Focus on Musharraf's role in Pakistan-USA Relations 

As President Musharraf tried to bring in as much benefits as it was feasible from Pakistan's relations with USA for the advancement of Pakistan and its economy did get boost under is regime. Undoubtedly, today the US policy toward Pakistan is much to be desired as its military has bombed Pakistan, a close ally against "terrorism" for the past 7 odd years. USA has taken full liberty to do whatever it pleases in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. That is perhaps the root cause of US brand democracy and regime change. The reason is the very kind and soft attitude toward US military operations in Pakistan. Not only US forces killed Pakistanis along with Afghans, they even took away plenty of Pakistanis to their own terror custody in USA. True, Pakistan is placed in a peculiar situation with India poised to thwart any attempt by its Islamic neighbor to gain benefits from any where particularly USA. India's position is being anti-Muslim both in India Kashmir and torturing and killing Muslims India is a natural ally and strategic partner of anti-Islamic nations like the USA and Israel. Pakistan under Musharraf, under severe threat form domestic political pressures, had to swallow anything dirty trick the USA played with people of Pakistan.  

Historically speaking, however, US-Pakistan relations are time-tested and they are not likely to change with the change of leadership in Islamabad. The US ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, has regular contact with the government of Pakistan and has had a number of meetings with the leaders and he said: 'We have ongoing cooperation with the government of Pakistan, and we will continue to'. But as far as the resignation of Musharraf, not too long ago regarded by the USA as indispensable, Washington said it is a matter for Pakistanis' internal political process for them.

Running for president, George W. Bush couldn't name the new leader of Pakistan. A month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Musharraf was standing with the now-President Bush at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, declaring Pakistan's unwavering support to fight with the United States against "terrorism in all its forms wherever it exists." Most of the time since Sept 11, General Musharraf was feted in Washington and hailed as a 'statesman' and sought more genocide in Pakistan of Muslims. 

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Pervez Musharraf became a crucial but ultimately frustrating ally in the war against Islamic extremists. Bush and Musharraf got along from the start. Bush needed help catching and killing Muslim "terrorists", and he wooed Musharraf because the general had a reputation as someone who would bring stability to Pakistan. Musharraf curried Bush's favor to earn support from the ruling class in Pakistan that believed their nation's path was determined by "Allah, the Army - and America.  Over time, Bush and Musharraf each suffered politically from their friendship. Bush was accused of looking the other way when Musharraf didn't play by the rules of "democratic" nations. "We pretty much played the Musharraf card - ad nauseam - eventually to Pakistan's detriment," said Rick Barton, a Pakistan expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Pakistani leader's alliance earned him the unfriendly nickname of "Mush," which rhymes with "Bush." But some Pakistanis claim it was Musharraf's relationship with Washington that was to blame for many of the country's problems, including the rising tide of extremist attacks within Pakistan. 

USA has failed in Afghanistan so is Musharraf in Pakistan, but both killed Muslims. The "democracy" wave ignited by the US media in Pakistan and the opposition in Pakistan made Musharraf's life more difficult and he became increasingly unable to strengthen the county's security and economic status. In November 2007, Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan, suspended the constitution and dismissed independent-minded judges as the Supreme Court was set to rule on the legality of his October 2007 election - a ballot that was boycotted by the opposition. Even then Bush's confidence in Musharraf did not crack. But with his resignation, it is becoming business as usual in gamut of US-Pakistan relations. 

Soon after Musharraf quit presidency, US President George W Bush called his 'personal friend' former President Pervez Musharraf to wish him well and thanked him for his efforts in Pakistan's transition to democracy. Bush also thanked him for his help in the war against terror. It is not evident if Musharraf would be brought back in some other capacity. Bush and Musharraf, who has had plenty of knowledge about the US struck up a workable friendship. Despite their rapport, theirs was an alliance of convenience. It wasn't a personal relationship, but Musharraf tried to play it, effectively, for domestic advantage.

Thanks to the practical policies of Musharraf, even during the heights of tensions in Pakistan, Musharraf continued to cooperate with USA for advancing Pakistan's national interests, especially in terms of security. President Bush on August 22 reassured Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of the US administration's continued support for the democratic government in Pakistan in the wake of former President Pervez Musharraf's resignation. Gilani thanked Bush for the delivery of F-16s to Pakistan and release of 116 million dollars to finance the mid-lifeupgrade of Pakistan's ageing fleet of F-16 fighters. Gilani also thanked Bush for authorizing the delivery of 20 P-37 trainer jets to Pakistan. During a telephone call to Gilani, Bush inquired about the upcoming presidential election to choose Musharraf's successor. Bush also asked Gilani as to when the government was bringing about a balance between the Presidency and Parliament. Premier Gilani thanked Bush for his continuous support for strengthening democracy in Pakistan and said the people and government are grateful for the promotion of "democratic" norms by the US administration. Bush told Gilani that both governments have strong ties and assured the Prime Minister that his administration will continue supporting the democratic government of Pakistan.

In the final analysis Musharraf has done what was the best possible service to Pakistan which has long ago moved far away form its original mandate in 1947 and the leaders and the media have totally forgotten why Pakistan has to come into existence. Now many think Pakistan must kill and clear off the Muslims who demand more powers, privileges and regional balancing. The neo-democrats stress Pakistan should march towards Hindutva India path and American avenues. And yet a third section is using all forms of misfortunes and turmoil affecting the nation for its own family advancement.

Finally, a weakened Musharraf quit not letting the Americans further its nefarious intentions fulfilled in Pakistan. Any furthe5r intensified crisis could be disastrous for Pakistan if he faced the "impeachment" to appease those in India who want to see a totally destabilized neighbor.   

Investors, their confidence shattered by political upheaval and militant violence,  hoped and are still hoping the presidential election would bring an end to uncertainty and usher in more stable politics. Pakistan's stock market, which rose for six consecutive years to 2007 and was one of the best-performing markets in Asia in that period, has fallen about 36 percent this year. The rupee has lost about a quarter of its value against the dollar this year. Only a stable Pakistan can  help usher in economic growth and advancements in the lives of people who voted the PP to power.

US cannot threaten Pakistan as it pleases because it can endanger its position tin the region. Thousands of Muslims have lost live since 2001 terror war onset in Pakistan and nearby and US cannot just ignore the Pakistan's assistance at the cost of its own existence. Washington must stop killing of Muslims in Pakistan and destroying any material in Pakistan. Pakistanis hate USA as they have lost patience. The military establishment has finally woken up to the danger being skillfully unleashed on Pakistan.  The violent protest by the Pakistan's general Pervez Kayani against US misadventures in Pakistan, therefore, merit attention; it is not just a bold step but also the most needed and welcome one to stress importance of sovereignty of Pakistan. Also, because, the military warning sends out a message needed in Washington that is always seen preoccupied with global manipulations and for the Pentagon's future reference.

Thank you

Yours Sincerely,

DR.ABDUL RUFF Colachal

Researcher in International Affairs,

South Asia