Pakistan's Democracy Woes

The declaration of emergency in Pakistan by General Pervez Musharraf on Nov 3rd marks a new chapter in the same old story that is called Pakistan's Democratic Process. Since his takeover of Pakistan in a bloodless coup in 1999, General Musharraf has presided over the march of Pakistan towards the door steps of radical islamilization. His support of America in its war against terror after 9/11 was seen by many in Pakistan as his tacit support for the global war on Islam being waged by the West. These feeling had been confined to the western provinces of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan till they came to a boil in July of this year. The suppression of the Lal Masjid occupation by the Pakistani army in July put the entire country of Pakistan into a situation akin to a "Civil War". Since then things have gone from bad to worse. Add to this Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and the situation seems like a ticking nuclear bomb which can detonate anytime.
On the flip side if the General were to step down there is currently no-body who can take control of the country and bring it back to the democratic process. Ms Benazir Bhutto and Mr Nawaz Sharif the two previous prime ministers do not enjoy any support in the military. Also Ms Bhutto is seen by many in Pakistan to be close to the US. She also faces questions on her true intentions, one moment standing up to the General and the next moment willing to accommodate his requests. As for the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, he may be the public face of the fight to restore the democratic process to Pakistan, but can he sustain the momentum and also stand up to the political parties and the military? Only time will have the answers to all these questions.....

Reference for this article
Benazir Bhutto Profile
Pakistan Nuclear Weapons
Martial Law in Pakistan
Pakistan's Pinstripe Revolution