more on Musharaf and dictators

Submitted by festine (United States), Sep 20, 2005 at 15:56

There is such a thing as a benevolent dictator, meaning one who governs autocratically but fairly, and whose country and institutions prosper under his rule. Remember the "five good emporers" of ancient Rome?

However history demonstrates that more often than not, dictators are egotistical, meglomaniacal despots--, in addition to corrupt thieves.

It is too early too tell how President Musharraf's regime will be judged by history.

Obviously, his comments at the AJC are encouraging. But what is he actually doing about all those madrassas in Pakistan that are spawning hate and ignorance? And having been in power for several years with outward policies favorable to the US, why is he still is subject to assassination attempts? Why is he unable to get control of the lawless border region? These are tough and valid questions.

Benevolent dictator or just another corrupt strongman in Muslim country? I don't really know for sure. But as always, actions speak louder than words, and his actions seem to be those of an individual with a real understanding that the Islamic world must moderate its approach to non muslims if it is to survive through the next millenium.

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