Pakistan’s Floods Could Take Its President Down
The sheer suffering and human cost of Pakistan's devastating floods are mounting daily, and frustration with the nation's president, Asif Ali Zardari, is on the rise as well -- and Zardari's standing with the public was shaky enough before disaster struck.
The sheer suffering and human cost of Pakistan’s devastating floods are mounting daily, and frustration with the nation’s president, Asif Ali Zardari, is on the rise as well — and Zardari’s standing with the public was shaky enough before disaster struck. –KA
AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…Time:
It was in an attempt to stanch that anger that President Asif Ali Zardari paid a brief visit to Sindh, his native province, last week. Setting down via helicopter in Sukkur and under heavy guard, the leader glimpsed at the devastation, handed out checks to suffering children, stroking their heads to comfort them, and then returned to Islamabad. On Sunday, Zardari accompanied U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to southern Punjab, where Ban said, “This has been a heart-wrenching day for me … In the past, I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this.” Before the floods, Zardari’s popularity stood at just 20%. Now it must be at rock bottom. Over the coming weeks, if he wishes to recover his government’s standing, he will have to set Pakistan on a course in which it can begin to rebuild its economy, draw billions of dollars from the international community and help the millions affected by the waters return to their lives. Many doubt whether their President is up to the task.
In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.
Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.
For three generations, the Pakistani political dynasty has promised to improve living conditions, but residents of the Bhuttos' ancestral village still struggle in poverty.
Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the former president who was hounded out of the country after nine years atop a military government, has said he will return to Pakistan to participate in elections. (more)
In his latest, scathingly critical essay for Vanity Fair, Christopher Hitchens makes it eminently clear that he isn't buying any of the stories the US and Pakistani governments are selling about their increasingly complicated (and, in Hitchens' view, hypocritical) relationship (more).
The news of Osama bin Laden's death came at a time of strain between the U.S. and Pakistan. So how might this huge development affect future relations?
As he announced the death of Osama bin Laden on Sunday night, President Barack Obama gave a nod to nationalism, remarking that "today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people." Packaging aside, what apparently happened is that the elusive al-Qaida leader was killed by U.S. forces, who "took custody of his body," according to Obama.
As he announced the death of Osama bin Laden on Sunday night, President Barack Obama gave a nod to nationalism.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.