President Musharraf Resigns!

If you're not so keen on keeping up on world politics you can read the story here:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2008/August/subcontinent_August647.xml&section=subcontinent

Every Pakistani has his own opinion. People love him and they hate him. If you've watched this story on the news you'll see footage of Pakistanis dancing and parading on the street in joy and celebration. But did he deserve this? He was accused of violating the constitution and of economic damages to the nation. He says that they can't prove any of their allegations against him.

I believe him. As far as I can remember there have really been only two leaders of Pakistan, Bhutta and Nawaz Sharif, switching back and forth. And what about the countries progress? Almost at a stand still, Pakistan seemed frozen in time with a slowly deteriating foundation and infrastructure, the country felt like it could collapse at whims in. And then came the military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf, and for 8 years Pakistan had seen development and progress. But now that things aren't going so well, people have forgotten everything that's happened in the last 8 years. This man who brought real change, fulfilled real promises, and who truely seemed to love his country, he has been deemed unfit to lead this country.

I've read a lot of opinions today about this, and one thing kept coming up from the supporters of Musharraf's impeachment. That he was a dictator and we needed to restore our democracy. My response is what good is a democracy when our people suffer, when they can't afford shelter and food, when our streets have mountains of filth stacked on then, and when the poor have to sell their organs to feed their children. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge advocate of democracy, it is the best we've got right now, but what's so bad about a dictator who's doing good?

Living in Dubai, U.A.E. we live under a government that's a Federalist Monarchy, we have a leader, not elected by the people, but appointed because of his lineage, and nobody can argue all the amazing things that he's done for this country. If somebody is able to do good, who can bring positive change, and is up for the job, then why not support him, why challenge him?

Pakistan should be a democracy and it is, but why not use the skills and talents of a man who has proven himself able? Why not let him help us?

It's a sad day in Pakistan's history.


Picture Courtesy of Khaleej Times (http://www.khaleejtimes.com/images/M1_18082008.jpg)