It is democracy that can help contain fanaticism and terror in the future. It is right for America, as it battles international terrorism, to sow the seeds of stability. Democracy and debt reduction are two pillars on which the edifice of a political structure promising peace and stability can be raised. It is also right to rescind the discriminatory Pressler sanctions, which soured relations between our countries for a generation. It is also important for America and the rest of the world to keep their commitment to democratic values by continuing to press for party-based elections in Pakistan next year open to all candidates and all parties.
Democracies oppose terrorism.
Democracies do not start wars. Democracy is the best safeguard against the Talibanization of Pakistan, a nuclear power. We must ensure that the military and security apparatus of Pakistan that fought in the Afghan jihad in the 1980s come under civilian control. The militarization of Pakistan must end. Save Pakistani democracy from dictatorship in the name of anti-terrorism.