Pakistan and India escalation

About two hours ago posts to twitter announced to the world that Pakistan had cancelled military leaves and was beginning to move troops away from the Afghan border and toward the Indian border.

Obviously this is a continuation of the story which began over Thanksgiving when terrorists attacked Mumbai and killed and blew up many before being killed by Indian authorities. In the ensuing weeks it was released by India that the terrorists had direct connections to terror groups which are based and train in Pakistan.

My thoughts - first, Pakistan is playing a bit of a game with the world. They say they are fighting terrorism in the mountains next to Afghanistan but the truth is they don't want to break up the tribal regions for fear of a civil war. They say they aren't funding terror operations to attack India, but similar to the Afghan terror world prior to 9-11 they are allowing it to continue.

For the first time in years the nation of Pakistan has a democratically elected President, our chosen one during the initial thrust of War on Terror, was not elected. How therefore do we balance our desire to support freedom and democracy, with our desire to destroy Terror and those who support it?

Mumbai and the WAR on TERROR

I'll be the first to admit, as I have when discussing Kosovo or DR Congo here on this site, that I really don't get the whole Paki-Indian historical conflict. But that sure doesn't mean it's not real.

As the terror crisis in Mumbai unfolded over the last 48 hours there were quick comments to attempt to tie Pakistan to these attacks. So far, I think this is totally unfounded. There's surely a possibility that Al Queda or other groups inside Pakistan could have taken part ... with other rumors suggesting Russia, China, Iran, or Somali terrorists. Time for a deep breath, and let the intelligence professionals sort things out.

• First, the situation is not even over yet. Go to live search on twitter for minute by minute updates, some from people standing outside one of the hotels.
• Second, we know from our own experience that terror is not necessarily a country and can be entirely borderless. It's time to return to George W. Bush's philosphy, if you work with us great, if you work against us then we will assume you are harboring terrorists and will take steps to pre-emptively protect the free world.
  
• Third, we know that Israel has the capability to knock out Iran's nuclear capability, this may be the right time to make that happen and get rid of one massive potential problem.

I know that some of you will disagree, great, give me your best shot.

Pakistan - President resigns amidst democracy

"ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Nuclear-armed Pakistan's beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on Monday in the face of an impending impeachment motion by the ruling coalition government ..."

I know that security and nuclear officials are worried about these events this morning, but frankly this is a functioning democracy taking back over from a dictatorship in the form of military junta. We should support this democracy just as firmly as Georgia or Kosovo.

Pakistan's Musharraf resigns

India worries about renewed tensions with Musharraf gone

Pakistani President addressed his nation on TV

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE RESIGNATION OF PAKISTANI PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF

For Immediate Release	Contact: Press Office
Monday, August 18, 2008	703-650-5550

ARLINGTON, VA – Today, U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement on the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf:

“The resignation of President Pervez Musharraf is a step toward moving Pakistan onto a more stable political footing. Pakistan is a critical theater in countering the threat of al Qaeda and violent Islamic extremism, and I look forward to the government increasing its future cooperation.

“There are serious problems that must be addressed. The situation in Pakistan’s frontier regions requires immediate and continued attention, and I hope that the elections for President Musharraf’s successor will serve to reconcile the Pakistani people behind a leader who can solidify their government internally. It is critical that the United States continue to work in partnership with the Pakistani people and their democratically elected government to tackle the many challenges we both face

Sheridan Folger