Should U.S. Financial Aid to Pakistan Continue?

President George W. Bush continues to receive failing grades in regard to his foreign policy. The current Dictator of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf has made a mockery of establishing a democratic path for his country.

In the last several weeks, Musharraf has removed all the Justices of the Supreme Court, declared a suspension of the constitution (established marshal law), imprisoned thousands who protested his actions, cut off communication of independent media sources, and put one opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto under house arrest on two separate occasions.

All of these actions were necessary to quell the threat of Islamic militants and for the protection of the people of Pakistan according to Musharraf. He wasn't done yet though, as he went on to appoint new Justices to the Supreme Court, who subsequently validated his recent reelection as President.

Now, after receiving a slap on the wrist by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Musharraf has indicated he will take off his General uniform soon and schedule the parliamentary elections for January. Pakistan's Deputy Army Commander, General Ashfaq Kayani appears to be the favorite to assume that position.

All the while, the United States continues to send hundreds of millions to Pakistan. Although the U.S. is an ally with this nuclear armed nation, the mountainous border area with Afghanistan has become a haven for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. In spite of the huge amount of U.S. funds, Musharraf has been unable to have his army root out the terrorists from this area resulting in a resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The continuance of U.S. funds to Pakistan should be contingent on several factors: 1. the reinstatement of the former Supreme Court Justices. 2. an agreement on the part of Musharraf to abide by their ruling concerning the legality of his recent election. 3. a end to the suspension of the constitution and a return to the rule of law. 4. a date set no later than January for the parliamentary elections and if necessary, based on the ruling by the Supreme Court, a new election for President.

In developing U.S. foreign policy positions in the future, Human Rights should be in the forefront with the understanding that "right beats might" in the long run every time. Let's hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Pakistan.