The U.S. and Pakistan By Michael Shank International Herald Tribune[WEBSITE VERSION] November 30, 2007
The article "For Musharraf, reduced power as a civilian" (Nov. 28) asserts that President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is left with "vastly reduced powers" now that he resigned from the role of military ruler. In fact, little will change.
As civilian president, Musharraf remains the keeper of the purse. The $100 million in monthly U.S. military aid will not suddenly bypass the president. Furthermore, as president, Musharraf will keep the power to imprison the moderates who protest his unpopular policies.
Musharraf remains cozy with the military, too cozy. If reduced powers are the goal, the United States would do well to resign its role as benefactor.
Michael Shank Government Relations Adviser Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution George Mason University Arlington, VA