Feb 13, 2012
Barton on Pakistan | NPR’s All Things Considered
Amidst the controversial Musharraf/Pakistan crises, PCR Co-Director Rick Barton provides an inside analysis of U.S. relations with the troubled state and how to move forward. Click here to listen to the NPR report. To learn more about U.S. relations with Pakistan, a country with a population around 160 million and recipient of over $10 billion in U.S. aid, please click here to read our latest report: A Perilous Course.
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I saw Rick Barton on TV last
I saw Rick Barton on TV last night in short clips, but I really appreciate how NPR gave him time to explain his entire analysis, which was great.
I was impressed by the quality and progressiveness of social commentary that I saw on the independent TV stations after the attack in Karachi. The people, with their hunger for development, can be helpful in moving Pakistan forward and opposing politicized teachings of madrasas. I also know Pakistan is chaotic. Its a reality over there that sometimes a person needs a strong hand before making things fair. (Because sometimes a weaker person can be trampled over when there is no law and order). Musharraf was a benign dictator for awhile but now he has a test to do what is fair and leave a legacy: Its time to loosen the grip, share power, and allow the Supreme Court to act independently - even if means stepping aside. If he doesn't allow any milder outlets for discourse or opposition, then the alternatives are stronger forms of opposition.
Ambassador Schaffer described the situation in detail here http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/071106_schaffer_pakistan.pdf