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Pakistanis Resent U.S. But Pin Their Hopes For Change On It

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By EMILY WAX and IMTIAZ ALI, The Washington Post

Published: November 16, 2007

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Inside call centers and in high school social studies classes, at vegetable markets and in book bazaars, Pakistanis from different walks of life here say that ever since President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule two weeks ago, he's been the most unpopular figure in the country. Running a close second, many say, is his ally, President Bush.

"We used to love America. Give me Tom Cruise and a vacation in Florida any day," said Parveen Aslam, 30, who like many Pakistanis has relatives in the United States. "But why isn't the U.S. standing up for Pakistan when we need it most? Is America even listening to us? We are calling them Busharraf now. They are the same man."

While many Pakistanis lament that the Bush administration is involved in their country's politics, they also see the United States as the only force strong enough to do what they say is necessary to temper the crisis: pressure the military-led government to restore the constitution, release thousands of political prisoners and lift restrictions on the news media.

The White House has taken note as Pakistanis' ire has risen. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is due in Islamabad today, carrying what diplomats say will be a tough message for Musharraf, who has been a U.S. ally on counterterrorism. Negroponte is also expected to visit with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was released from two days of house arrest in Lahore on Thursday.

"Let's just say the visit is better late than never," said Talat Masood, a retired general in Pakistan. "The U.S. is saying what they should have said a long time ago."

Bhutto said she wants Bush to facilitate an "exit strategy" for Musharraf. "I don't believe it's in the United States of America's interests to have Pakistan implode. I give my fair, honest advice that the longer that General Musharraf stays, the more dangerous Pakistan will grow."

Musharraf, meanwhile, went on Pakistani television to defend emergency rule as the best way to battle terrorism.

"Things would be much worse in Pakistan if we didn't have emergency rule," he said. "I'm not a selfish or greedy man. I am doing this for Pakistan."

Musharraf's government announced that Mohammedmian Soomro, a Musharraf loyalist, would be sworn in as the country's caretaker prime minister today.

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