The Choice in Pakistan

The Bush administration sees the choice in Pakistan as one of choosing between an errant friend and rabid enemies. General Musharaff's declaration of martial law is seen as the mistaken choice of a leader who saw his country falling apart under pressures generated by the growth of Islamist extremism. He has, the administration sees, battled Al Qaeda and its ilk, avoiding the temptation to pander to them. It has called on the general to reconsider what he has done and to return Pakistan to the status quo ante.

This is a false choice. The administration has been too gentle on the general, having defined American national interests too narrowly. Consider that Musharaff declared martial law contrary to the publicly expressed wishes of the United States. Secretary Rice herself said on November 3, as reports of Musharaff's actions were coming out:

I just want to be clear that the United States has made clear that it does not support extra-constitutional measures because those measures would take Pakistan away from the path of democracy and civilian rule.

To date, the United States has scarcely even said "Tut-Tut" in reaction, much less taken any substantive action to make its displeasure felt in Islamabad.

Now we have have pictures of Westernized Pakistanis, even Pakistani lawyers, having their demonstrations broken up by the army. At the very least, the United States looks weak. It even looks hypocritical: our oft-expressed support for democracy is shown to be mere words, or less.

Moreover, the support for Musharaff within Pakistan is virtually non-existent, according to reports. The Islamic extremists certainly oppose him. Moderate and secular Pakistanis now oppose him as well. And Benazir Bhutto and her supporters are just beginning to gear up for the struggle. How long can this ally last? We appear to be supporting the losing side.

Sanctions of some kind--a reduction in aid at the very least--should have been imposed by the end of the day on November 3. Not simply because democracy is a good thing, but out of a realistic approach to satisfying our true national interests in the region.