of the PPP’s Benazir Bhutto, who is seen to be desperate for power at all costs and is under fire within the country and her own party for unashamedly pandering to the US.
Ultimately though it seems like the tide has turned and all of Musharraf’s machinations won’t help him stay in power much longer. His popularity in the country is at an all time low, while none of the major political forces are willing to deal with him on the absurd terms

Jawad Zakariya, Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan is a country based on hate and this has promoted alienation and hatered for almost every other nation and certainly for non muslims. This has bred insecurity. The lack of proper and balanced education does nothing to help this country. There needs to be a major shift twards a tolerant society and a secular culture. Most of the so called leaders find it easy to use the religious card to win votes. Pakistan should use India as a role model with its millions of muslims doing so well. The Indian Muslims must be thanking thier lucky starts that they did not go to Pakistan during the divide between India and pakistan.

Steve Mann, London, UK

why deport him if charges are true then why not prosecute him why deport him i think they do not have faith in their own legal system

Vijay Patel, Leicester, Leicestershire

The reporter has hit the nail on it's head. Key points, such as education and modernisation of the controlling framework are key to the countries future. Neighbouring India has stormed ahead due to it's investment in education of the masses. This has created a middle class which is a global power in it's own right. Pakistan meanwhile clings on to feudal and warring landlord systems.
Pakistan needs to educate it's masses to a higher level more akin to western standards. The young will be Pakistan's future. This can be acheived by investing in education, education and education. He can do this by recruiting Pakistani diaspora throughout the western world into the country.
Already Musharraf has reduced corruption to manageable levels, however now is the time to strike a chord with the electorate. Create a future for the young that brings freedom, hope and prosperity. He has a long way to go, but investing in western style education must be his priority.

Abid Bashir, Shipley, United Kingdom

People honestly do not care where feudalism rules. It is a classic case of haves and have nots. If I a good guy has a chance of becoming a Prime MInister other than the land lords and the rich then it is fine.

But if the choice is between the twice failed plunderers and looters again then why bother. Musharraf is just fine as he is. As Cowasjee said "badshah ka bacha hai, sach tho boltha hai". (son of a king at least tells the truth).

What he should do is make definite structural reforms to address the issue of feudalism. That will be his unique contribution to Pakistan.

There is no point in having an election with such irresponsible so called free media. It is not free. It is a feudal tool that is scared to criticise Mothorama Benazir and Nawaz Sharif but take pot shots at Musharraf - a non-feudal.

The only regret is that Nawaz has been sent to Saudi Arabia the most repressive and tyrant regime in the history of mankind.
http://thinker-thinkingoutofthebox.blogspot.com/

SB, Karachi, Pak

"Musharraf and his brand of military rule, swatting at problem after problem without any strategy,"

He has one plan: stick to power under any circumstances. He will either strike a deal with Mrs Bhutto or declare emergency! Ultimately, he will be either killed or flee like some of the Pakistan's heads of state!

Well: reforms and democracy are Utopian dreams hanging from the moon! Let Pakistanis first establish a true Islamic nation. This was the objective when Pakistan was formed!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

"At this point, even a terrible politician would be better than a general who has lost his way, if only because it would clear the path for future politicians who could be better."

Your assumption goes wrong: suppose each politician is worse than the previous one. Of course, it is possible that one of them will beat all the previous ones such as that of Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and the earlier ones!

Yes, some of us have a right to hope for the moon!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

Good analysis.
Musharraf is a victim of his own 'political' successes.

Dr Qaisar Rashid, Glasgow, UK

"Democracy Promotion" so dear to the Bush Regime can be field tested in Pakistan. Pakistan is likely to yield a higher rate of return on investment than Iraq. As you correctly point out, a less than perfect politician is better than a military dictator who does not understand his own country.

Sincerely yours,

Narasim Katary, Sudbury, Canada

She knows her subject, which cannot be said about majority of analysts while writing about pakistan.

nadeem khan, london, uk