U.S. policymakers need to keep tabs on the spiraling crisis over the freedom of the judiciary in Pakistan. It has been about 10 days since President (dictator) Pervez Musharraf decided to suspend the chief justice of the Supreme Court on charges of misconduct.

Since that move, Pakistani lawyers have demonstrated on the streets, fearing a move against the judiciary and have been involved in clashes with the security forces. These clashes have been covered in the media which has led to the security forces deciding to move against the media – a decision that came as a bit of a surprise to me.  Usually the media is given a lot of latitude to report what they wish. Maybe the move suggests that the regime is feeling under pressure from internal strains. With these recent developments coming on the heels of pressure from Pakistanis in exile, we are entering a rocky time for the Musharraf regime.

As I have mentioned earlier, I am troubled that we are not seeing more of a strategy from the Bush Administration for dealing with Pakistan. I also would like to see that country be a higher priority for the Presidential candidates.

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