Every politician wants to be universally beloved. They want to walk down the streets and be greeted with cheering crowds who would never think to vote against them. When this reality fails to materialize, brute force tends to prevent people from voting against you.
This seems to be the strategy of Pakistan’s military strongman and president, General Pervez Musharraf. He, in response to Pakistani Supreme Court threats to declare his election a farce-which it was-suspended the constitution and declared martial law. This, was the wrong decision on his part. He should, as old soldiers should, at least according to General Douglas MacArthur, fade way.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, General Musharraf has been one of the United States’ closest allies in the War on Terror. His nation borders Iran and Afghanistan, two areas known to be at least somewhat friendly to anti-American terrorist. His nation also has a significant problem with radical Islam and is perhaps the hiding place of Osama Bin-Laden himself. Due to Pakistan’s precarious situation, having a decidedly pro-American strongman in control seemed an appealing concept.
He seemed a moderate dictator who valued peace, stability and, most importantly, supported the War on Terror. He came to America and was quite well received. He even gave an interview to John Stewart on “The Daily Show.” He was seen as the best alternative to radicalism and was quite easy to stomach for the American people. This seemingly nice man, who portrayed himself as holding off the hoards of radicals with his strong governmental policies, convinced the United States.
To a certain extent, he was right at the time. It is quite possible that, if not for a strongman, Pakistan could be a much different place. The civilian regime he replaced was extremely corrupt and very weak. An open election was also feared, for many reasoned that illiterate masses, if enfranchised, would vote en mass for Islamist parties, and the United States would have Iran part deux on our hands. Faced with this, Musharraf seemed a great alternative. The smiling little general who went on “The Daily Show,” won many hearts including mine.
This all changed November 3. That day, he declared martial law and dissolved the constitution. Our smiling general showed his true colors. He showed that his primary concern is staying in power, regardless of the cost, and the other ideals he proscribed too were only held to ensure U.S. support of his regime. His true colors shown, I feel it is time for our dear soldier to fade away.
I do not feel this way for some loft love of democracy, or a want to see all dictators go away and be replaced by liberal democracies. Though I would love to see this, I doubt that I will live to see it and thus look to more pragmatic reasons for the general to leave. Pakistan has one major factor that seems to set it apart from other countries that are threatened by Islamic terrorist groups-it has nuclear arms. The general’s continued presence could become a spark point that leads to great social unrest. Social unrest, especially stirred up by the likes of Al-Qaeda, is not a good situation. Pakistan could turn into a flash point where the War on Terror goes to the next level.
Two potential situations could spawn this. First, open rebellion against Gen. Musharraf could lead to Al-Qaeda backed elements attempting to seize the government, which would lead to a military crackdown, only further radicalizing a great deal of the population. Or to help oust Musharraf, legitimate political parties might make a deal with the devil and enter coalitions with Islamist parties, thus putting to power those who they should not.
To avoid these possible situation, or even worse ones that could come, there is only one possible alternative. Musharraf must look to his neighbor to the east. In the late 1970s, Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, ruled her nation under a state of emergency. She realized the game was up and called for elections. She lost and, at least for a time, stepped aside. India came out of the state of emergency and recovered, restoring liberal democracy. Musharraf should do the same. He should hold elections on Jan. 15, 2008, as he promised. He should not rig them, and when a stable government is formed, he should step down.
The raison d’etre of many dictators is protection of their country. If Musharraf really wants the best for his country, he would take one for the team and fade into history.
Patrick McShane is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.
