"˜Barack Obama, a unique change in world's politics'

I learnt the results of the US Presidential elections on 5^th of November 2008  in UK and heard President elect Mr. Obama's speech with a great interest. His victory has not only revived the concept of modern democracy where dissent can be expressed through ballot, but a huge turnout (over 70 %) proves that American people are awake in the time of need. USA along with the world is facing worst recession and financial crisis as well as unfaced menace of terror chasing the streets of the major cities of the World. In this atmosphere, George Bush has been seen off by ballot similarly as was his prodigy General Musharraf was shown the door by Pakistani people which is a good sign for the world. President Obama's reconciliatory approach is a sigh of relief for war ridden areas like Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and many states of Africa which are deprived of basic hygiene, food and shelter and infants die in the early age of their life without food, clean water and vaccination. His stance on Kashmir though is double edged but the call for resolution of this bone of contention between India Pakistan is just and nomination of Bill Clinton as a special envoy is meritorious and a good omen for the region.

His election has also given a new dimension to the human race where a concept has been strengthened that race colour and creed can never hinder in human development and progress and over 51% votes by all communities reject human created divisions and call for saving and serving the humanity. American people deserve applause for rejecting colour discrimination and for voting for the best on the day. It will be unjust not to mention the grace with which Senator McCain fought election against him and accepted defeat with honour, pride and humility, which is a rare event in Politics. America needs to offer hope to the community of nation and revitalize its efforts to jointly consult with the world if it ever desires to come even closer to victory on its drive against extremism. No doubt, 9/11 was the most tragic and most condemnable attack on civilization by criminals and proportionate use of force against combatant, revival of United Nations role, protecting the sovereignty of independent nations, joint intelligence sharing mechanism and collective wisdom is the key to defeat this menace.

USA after deliberating and intelligence analysis declared Osama and his net work behind  this heinous crime but never could arrest or eliminate him despite the ever growing collateral damage. I think never mind arresting and bringing him to the alter of accountability, they have turned all the afghan Pahtuns, Talibs, tribal's against them. I see the logic of calls to alienate Al Qaeda from Taliban and Taliban from the whole of Pashtun race in Afghanistan to win the hearts and minds of people. World has not found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq till today and President Obama's initiative to pull his troops in 18 months is a way forward to return Iraq to normalcy and same will ultimately be the solution for Afghanistan. President Obama has uniquely given hope of peace, change and empowerment to its people and news of peace to the world and coming 4 years will be a test for the new administration and above all the patience of the people of the United States and Mr. Obama has little option to let American people and the world down as the world has a chance to be a better place opposite to what it has been last 8 years.

Coming to its effects on Pakistan, is a tricky question. Pakistan will have to learn to be on its own two feet and will have to cut costs, grow agriculture, preserve energy, and produce and store water and emphasis must be placed on trade not on aid in future if it ever wishes to secure a safe place in the list of happy and healthy states. Self reliant nations make difference in the world map, but only with its good governance, rule of law and justice to its people. Current administration has aptly formed Governments in all quarters, but continue to running the Govt. effectively may not be possible if Murree declaration and charter of democracy is not implemented in its entirety. A country at the verge of revolution due to economic downfall, where the Chief Judge awaits its restoration, and 17^th Amendment has yet to be repealed, all of which pose an instability to this political system. Pakistan though have passed a Parliamentary resolution against "˜hot pursuits by Americans' but it still is bearing unilateral missile attacks inside its territory almost every other day, which laugh on the face of the resolution, and in return on its people. Pakistani Govt is also struggling for cash deficit, low credibility, international loneliness, and I can only say that a joint collaboration of Civil and military can save Pakistan from the series of crisis it is in especially in the 2^nd & 3^rd phase of the transition of leadership who controls the "˜war on terror' as the country does not afford further experiments. However, too much expectations from this new US administration will be a beggar's belief as beggar's cannot be choosy.  

Amjad Malik is a Solicitor-Advocate of the Supreme Court of England & Wales

11 November 2008