Submitted by A Committed Pakistani (not verified) on June 21, 2008 - 11:36pm.
It is rare to come across such a sensible perspective coming from a US commentator these days.
As a liberal Pakistani firmly committed to the idea of a democratic Pakistan - where all its citizens are equal under law headed by an independent judiciary - I fully endorse Patrick Doherty's views. Mr Bush's strategic policy towards Pakistan has gone out of it way to alienate even those people who had once been partial towards the US - as a country which represented freedom under its Jeffersonian ideals.
To win back the affection of millions of Pakistanis the first logical step for the US is that it should immediately stop propping up the much-hated Musharraf. While Mr Bush might believe in supporting his 'Buddies', personal friendships have no role where the future of millions of people is at stake.
It is time Washington realised that winning the hearts and minds of a majority of 160 million Pakistanis is more important for future international security rather than providing billions of dollars to the Pakistan army.
Dump Musharraf asap
It is rare to come across such a sensible perspective coming from a US commentator these days.
As a liberal Pakistani firmly committed to the idea of a democratic Pakistan - where all its citizens are equal under law headed by an independent judiciary - I fully endorse Patrick Doherty's views. Mr Bush's strategic policy towards Pakistan has gone out of it way to alienate even those people who had once been partial towards the US - as a country which represented freedom under its Jeffersonian ideals.
To win back the affection of millions of Pakistanis the first logical step for the US is that it should immediately stop propping up the much-hated Musharraf. While Mr Bush might believe in supporting his 'Buddies', personal friendships have no role where the future of millions of people is at stake.
It is time Washington realised that winning the hearts and minds of a majority of 160 million Pakistanis is more important for future international security rather than providing billions of dollars to the Pakistan army.