Aren’t all dictators the same? What we’re dealing with is a double-headed serpent. The sooner he is deposed/goes the better it is for India. He cares for none but himself. Incidentally, there’s a very well-researched article called “The Lawless Frontier” (sorry don’t have the url) that talks about how Pakistan is headed towards a fast collapse. Forces have been unleashed in Pakistan over which Musharaff or any head of the government has no control. The situation is scary.

The only person who has analyzed Musharraf well and understood him for what he is, is Al-Qaeda In his latest tape, Ayman al-Zawahri said

“We ask our Muslim brethren in Pakistan: until when will you put up with the traitor Musharraf, who sold the Muslims? blood in Afghanistan and handed over the Arab mujahideen to crusader America?” the speaker purported to be Zawahri said.

“Had it not been for his treason, the surrogate government would not have been installed in Kabul, that government which brought the Indians to Pakistan?s western borders.

“Not only this. He opened up nuclear installations to US inspection, choked off the jihad in Kashmir … and is (planning) to recognize Israel – all for a handful of dollars the Americans stack in his pocket …

“The officers and soldiers of the Pakistani army should realize that Musharraf will hand them over as prisoners to the Indians … and flee abroad to enjoy his secret (bank) accounts.”

Contrast this to the way the Lover of Peace–Arafat is routinely treated by Israel. International/diplomatic delicacies apart, I think it was a mistake on Ariel Sharon’s part to let him go when he was captured last year (?).