Yudhvir Ranchod is a recent graduate from South Africa with a MA in International Relations. He has been working on the Why Democracy? project since August 2007 and is developing an outreach programme for schools and universities across the developing world. With a keen interest in technology, film and politics, he is optimistic his blog entries will appear informative.
The recent events in Pakistan have received global attention. Understanding the complexities of these events required an informed opinion. We therefore contacted Dinner With The President director Sabiha Sumar, whose film shares a close connection with the situation in Pakistan.
These questions will form part of broader initiative to revisit the filmmakers from the Why Democracy? series. Having made films in locations around the world, their insight is a refreshing glance into the way democracy operates in different countries, cultures and continents.
What are the first two questions you would ask Musharraf today, if you had another chance to meet with him?
(i) Why did you abandon your uniform?
(ii) Why did you let George W Bush compel you to grant amnesty to Benazir
Bhutto and her husband Asif Zardari?
Did Musharraf make mistakes, or was this result inevitable?
His main mistakes are: trusting his military advisors; not having civilian
advisors (retired military officers don’t count), failing to build his own media
team. His resignation was not inevitable.
Are any parts of Pakistan made more stable by his resignation?
The whole country is more unstable; some areas are worse.
What impact has Musharraf’s resignation had on Pakistan's relationship with the US?
His resignation has turned Pakistan into America’s vassal and placed the country in the iron grip of US Late Neo-colonialism
Who offers the best chance for stability?
Musharraf, if he returns to lead a political party
How does China's rise to prominence affect politics in Pakistan?
China’s rise helped Pakistan under Musharraf’s watch. Musharraf’s refusal to isolate China is one important reason the Bush Administration became hostile to him.
How has the military's political power been affected?
The military’s political power is unaffected.
What are the best-case and worst-case prospects for democracy in Pakistan?
Best case scenario for democracy depends on putting out to grass the feudal/tribal ruling elite.
Worst case scenario is where the ballot box legitimises and entrenches the rule by the feudal/tribal elite, as it is happening now.
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