Posted by
Kevin on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:57:38 PM
This week on the heels of Russia's invasion of Georgia a simmering hot spot may be heating up. President Musharraf has been forced to resign rather than face impeachment. Who cares, you may ask. What difference does it make who runs Pakistan?
Pakistan has nukes. Pakistan is right in the middle of all the Muslim dominated "stans" including Afghanistan from where The Taliban and Al Qaeda cross back and forth at will. Since 911 When George Bush basically gave Musharraf an offer he couldn't refuse, Pakistan has been a partner in the war on terror, if not a partner who probably is playing both sides. Get the picture?? a pretty muddled mess festering at a time of increased tensions with Russia, Iran, etc, etc.
Pakistan must get through the current turmoil resulting from the last election when Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. With the resignation of Musharraf, her widower is a top front runner to become President. In addition to all their obvious problems, Pakistan has the habit of electing leaders from a small stable of hack political families. Corruption is a way of life as in other countries in the area. So much for Religious values.
America has it's eyes on an election for President and two conventions coming up. We are dealing with Russia-Georgia and trying to get Russia to withdraw . At any moment Isreal could decide now is the time to strike Iran before it gets nukes. We are dealing with high oil prices - even a short lived oil embargo, or a natural disaster or sabatage in the mid East oil fields could cripple our economy. Continued high prices are wrecking the Air industry . Should prices reverse and go back up even higher than last month the Airline industry could be destroyed except for a very few offering flights to those wealthy enough to pay for the luxury.
The plate is very full, huh? Good time to put in the rookie, huh?? WRONG!!!! These are even more dangerous times than usual. It is my opinion that Pakistan just may become the number one or two international crisis facing us in the immediate future. A country with Nukes, and a large segment of it's population in favor of radical Islam and the likes of the Taliban and Al Qaeda hiding in its midst must be closely watched. Right now the world is like the Dyke with hole after hole needing to be plugged. As I write this Breaking news has developed where Russia announces it's reaction to the Missile Shield agreement between the U.S and Poland will go beyond diplomacy!! What does THAT mean...another hole..It needs our attention, BUT, We can not take our eyes off of Pakistan, mark my words!!