November 11, 2007

Pakistan A Flash Point For Mid-East War

The tumultuous Mid-east has grown even more dangerous with street fighting in Pakistan.

As we approach the Saturday deadline for this website’s Sunday Morning Report, there is fighting in the streets.

Conflict there began when former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned triumphantly from exile October 19 after eight years of self-imposed exile. She had fled after being charged with fraud by President-General Pervez Musharraf.

As Bhutto and her entourage drove slowly through Islamabad, the capital city, four suicide bombers hurled bombs at the motorcade. She was not hurt, but 136 welcoming citizens were killed and 250 wounded.

Interior Minister Mohtaram said the attack bore the hallmarks of militants allied with Pro-Taliban warlord Mehsud and al-Qaeda.

Since then, Bhutto has been under house arrest from time to time – behind barriers of razor wire – “for her own protection.” When she is allowed to attend a political rally, huge crowds assemble to cheer her.

When, and if, a fair election is held, she will win big time. Then, the question will be Musharraf’s willingness to yield to defeat. Saddam wouldn’t accept popular will, and the Mid-east is still aflame.

Another Flash Point

Certainly, Osama bin Laden – mastermind of the New York City Twin Towers and Pentagon debacle of 9/11/01 -- is holed up in Pakistan’s northern mountains.

Pakistan military squadrons have made desultory forays into the Taliban redoubt. However, they have been as thwarted as American forces have been in Afghanistan to roust Islamic terrorists.

It is believed U.S. Secretary of State Rice, urged by President Bush, persuaded Musharraf to again share power with Bhutto and call a general election.

Musharraf set November 15, but now – after prolonged pro-Bhutto demonstrations – he has pushed election to February 15 – maybe, perhaps, possibly, God willing and the creeks don’t rise.

Partisans of Mrs. Bhutto, particularly lawyers, judges and students, demonstrate in droves for her re-election as the primary head of state.

Their mantra to Musharraf is: “take off the (army) uniform!”

He points out that in the United States, President Bush is Commander In Chief of the military forces.

However, the Pakistan strongman overlooks the United States Constitution (Article 1, Section 8): “Congress shall have power … to declare war.”

Not the top, military general or a self-proclaimed dictator.

Global Danger

The situation in Pakistan is fraught with great danger inasmuch as Musharraf has an estimated 50 nuclear weapons with which to overwhelm any foe – real or imagined.

India is said to have 80 “weapons of mass destruction” (WMD.)

There is ample reason to be concerned about the possibility of a nuke exchange between the two nations that could trigger a massive Mid-east confrontation.

Pakistan and India are observing a truce in their ongoing wars over control of bountiful Kashmir territory.

World Factbook points out that the separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan – and largely Hindu India -- has never been satisfactorily resolved.

In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998.

The world already is skittish over nukes floating around in the Mid-east.

Iran and Syria claim to have them and are building nuclear weapon fuel with Russian assistance. It is not helpful for a major, nuke nation like Russia to facilitate bullying by second and third-rate dictators.

“Mother Of All Wars”

Saddam Hussein – the mad dog of Iraq – promised the “Mother Of All Wars” against Israel and all others that might support the Jewish state. He is gone, but the animosity against Israel and its allies still festers in the Mid-east.

Islamists continually threaten to “destroy Israel.” The latter is estimated to have 100 or more nukes and has demonstrated a readiness to protect itself with explosive weapons.

One, radical, Islamic nuke against Israel, India or an Iraq democracy – and the Third World War could be unleashed.

Continuous, random terrorist attacks in Europe, Mid-east and the United States could trigger retaliation on a decisive scale.

Let’s all take a deep breath, and stay calm.

PARTING SHOTS

Congressional Democrats are trying to impeach Vice-president Dick Cheney. In emergencies, the Veep holes up in a “safe and secure location” known only to himself, President Bush and the Secret Service detail (no kidding.) Has anyone seen Cheney recently?

China has ruled that athletes will not be allowed to bring Bibles to next year’s Olympics in Beijing. Praying at the start-lines will be OK.

Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist.