Pakistan Needs a Visionary Leader
Pervez Musharraf's reign had to end. He had ignored the will of the people far too long by catering to Washington's whims and exercising oppression and suppression of the people. It is time for all leaders to know that serving the so called "War on Terror" should not, and cannot, be a substitute for domestic sources of legitimacy. Many leaders use the already destructive war on terror to prolong their rule and rely on Washington's support to evade accountability and transparency at home.
Musharraf's departure is an opening but will not end Pakistan's woes. It's geopolitical importance, first in the Cold War, and later in the era of "the war on terror", has served Pakistan's rulers at the expense of the people and the country's democratic institutions.
It is also regrettable that the two main opposition parties are more interested in reinforcing feudal and tribal allegiances in the service of consolidating dynasties than they are interested in the goal of strengthening democracy.
But it is not clear how much of a change that Musharraf's departure will usher in.
Pakistan is still torn in different directions by forces of tribalism, military hegemony, fanaticism and extremism -- all fueled by the continued " war on terror", regional rivalries, the instability in neighboring Afghanistan and, now, possible fall out from the new Caucasus war.
I think that Pakistan still needs a visionary leader at the helm to take the country out of its endless turmoil of blood and steel. The country does not lack courageous people (such as the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry) who challenge oppression and tyranny to protect the rule of law. But I fear that the conflicting regional
interests, bleeding internal wounds and American influence will not allow for the right leadership to emerge.
Washington will offer support for leaders that suit its interests. Unfortunately there is no shortage of leaders in Pakistan, as in the Arab World, who are ready to comply with foreign intervention to obtain or retain power.
Nevertheless one cannot be but encouraged by the fact that the Pakistani people
continue to make their voices heard and challenge arbitrary power. And at least there is a process of change where leaders have to quit, unlike the situation in the Arab countries.
Lamis Andoni at PostGlobal: Pakistan Needs a Visionary Leader - PostGlobal at washingtonpost.com
Pervez Musharraf's reign had to end. He had ignored the will of the people far too long by catering to Washington's whims and exercising oppression and suppression of the people. It is time for all leaders to know that serving the so called "War on Terror" should not, and cannot, be a substitute for domestic sources of legitimacy. Many leaders use the already destructive war on terror to prolong their rule and rely on Washington's support to evade accountability and transparency at home.
Musharraf's departure is an opening but will not end Pakistan's woes. It's geopolitical importance, first in the Cold War, and later in the era of "the war on terror", has served Pakistan's rulers at the expense of the people and the country's democratic institutions.
It is also regrettable that the two main opposition parties are more interested in reinforcing feudal and tribal allegiances in the service of consolidating dynasties than they are interested in the goal of strengthening democracy.
But it is not clear how much of a change that Musharraf's departure will usher in.
Pakistan is still torn in different directions by forces of tribalism, military hegemony, fanaticism and extremism -- all fueled by the continued " war on terror", regional rivalries, the instability in neighboring Afghanistan and, now, possible fall out from the new Caucasus war.
I think that Pakistan still needs a visionary leader at the helm to take the country out of its endless turmoil of blood and steel. The country does not lack courageous people (such as the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry) who challenge oppression and tyranny to protect the rule of law. But I fear that the conflicting regional
interests, bleeding internal wounds and American influence will not allow for the right leadership to emerge.
Washington will offer support for leaders that suit its interests. Unfortunately there is no shortage of leaders in Pakistan, as in the Arab World, who are ready to comply with foreign intervention to obtain or retain power.
Nevertheless one cannot be but encouraged by the fact that the Pakistani people
continue to make their voices heard and challenge arbitrary power. And at least there is a process of change where leaders have to quit, unlike the situation in the Arab countries.
Lamis Andoni at PostGlobal: Pakistan Needs a Visionary Leader - PostGlobal at washingtonpost.com
