Leader promised too much

When General Pervez Musharraf seized power in Pakistan a year ago, world leaders should have exercised common sense. \nSince Pakistan split from India in 1947, the country has had a number of leaders who forcefully seized power; the first in 1958, the second in 1977 and most recently in October 1999 when Musharraf ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from power. \nInterestingly enough, when it happened, reports detailing Pakistanis taking to the streets in celebration hit the headlines. They believed the General would lead the country out of poverty, reform the corrupt and ineffective government, and ironically, build a more democratic country. They had reason to believe the country would take a turn for the better, because he did promise an overhaul of the tax system, a commitment to a less radical approach to Islam and decentralization of political power, according to the Washington Post.\nA year later, the voices of hope have been silenced. Now, Pakistanis are impoverished, foreign relations with the United States are at a standstill and civilian leaders have emerged as inept or corrupt. Economic progress is slow and more than a third of Pakistanis are in poverty, according to the Post. \nThe country is deeply in debt and their international image with the United States and arch rival India is also tarnished. The Post has also reported on government support of guerrilla groups in Indian-ruled Kashmir, a hotly contested region of the world that has spilled both Indian and Pakistani blood. Pakistan has also aligned with Afghanistan, where radical Islamic leaders are further disabling the country. The International Monetary Fund seems likely to agree to a one-year, $580 million debt relief package, but Pakistan still faces a daunting foreign debt equal to half its gross national debt, according the Post. Besides the tarnished image, countries have shied away from doing business with Pakistan because the country is being run by the military. \nBack in Pakistan, citizens told the Post they are disappointed with Musharraf for acting like a general and using military force when needed. It's very curious they would feel that way considering how he came to power.\nFor their part, Musharraf's aides defended him in the Post, saying Pakistan's problems are deep, and called for patience on part of Pakistanis and the world. They also say Musharraf is working to establish trust in the government, which has seen its fair share of corrupt leaders. \nHis aides may have a point. Pakistan's problems are entrenched and deeply embedded in the country. Just as it took time to develop problems, they will take time to uproot. Their problems can be resolved, but a military general is the not the one to do it. He took power by force and from time to time, has ruled with a fist. He also steps back from other Islamic leaders on foreign and religious policies. \nAlthough he promises democratic elections, he's hardly qualified to uphold democracy. He's been trained to think and act like a general. He has invested in additional troops in Kashmir on a crusade to "liberate" the region, which is part of the explanation for the nation's dwindling resources. He spends precious resources there when he should be investing in the economy. \nHe isn't the first person to try and take over forcibly. Now, Pakistan is in trouble. Anyone could have seen it coming a year ago. A military leader promising democracy, prosperity and a change from military rule? Come on.