Here’s an interesting perspective on the Pakistani election issue in light of Bhutto’s assasination:

In the wake of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, many will want the United States to rush back into the arms of the one known quantity in Pakistan: reliable strongman Pervez Musharraf. It’s an understandable temptation—but a dangerous one. As the dust settles, America must be careful to keep its distance from the general, and stand for democracy.

With the country crumbling before our eyes, calling for Pakistani democracy may sound like a roll of the dice. Islamist radicals are gaining a foothold in the cities. Multiple insurgencies rage in the frontier areas. And with Bhutto’s murder, terrorists have proven they can easily strike in Rawalpindi, the Army’s home base. Moreover, the most prominent remaining opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, has a penchant for anti-American diatribes and was hapless as prime minister before Musharraf ousted him in a 1999 coup. Wouldn’t it be safer just to let Pakistan’s strongman keep the lid on? After all, we’re talking about an Islamic state armed with nuclear weapons.

In fact, Musharraf’s autocratic rule is a major part of the problem. [More…]