President buckles under powerful political punch

A democratic leader differs from a dictator, essentially the way he communicates as 'I did that' sort of delusional language is never his style. In contrast, just see how the parting president in his speech to the nation boasted of his so-called achievements in hyperbolic terms, completely ignoring the reality that he is as sadistic as his mentor - George Bush is spilling of human blood is their way of controlling people and nations. The Jamia Hafsa tragedy in which very innocent young women, killed in the Commando action mostly orphans on account of the deadly earthquake which occurred in Azad Kashmir, where millions were perished, found its retribution. In the ouster of the president, the blood of the slaughtered young ones proved to be his nemesis. His defiance not to engage in dialogue with the insurgents, was mainly because he feared that it would have gone to displease the bastion of his strength - George Bush and his geo-strategic team trying to redesign the 'geography' of the region.

Pakistan is now the worst recipient of the War on Terror. The reality is that the Taliban in Afghanistan or their kith and kin in Pakistan are only resisting the occupation by foreign forces. This is their inherent right. The struggle for freedom is attributed to be terrorism, as the neo-cons under Bush administration wanted to systematically destroy the power of the Muslim World. Iraq and Afghanistan were the first to be massacred through massive bombing. They had a design to do the same to Iran. The heroic resistance they encountered in Iraq and Afghanistan, frustrated their designs and therefore had to experience a shameful defeat. Destabilising Pakistan and massive killing of the people in tribal areas, through Pakistani soldiers is the vicious game, which the Pakistan's new democratic set-up must take into cognisance. India's role in promoting insurgency in Balochistan again has a very ominous bearing.

The dextrous manner in which Mr Zardari and his coalition partner Mr Nawaz Sharif played their political cards completely outwitted General Musharraf. He succumbed to the mounting pressure - particularly the vociferous demand from the provincial assemblies to resign or face the impeachment weighed very heavily on his mind. He also saw that some of the so-called supporters from the party he created, were gradually shifting their loyalties. The foreign support was also gradually diminishing, as the Bush administration felt that by supporting him, USA would become very unpopular in Pakistan. No dictator in Pakistan was as much hated as General Musharraf was. After his resignation, people all over Pakistan became frenzy with delight and tons of sweets were distributed.

The most difficult chapter is now over. Now it is incumbent upon Mr Zardari that he honours his commitments as well as of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to restore the deposed judges, lest he loses his credibility. Besides this, in my opinion, the new president should have been from Balochistan which is suffering from a feeling of alienation. However, the president must be a true symbol of the Federation, unlike General Musharraf who was wholly tilted towards the party he created. The majority party - PPP - must recognise that overplaying the majority card often proves counter-productive. Pakistan, itself emerged due to the thoughtless urge to dictate and dominate the Muslims on account of the permanent majority the Hindus had. The real democracy demands that there should be no tyranny of the majority. "Giving" is its true essence.

The writer is a researcher and a political analyst

E-mail: fr786pak@isb.comsats.net.pk