Democracy: Dispensable

Dictators who tolerate jihadism? Indispensable.

On Capitol Hill, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Musharraf is an "indispensable" ally in the U.S.-led war on terrorism and that "partnership with Pakistan and its people is the only option." [...]

While he acknowledges an ongoing review of U.S. aid to Pakistan in light of the crisis, Negroponte does not announce any changes to U.S. policy.

Musharraf "has been indispensable in the global war on terror, so indispensable that extremists and radicals have tried to assassinate him multiple times," Negroponte said. "The bottom line is, there's no question that we Americans have a stake in Pakistan."

They also tried to assassinate a leading reformer, too, and since the declaration of emergency the only Pakistanis jailed have been judges, lawyers and political dissidents.

Plus, Commander Guy wants elections "as soon as possible" because the only needs in a democratic society are elections. Haven't we all seen how well that's worked out in Iraq?