"If one accepts that Musharraf himself cannot overcome Pakistan’s crisis, then one is left with the need to find a sufficiently powerful alternative. Can any of the democratic leaders, such as Benazir Bhutto, succeed where Musharraf is failing?"

Yes ofcourse, the west needs to understand that extremism and military dictatorship are interdependant. And it would be not wrong to say that extremism is a result of dictatorship, expecially in the case of Pakistan, where extremists are infact the product of military, and were used by them for certain purposes in the past, but now they are not together any longer and their confrontation is making each other stronger day by day.
So in this situation only a democratic government can dilute these both extremes.

Haris Asghar, Oslo, Norway

Democracrcy for the Feudals by the Feudals, this is the real story of democracy in Pakistan. When will the west understand this. The common man in pakistan wants stability and economic benefits , it does not matter who rules, but who delivers these two ingredients. Whatever progress has been achieved on these two fronts since the creation of pakistan, has been under the military rules of Ayub and Musharaf. Demoritically elected leaders have given Bangladesh ,Unstability and chaos. The people of pakistan have short memories.God bless us.

saleem, karachi, pakistan

DemocRACY doesn't work - example - Scotland rules England !

Marty, London, England

I agree with the views expressed by Ayesha Saeed from London. Everybody in US and UK have jumped on the band wagon , demanding democaracy in Pakistan. Do they really believe there was democaracy whin Bhutto or Nawaz Sharif were in power? They looted the country and served to benefit their 'supporters'. The man on the street suffered.

How can you have a democaracy in a country basically governed by feudal landlords where over 70% of the population is illitrate? The so called democratic countries have never produced a maifesto , the poor population of pakistan votes for the feudal leaders who control their destiny.

There has been massive improvement in Pakistan since Musharraf took over in Pakistan - far more was achieved for the people of Pakistan in the last 9 years then the previous decade by the corrupt democratic parties of Bhotto and Nawaz Sharif

A M Khan, Huddersfield, England

You do not seem to know Pakistan at all. Islamists did not fare higher that 10% (their maximum) at any election. Pakistani electors massively elect secular parties, such as Pakistan Peoples Party or the Muslim League. Elections would not be the trouble, the trouble is the fact that everyone seems to choose by them, and people are caught between international and domestic interests. Even Islamist parties there have higher respect for democracy than many may consider.
So the choice is not between the military and the extremists.

Naima, Madrid, Spain

There is a reason for the particular crisis in Pakistan. Musharraf's alliance with the US has caused the army to become too powerful, rich and distanced from the nature of the people it is supposed to protect. There have been major crises since politics began, the problem with Pakistan is that the western democracies are supporting a military dictator for their own financial gain and security. How can a man that destroyed Paks democracy, be welcomed as a 'friend to democracy' by the western powers. He even went on a book tour in the US!!!

This is not about following a program of promoting peace and democracy by the US, but a dangerous paradox of self interest over principle - and considering morality has been the main excuse used for invasions and regime change for centuries, the US administration are only concerned in how they are going to 'spin' their support for such an enemy of peace.

Tragically, Citibank own Pakistan now, those living there had better get used to it

Lee Okugbeni, Enfield, Middlesex

Pakistan's situation is not a delighful sight, however,,, i get shivers down the spine when i see western media, supporting and declaring people like Ms Bhutto, and Mr Sharif, who questionbly came to power as result of general elections, as the beacons of democracy.......but have looted the coutry boynd belief. Also not forgetting the two terms , they each had as PM's.

In musharaf's 9 years on the whole the media had the most exposure, economy flourised and country developed.....

Although, we have crisis right now due to the insurgency of the taliban islamists in pakistan,,,,,i have full faith in Mussharaf's capability to take the country to the next elections.

Pls bear with us before you are quick to critisize last 3 days, but forgetting the last 9 years.

Ayesha Saeed, London, UK

Now let me see.

For the last few years the U.S. was buying goods from the rest of the world, paying in dollars and then turning around and exchanging those dollars for I.O.U.'s.

And people are now surprised that the dollar is going down???

Those countries, China, Japan and others that were playing that fool's game are now left holding the bag!

Alain, Montreal, Canada

I have read most arguments. Everyone seems to ignore the fact that Musharraf as a result of this emergency Mr. Musharraf is cracking down on liberal elements in society and he has sacked judges who were dispensing justice at the cost of offending Mr Musharraf. His government''s senseless policies have given the extremists free reign in certain parts of the country. What we see in Pakistan is his doing more than anyone elses. The west should stop worrying about terrorism and support their own ideals in Pakistan. Give moderate Pakistanis a chance and see the results. Mr. Musharraf should be tried for treason and punished according to the law.

Farrukh Omar, Houston, TX, USA

The real factor here is that if Musharraf loses power, it could be fatal disaster for the West. Dictator or not, he stands between us and the Muslim extremists who will inherit Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. It is unthinkable and inevitable that World War III would begin almost immediately. Thinks about it... Iraq and Iran are babies compared to this. This is Armegeddon.

Tom Gorham, Westmont, IL

So, fix the problem in Pakistan and all is well?

I don't think so.

Roger, Brisbane, Australia

Pakistan would seem to have become a focal hot spot in the world s political crust. It can erupt any time; I shouldn t say to order, but perhaps I would. There is no necessary particular rationale behind this turbulence. The nature of the country is such that the excuse can be either an appeal for democracy or a crackdown because of an excess of it.

Henry Percy, London, UK

Perhaps Imran Khan would make a good president. He could encourage the hot-heads to play cricket instead of throwing bombs at each other. That would be a good result except for its effect on world cricket. A rejuvenated and well-practised pakistan 11 might prove a match for even mighty Australia.

Adrian Gilbert, Tonbridge,

The true disaster is that the United States ever had influence in the Arab oil producing countries. If it never had, the world economy would have found a way to meet its energy needs without relying on dictatorships in this unstable reason.

Oliver Chettle, Bedford,

Democracy in Pakistan.
Both major parties that is Ms. Bhutto & Nawaz Shareef
are autocrets, they do not have democracy in their own parties. No elections are held to choos the leader of the party. How, then they will uphold the democracy in their country.
SZA

sza, Nuneaton, England

The main point that the west as a whole and westerners in general can't seem to understand is that democracy is desired by all but desirable for none.

The most important issue for Pakistanis is not democracy - it's corruption. Even this article mentions that Benazir may be able to offer a solution to the current crisis; what everyone forgets is that she is probably one of the most corrupt leaders in history - having amassed a fortune of almost $1.5 billion.She almost bankrupted Pakistan.

Musharraf sahib really is the only leader who can control the politics of Pakistan and keep corruption under as much control as possible - why else do you think the lawyers et al (who are the main cause for this emergency alongside the terrorists) are "going on strike". The state of emergency declared by Musharraf sahib really is the only way to keep Pakistan's development on an upward path. If democracy maks the mistake of allowing Bhutto or heaven forbid Sharif into power, growth will be hurt.

Hassan Azam , Banbury,Oxfordshire, England

That's not a minor issue. Having said this both Greenspan and Bernanke are happy to detroy the dollar. Also the trouble began well before the current crisis in Pakistan.

Paul, London, UK

Once upon a time the world had a dearth of manufacturing capapilities. The nations that possessed the infrastructure, culture, and intellectual heritage necessary to take raw materials and trun them into an automobile or a TV or a life-saving drug were able to set their own prices. With the spread of technology and the relentless march fo progress, however, those shortages have largely disappeared. Now what's in short supply are natural resources: clean air, clean water, oil, natural gas, metals, etc. People we once considered hopelessly backward are now evicting Western powers and demanding ever-higher prices for their natural resources. The balance of power has turned. Some may see that as a cause to celebrate. i think we're entering a dark period in human history, when intelligence, industry, and civilization wane in importance and brute force reasserts itself. It appears that David Riccardo was right after all.

Lawrence Lanum, New York, New York

According to previous reporting in this newspaper, other well informed newsprint, and oil industry analysis there is no shortage of oil. The shortage is in the distribution and processing of oil. The oil industry itself anticipates this problem existing until circa 2014 when new facilities should come available.

Part of the Afghanistan/Pakistan problem is the wish for a pipeline from the central Asian oilfields to the Indian ocean to ease the distribution problem to India, and China in particular.

James, Norwich, uk

well well, we need to understand the root cause, if USA had not invaded IRAQ, had not make an alloy with Pakistan against Russia to support WAR against invader in Afghanistan and many more.....the situation could have been different in Many parts of the world including USA itself. The world would be at peace. Rising price of the OIL is sad but reality, we have to accept it, its a cash cow for Arab countries...in the same way western countries use Technology as a cash cow. whoever possesses some that other needs, he benefits from his assets. OIL and Gold price rises on demand, currently, just an after thought why not hold India for using gold domestically at rising trend? or why not ask China to save Oil and go Green?

Leeban, Milan, Italy

A minor correction. Ben S. Bernanke is Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Dale, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

pakistan is sitting with 150 readymade n bombs. what will happen if it goes to terrorists hands,whole world will be threatened.

ambi, chennai, india

"Has Pakistan reached the stage of being ungovernable?"

Due to internal contradictions and high level Islamic extremism, partly yes!

As Pakistan is the heart of global Islamic terrorism and the presumed US "ally", naturally a crisis has global ramifications.

Considering all the factors and possible alternatives, Gen. Musharraf is the best bet and best among the bad lot!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

Yes, Pakistan's crisis is indeed a global crisis. But, I am very surprised at the conspicuous absence of any comment about the possible effects of this crisis on India?!?!

Ashu, Farminton Hills, USA

Your instincts are razor-sharp old boy. The recent assassination attempt on Benazir's life clearly touched a raw nerve somewhere. I suspect that apart from the scale of the attacks, guarantees given did not appear to amount to very much.

Pakistan is by now default the new front line on the WoT simply because, not only because of it's stockpile of nuclear weapons but because Muslims in neighbouring India are becoming more vociferous about what role they want Islam to play, in their country.

Godfrey of Acre, Aleppo,

"In analysing a crisis of this kind, one should always bear in mind that nothing difficult happens unless there is a real pressure for it to happen"... and "Real events force painful decisions to be made."

Buddhists have a saying, "This being, that arises."

Everything has a cause!

Steve Lee, Wilmington, NC, USA

He has been in power for eight years and todays chaos is the reslut of that.To say who after Musharraf is to admit that he has done so much good during eight years of dictatorship.If not him then who else? This is a logic used to find a reason to support him.When he grabbed power,where did he come from.I know Pakistan and if you give power to anybody,the institutions will fall in line and sycophants will prise him to heavens,although he might be illiterate or worse,as that is the hitory of Pakistan.Mushrraf is the creator of present terrorism by not taling actionwhen it was a small deal,just to scare the west and now it is too big for him.He miscalculates so often that he should be labled as poor leader,the devil you know is not a ggod idea for the west.He will be pushed out and west has put all their eggs in one basket.

zaman, hamden, usa

"General Musharraf would not have instituted the state of emergency if there had been no Islamic militants."

This is complete nonsense and reflects the British government's line of reasoning.

Nawab Raza Khan Advocate, Islamabad,

is gen. musharaf acting or reacting?if he is reacting then we should be worried,and if he is acting then we as an international community should be reacting.

tahir mahmood, bradford, uk