A few days back I was re-reading a piece I had written last year – Democracy: Dead on Arrival.
I had written it while I was still at LUMS and still had the streak of activism…So much water has passed under the bridge… The political scenario has changed extensively. On the personal front, my priorities have changed. Nothing is quite the same.
And the history has repeated itself umpteenth time.
After a heist of 9 years, Musharraf has resigned, marking an end of an era. Another dictator, allegedly a good-intentioned one has left us in the lurch after making an incredible mess.
Here are some of the commonly heard views:
Mush- fans
See what he did for the economy…. And look at the state right now! Plus, what wonders he has done for the Media. He’s God’s gift to Pakistan and should stay forever more.
The apologetics
Okay, so he may have done a few things wrong. But he’s still a lesser evil.
The politicaly inclined
A dicator, albeit one without a uniform is never good for the country. Whether its Nawaz camp or PPP, (besides the PML Q which has quietly distanced itself Musharraf) everyone is happy to see Musharraf go. It’s a victory for democracy!
The Pro-constitution, pro-judiciary
The pre-Nov 2nd judiciary must be restored and Mush leaving is a victory.
The Vindicitive
(May overlap with the politically inclined and the pro constitution)
He’s a traitor since he has violated the constitution and must be punished accordingly.
After what he did to Mian sahab, forcing him into exile, Mush must be taught a lesson. If we go easy on him this time, it would mean more dictators in the future.
The skeptic (also called doomsdayers, naysayers, pessimistic)
The dollar is 67. Inflation is double figures. Terrorist attacks are rampant in our towns. All the policies are made in Washinton. No one has a spine to standup. Or grey cells to comeup with their own policies.
The analyst
The question is, did Musharraf resign for the better interest of the country or in fear of impeachment.
The indifferent
The question is, who cares?!!
ByZENtine 
No doubt a victory for ‘democracy’mwhere quantity matter more than quality (proven today by the type of people celebrating on the streets), the question is where do we go from here. With Zardari and Nawaz now manning the horse, the dusty road to heaven seems much further away. Although miracles they say do happen.