The Bhutto Watch in Pakistan

The lack of any meaningful response by President George W. Bush and his administration to the ongoing events in Pakistan has left many scratching their heads.

First, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan removed all the Justices of their Supreme Court when it became obvious a ruling would be issued nullifying the recent Presidential elections in Pakistan in which he was declared the winner. This action was due to occur for Musharraf had refused to step down as General of the armed forces in Pakistan. He then followed with the suspension of the Constitution or lets just say Marshall Law was declared.

Thousands of opposition leaders, lawyers, members of the press and demonstrators have been rounded up and put in jail, and communication lines disrupted throughout the country. Musharraf has stated he felt this action was needed to protect the people of Pakistan against Islamic militants and Terrorists.

When Benazir Bhutto attempted to participate in a rally, she was placed under house arrest. Her recent return to Pakistan to run for Prime Minister in what were to be parliamentary elections held in January has led to much speculation. She originally sought to share power with Musharraf but now Bhutto has made no secret of her efforts to bring opposition parties together and her desire to have Pakistan return to the rule of law.

President Bush has said he welcomed the recent statements by Musharraf that he would end the suspension of the constitution within a month, step down as General, and hold the parliamentary elections in January.

However, that is not enough. I agree with the Washington Post editorial yesterday that said Musharraf must allow for the reinstatement of the Justices of their Supreme Court and allow Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to issue their ruling on the constitutionality of the recent election of President Musharraf.

The United States during President Richard Nixon's administration experienced the firing of independent special prosecutor Archibald Cox by the President during what was to become known as the Saturday Night Massacre. This action, among others by President Nixon, led to impeachment proceedings and his subsequent resignation. Fortunately, the constitution of the United States and the rule of law prevailed.

President Bush who has championed Democracy in the Middle East and around the world should be hard pressed to accept the removal of the Justices of the Supreme Court in Pakistan, the suspension of the constitution and the rounding up of dissidents in return for a promise by Musharraf to hold elections in January and to remove his General uniform. The continuation of the massive funding sent to Pakistan by the United States under the current circumstances is now being questioned by some members of Congress and rightfully so.

It appears the opposition to Musharraf in Pakistan will continue to grow. Benazir Bhutto upon her release from being under house arrest attempted to meet with former Chief Justice Chaudhry and was denied access. It is reported she is now talking with other opposition leaders about holding a demonstration on Tuesday so she looks to be the one to watch closely as events unfold in Pakistan.

It appears to this casual observer, that Musharraf's days as President of Pakistan, a country with operational nuclear weapons, may be coming to an end. It is critical for the region that the new administration in Pakistan be one that supports the rule of law and who will continue to be an ally of the U.S. on the war on terror. Let's continue to hope for a peaceful transition.