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Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Trouble ahead for Pakistan?

Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to rush Pervez Musharraf out the door in Pakistan. The WSJ looks at the candidates standing to replace him and predicts a Category 5 hurricane. That is scary. The leader in the polls is Asif Ali Zardari, husband of the slain Benazir Bhutto. He is known for his corruption, both during her time in office and after, even while living abroad. He has been rebuked for this at home and abroad as well, but the nostalgia for the Bhutto days should propel him to the presidency. Which is certainly bad news for Pakistan. Musharraf reversed decades of sluggish growth while making peace with India and strengthening ties with the US. Since his decline from power and resignation, the Pakistani economic indicators have taken a tumble, reflecting the market uncertainty over the new leadership. US relations with Pakistan could take a major hit in the future, unless we are willing to resume the game of corruption that has characterized Pakistan's leadership during its existence. The next President here will have a major challenge dealing with a man elected by a populace that is hostile to US goals for the region. Obama's suggestion of invading to pursue terrorists like bin Laden won't make them think any higher of us either.

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