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| India-Pakistan |
| After Musharraf there will be little change in Pakistan, and more instability |
| 2008-08-19 |
| By Krishnan Srinivasan The election result of February 2008 was perceived as being against Pervez Musharraf rather than in favour of any reform strategy. There is no indication that the federal model will combine regional identities with national security and self-government in a manner that will usher in any real change from the past. Unless the mainstream parties connect with the needs and aspirations of the masses, religious zealots will fill the political vacuum, and this will lead inevitably to the re-emergence of the army in politics. None of this generates optimism regarding the suspension of trans-border terrorism into India from Pakistan. Given the role of its feudal rural elite and of the military, Pakistan has not been able to develop sustainable democratic norms. In the absence of these, the army plays a dominant role. Most countries have an army, but as they say, in Pakistan the army has a country. Many will now blame Musharraf for all the ills in Pakistan but the army must also take some of the blame, although the military in that country is a holy cow that is beyond criticism. |
| Posted by:john frum |
| #2 I expect more spineless attacks, economic down-turns, and less financial aid from 'other' countries |
| Posted by: Mad Eye 2008-08-19 07:07 |
| #1 The biggest challenge now for the Pakistani army, and for the politicians, is how to ward off intense American pressure to act against militants on the Afghan border Their biggest challenge is to work against us. Got it. |
| Posted by: Clusons Sproing7107 2008-08-19 01:28 |