Bush’s Policy on Pakistan

Re “Just Another General,” editorial, Jan. 9: It is about time that a newspaper has finally taken a stand against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s illegitimate regime.

A man who has come to power through a military coup and then spuriously justified his presidency by rigging two elections is no friend of democracy.

I find it ironic that Washington invades countries and spends billions of dollars just to “spread democracy,” yet overlooks Pakistan’s dictatorship. I agree 100% with your profound statement that “the best thing for Pakistan now would be for him to let the [Pakistan People’s Party] leader, Benazir Bhutto, back into the country.”

Democracy is at a halt in Pakistan, and for Pakistan, South Asia and the world to move forward, it must take the step toward restoring democracy.

Shafqat Tanweer

Co-Chairman, Pakistan

League of America

Washington

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In your editorial, you point out that Musharraf has taken billions in American aid and there is very little progress to show for it.

Pakistani madrasas continue to teach hatred of non-Muslims. Abdul Qadeer Khan remains free after spreading nuclear arms know-how to Korea, Iran and Libya. Very little progress has been seen in eliminating Al Qaeda leaders sheltered in Pakistani territory. And Pakistan-supported terrorists continue to infiltrate and kill people in the Indian state of Kashmir.

On the other hand, Joshua Muravchik, in his article “The Birth Pangs of Arab Democracy” (Commentary, Jan. 9), expresses optimism about progress of democracy in Arab countries because of American pressure. Why is America exempting the Pakistani dictator from the same pressure? Why is the American public quiet about the billions given away to Pakistan?

Maneck N. Bhujwala

Huntington Beach

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Your editorial is another indication of the failure of President Bush’s approach to foreign policy. It is clear to most that Pakistan is not a friend to the U.S. and is, in fact, supporting insurgents, threatening its neighbors and building a nuclear stockpile complete with long-range missiles.

Bush, in his obsession with Iraq, paid $3 billion of taxpayers’ money to Musharraf to look the other way while he proceeded with his Iraq agenda.

Musharraf is a military dictator of the worst kind. This is a shameful example of bad foreign policy.

Martin Harrington

Thousand Oaks