Sir, Your assertion that local-level democracy in Pakistan might provide cover for more insidious schemes at the highest levels of that country’s military is well founded (“Pakistan fears more of the same,” February 28).

General Pervez Musharraf, in his short time as chief executive, has developed a record of saying one thing and doing another. Though a return, or rather the advent, of democratic governance in Pakistan should be our ultimate goal, of primary concern to western policy-makers should remain the outwardly aggressive rhetoric and actions of an unchecked military government. It should remain up to the people of Pakistan to demand democracy in their country, and up to the world to ensure Pakistan’s respect of international norms of conduct.

Arthur H. Davis,
Former US Ambassador to Panama
2120 L Street NW
Washington DC
USA

- nriol.com report