Musharraf Imposes Emergency Measures

Its not surprising Musharraf did this. Because he could. He had the power and people with power eventually use it.

The power of the US idiot is different, but no less effective. The FCC can shut down any media outlets Bush orders shut down. The phone companies can cut off all phones if ordered to by Bush. Signing statements negate Congress and Bush can just ignore the SCOTUS and has. The AG is in Bush's pocket and there's always the "enemy combatant" card, with renditions and disappearances. He also can declare marshal law at the drop of a hat.

As for controlling oil supplies and other energy sources...he doesn't have to. He's in their hip pockets.

He has the whole fucking package at his fingertips.

The only question is how many of these powers will Bush use in the next 13 months.

I've been kind to Hugo Chávez in Venezuela only because he hasn't as yet abused his power. But even Chávez has too much authority in my opinion and within time he'll abuse it.

Gen. Pervez Musharraf suspended Pakistan's constitution and deployed troops in the capital Saturday, declaring that rising Islamic extremism had forced him to take emergency measures. He also replaced the nation's chief justice and blacked out the independent media that refused to support him.

Authorities began rounding up opposition politicians, cut phone lines in the capital and took all but the state television station off air despite calls from Washington and other Western allies not to take authoritarian measures.

The U.S. called for Musharraf to restore democracy. However, the Pentagon said the emergency declaration does not affect U.S. military support for Pakistan and its efforts in the war on terrorism. Britain said it was deeply concerned. [emphasis mine]

It is nice to know the Pentagon won't let this little dust up affect US military support. Gotta keep them munitions flowing.

You may get from that last paragraph I still don't buy into the ol' war on terrorism meme.

Via AP.

Taliban 'to bomb Bhutto when she returns'

Well, now Musharraf has his cover. If something happens to Bhutto, he can claim the Taliban did it.

Pakistani Taliban militants vowed to launch suicide bombers against Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister, when she returns home after eight years of self-imposed exile.

Via Telegraph.

Musharraf set for five more years despite questions over election

Dog flea
Lie down with dogs...

Eight years after he seized power in a military coup and six years after making a deal with the US that enabled him to hold on to that power, General Pervez Musharraf is today poised to secure another five years as Pakistan's leader.

Via The Independent.

Musharraf rules out return of exiled leafers

OR...



This just goes without saying. Who would have to pick up all those leaves, or is it leaflets. The headline doesn't make that clear. Either way "leafers" are a scourge and should be denied entry.

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf said he would not allow former premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif - his two main political rivals - to return to Pakistan to take part in forthcoming elections.

(read more)