Same old?

Though there is much excitement abroad about the martial law in Pakistan, most common people in Pakistan seem un-phased, especially the generations that have seen all this before. Another martial law, another dictator, ho hum. But, it seems, something has changed. The protest against Musharraf comes not from the masses, but from the moderate elite, and from lawyers who are loath to let their constitution be shredded. Something else has changed. Pakistan is faced with a serious radical threat, and in a country where half the population is under 21 and undereducated and not gainfully employed, this makes for a massive recruiting ground for the jihadis. This is of course Musharraf's argument, and why the US is blatantly supporting a miliatary dictator. But we probably won't see a single, unified jihahdi movement sweeping the country because ethnicity has always trumped religion in Pakistan, and much of the jihadi movement is ethnic (Afghan and Pushtun).

What we need from the opposition (whether it's the lawyers, BB or Sharif) is a viable plan to quell the extremist threat. Not only is this critically needed, since the army has so far failed to deliver on this front, but it will give them more credibility and support on the international front and also weaken Musharraf's mandate.

Uncertain, troubling times. Indeed for Pakistan and maybe for the rest of the world. Many people, friends, who I greatly respect and admire have been put in jail or house arrest. Had I been in Pakistan, maybe I would have joined them. Humbling, overwhelming thoughts. Yes, I am troubled.