Ineffective US foreign policy
We can’t influence anyone any more. There was a time in America’s distant past (before Bush II) that we could call up an ally and convince them the error of their ways. We don’t have the clout to do that any more. Furthermore, we must question such a close alliance with Pervez Musharraf. This is a man who took power by force and has kept power by force yet, we continually say that we support liberty, freedom and democracy. So, martial law has been declared by Musharraf. All we can do is sit by and brood.
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From BBC:
Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf has defended his decision to declare emergency rule, saying he could not allow the country to commit suicide.
In a televised address he said Pakistan had reached a crisis brought about by militant violence and a judiciary which had paralysed the government.
The chief justice has been replaced and the Supreme Court surrounded by troops.
The moves came as the Supreme Court was due to rule on the legality of Gen Musharraf’s October election victory.
The court was to decide whether Gen Musharraf was eligible to run for re-election last month while remaining army chief.
The BBC’s Barbara Plett reports from Islamabad that fears had been growing in the government that the Supreme Court ruling could go against Gen Musharraf. (more…)
