March 11th, 2008 by Sharlina

Henry A. Kissinger contemplates the ramifications of last month’s elections in Pakistan, arguing that it is President Pervez Musharraf’s responsibility, not the U.S.’s, to deal with the consequences. In terms of democracy promotion, Kissinger urges the U.S. to keep in mind that while it is important to convey our democratic values, “the evolution of the immediate political process is beyond our reach.”

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) argues at The Wall Street Journal that “we have a better chance of finding a strong ally in the war on terror in Pakistan if a legitimate democratic government takes root.” Hutchison notes as long as Pakistan supports and practices democracy, the U.S. will be an “enthusiastic partner.”

Meanwhile, China Hand at American Footprints looks at what delayed the formation of Pakistan’s new ruling coalition for almost a full month, blaming the ambition of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. He further argues that “Zardari’s personal weakness and opportunism encourage foreign manipulation of Pakistan’s fragile and threatened democracy.” On the other hand, Bronwen Maddox at The Times argues that Pakistan’s politicians are doing “a a reasonable job, in the three weeks since the elections, of trying to edge towards a democracy with a stronger Parliament.” Maddox doesn’t believe uncertainty at this time is neither surprising or a bad thing.

Posted in Elections, Pakistan |