Extremism in Pakistan flourishes under Musharraf's containment policy
Today begins a three-part series by yours truly on "The Real Future of al-Qaida." It aims to cut through the rhetoric and give a straightforward look at where they are, where they're flourishing, and what's next. First we go to Pakistan, also known as A Really Big Mess:
"Pervez Musharraf is like that classic Pearl Jam song: We lie and say we're in love with him, because we can't find a better man.
We know the Pakistani leader advocates a liberalized state, but has generally walked on eggshells around the Islamist element. We don't like guys who stage coups to seize power, but the alternatives to the West-friendly leader aren't pretty.
And we want Musharraf to crack the whip on al-Qaida, the Taliban and militants of all allegiances who have found such a cozy home in Pakistan, but we realize that he could be one slip-up away from igniting the Islamic Revolution Part Deux.
Al-Qaida has been prevented from taking over all of Pakistan by Musharraf. And yet al-Qaida is as strong as ever because of the policies of Musharraf. He's lived by a policy of containment as opposed to one of elimination.
And it's coming back to bite him - and us. ..."
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