And Now, The Charter of Demands—The Comedy Continues!

It is a bit unfair to ascribe selfish (?) motives to the difficult decision of whether to boycott. It is a genuine problem that musharraf's deviousness has plunged the politicians in, with extremely tight electoral deadlines, pushing them to jump headlong into taking one position or the other.

The main worry of the opposition parties (other than PPP who're still in the deal) who want to participate is over the possible 2/3rd majority to the King's party empowering it to amend the constitution. For the secular ones, it is that musharraf's actions will get legal cover and the constitution even more muddled than it already is. For the religious parties, it is that they see PPP in league with musharraf planning to expunge the Islamic clauses from the constitution - particularly those relating to the Qadianis.

The opposition parties will need to ensure they can run a successful street movement if they boycott. If they decide that may not be likely, then they will participate and they shouldn't be blamed for it.

#26 Posted by masadi,

who was also described as a son of a bitch by the Daily Telegraph....

... also as a 'thief who broke a priceless vase and then returned it in pieces' by TIME Magazine.

Guys, my hunch is that this is going to be dicey. The political parties are not making it any easier by procrastinating on the decision to particpate (or not) in the election. This decision has huge ramifications and the longer they postpone it, the worst it is going to be for the nation (such as it is).

For the record, my preference is that they participate, and then collaborate with each other in the next parliament to undo the damage done to the constitution and to the institutions. I prefer this because I have a strong feeling that some parties are very half-hearted about the boycott. Even with PML-N, the party workers want NS to contest.

Boycott by some will be suicidal for them; and boycott by all, as impossible as it seems, will inevitably mean street agitation. Things have the potential to become very ugly indeed.

There is more than one way to skin the cat. Without compromising on the need for independence of judiciary and freedom of the media, it would be wise to take the non-violent course. Violence and the resulting chaos will be playing directly into the hands of the enemies of Pakistan.

Musharraf’s official name

LAHORE: The Cabinet Division has issued a directive saying that the official name of the President of Pakistan is “President Pervez Musharraf” and he should be written and read by this name, Aaj TV reported.

This directive has been sent to all provincial governments, ministries, divisions, relevant departments and other independent and semi-independent organisations. daily times monitor

Masadi sahib,

Re: #26

In short, the author is a "Peon of the West", right?

Regards

The author of this semi-moronic sorry excuse for an article suffers from multiple inferiority complexes, where he guages his own worth as well as the worth of his country by what foreigners (who because of the economic standing of their countries feel 'superior'- a stance so ignorant that when you think about it not to mention extremely unimpressive). Whatever the political 'maturity' of the BB, Nawaz and Imran, their legitimacy and views on the Pakistan scence are much more valid than some a$$ wipe visiting from Turkey or USA or whereever. Who gives a F what he thinks and who the F is he to interfere. This mentality, where the a$$ of the foreigner is kissed to the detriment of the indigeneous folk is the trend mainstreamed by the Pakistan Army and its many dictators the likes of Musharraf, who was also described as a son of a bitch by the Daily Telegraph....

I have heard that when you meet a duffer/stupid/jahil, don't argue with him. Just say to him "Assalam-o-alaikum", and move on...

So Qureshi sahib,

Assalam-o-alaikum......

I have seen a lot of ass kissing in the last few months, but this article takes the cake. If Mushy bending over backwards to please his american masters was not a sore sight, here the author not only bends over backwards but also brings his head up again from under his legs to plant a kiss on mushis ass. He should be applauded for this feat.

hamidm2 and tahmed32:

We have found a winner, ahead of Quraishi, in case you did not notice.

esconfused:
I don't think we have as strong institutions as some other countries. And going through the ritual of voting is not the solution either. (Although it will be done under International pressure, without any significant impact as before)
I don't have alternative either.
We have come a long way anyway. And I have faith in future.

#19

To deal with issues at national level, here is list of institutions

Defense: COAS with "his" ARMY
Foreign: All ambassadors should be Retired Generals
Economic: Read Military Inc, we know these guys are best
Education: Hmm, heard best education at Army schools

So as you suggested we need more than democracy, and I believe there is one strong institution to deal with all policy issues. Problem solved.

econfused #16 this is very confusing for the sun worshippers - the kaaba keeps shifting on them.

Salim_Chauhan:#8
I think the important issue is direction and nationhood.
The politics at regional level needs to be to take care of the constituency.
At National level, particularly defense, foreign policy, economic policy and education policy we need to have more than democracy. Strong institutions to deal with these issues.
In what framework to do it is open to question.
What we want to achieve is important.

hamidm: mush - whining and weeping about having to take off his uniform, greasing mullah fazloo's palms to get him on his side, lying every other sentence he speaks - looks like a winner to you?

Re #16

hamidm2,

I don't think mushy is safe bet now, how about to hedge and start a line for Kyani. I mean he is our next chief/president/PM etc etc. I am also wondering if Quraishi's lips are on musharraf's ass, what would he offer to Kiyani.

Re: # 15

tahmed,

........ i have an excuse too - i like a winner ....... that is why i support the new england patriots and not my home team ...... if musharraf starts loosing control, i will be the first to switch sides but, for now, i think he is a safe bet ....

..... there is no honor in loosing .... your droopy eyed pco-1 cj and imran khan are loosers ...... come on over, it is not too late to join the winning team .......