Pakistani Pariah Departs

On Monday, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigned. “I hope the nation and the people will forgive my mistakes,” said Musharraf. “I leave my future in the hands of the nation and people.”

On November 3, 2007, Musharraf imposed “emergency measures.” Troops were deployed. Opponents were arrested. The Chief Justice was fired. Phone lines were sliced. The constitution and independent media were suspended. Subsequently, Musharraf postponed parliamentary elections. He declared indefinite emergency rule. Benazir Bhutto was imprisoned twice. Obviously, Musharraf’s exit pleased adversaries. “It is a victory of democratic forces,” said Information Minister Sherry Rehman. “Today, the shadow of dictatorship that has prevailed for long over this country, that chapter has been closed.”

Via a bloodless coup, Musharraf seized power. For eight years, he sought pacification. He was ineffectual, spineless, and weak. Following September 11, 2001, Musharraf supported the United States. However, he never acted. Musharraf simply epitomized the obvious. With Muslims, the United States has no staunch allies. We only have reluctant allies.