U.S. Secretary of State Condi Rice gave Pakistani President Musharraf a subtle clue as how to proceed with martial law in his country. It's OK to be the unitary executive with tremendous powers but one cannot do it in a military uniform. Sure you can be the Commander-in-Chief and order the world's most powerful military to attack other countries on a virtual whim (otherwise known as fabricated intelligence), but "No weara da uniform!"
If President Musharraf continues to dress as a soldier, then familiar analogies come to mind. What other leader in the 20th century disbanded their elected body, took over the court system and oppressed his citizens? That would be Adolf Hitler. While U.S. President George Bush tries to make the appellation stick to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Pervez Musharraf wears it proudly. Please, Pervy take off the uniform, you can still be a despot without it.
As for those January elections continuing as scheduled, expect a landslide victory for Mr. Musharraf. Voting at the end of a gun barrel can be quite motivating. Those who can't stomach pulling the lever on his behalf won't show up. Is it because they're in jail without a lawyer? The number of opposition held now sits at 3,500.
If President Musharraf continues to dress as a soldier, then familiar analogies come to mind. What other leader in the 20th century disbanded their elected body, took over the court system and oppressed his citizens? That would be Adolf Hitler. While U.S. President George Bush tries to make the appellation stick to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Pervez Musharraf wears it proudly. Please, Pervy take off the uniform, you can still be a despot without it.
As for those January elections continuing as scheduled, expect a landslide victory for Mr. Musharraf. Voting at the end of a gun barrel can be quite motivating. Those who can't stomach pulling the lever on his behalf won't show up. Is it because they're in jail without a lawyer? The number of opposition held now sits at 3,500.
