Dodd: Bush outsourced Winning afghan war to Musharraff and Pakistani forces

Statement of Senator Chris Dodd on Political Crisis in Pakistan
Dodd: “American leadership is desperately needed at this critical moment and for the foreseeable future”

November 5, 2007

“The Bush administration has been myopically focused on promoting the trappings of democracy around the globe. Unfortunately, that myopia has been at the expense of our nation’s national security. This is evidenced so clearly in the unfolding political crisis in Pakistan.


“The Bush administration never should have outsourced winning the Afghan war of necessity against al Qaeda and the Taliban regime to General Musharraff and the Pakistani armed forces – they were incapable of winning that war without bringing Pakistan’s political institutions to the breaking point. As a result, we now have another crisis on America’s plate.

“First and foremost we must not allow Pakistan to devolve into total chaos. That is not in America’s national security interest and it is not in the interest of Pakistan’s future. Restoring stability as quickly as possible is essential. To do so we must maintain relations with the Government and people of Pakistan including the Pakistani Armed Forces as we support internal efforts to broker a political compromise to the internal conflict. The Pakistan Armed Forces has a unique obligation to the Pakistani people to act responsibly to stabilize the country, respecting the rule of law, and getting the country back on a viable political direction.


“I am firmly opposed to cutting off assistance to the Government and people of Pakistan at this time – in fact I would argue that additional assistance might even be necessary in the coming days. Elections are important, but elections alone will not return Pakistan to the democracy path without a grand bargain among all of Pakistan’s power centers. We also need a sustained commitment to the real pillars of democracy – the rule of law, freedom of the media, and freedom of assembly. That commitment has been sorely lacking in our current policy.

“American leadership is desperately needed at this critical moment and for the foreseeable future.”

http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/4122

Bush.

Kerry made this an issue many times since it first happened in late 2001, and the corporate media, and many in his own party would not stand with him to hammer the point home.

Too many powerful Democratic voices stayed silent and were INVISIBLE, refusing to show up and give any public back up to Kerry as he attacked Bush relentlessly on ToraBora for over two years.

Hopefully, Dodd will break through the media wall that exists on this issue.

I think he is smart and America needs him as President during these times. He has the experience. I just wish other Democrats would slow down and take a serious look at Hilary and not just jump the band-wagan of her being the candidate for our party. I don't think she has the right experience needed for times like these.