There has been much talk in the mainstream US media over the past few days about the dilemmas that face the Bush administration in the wake of Musharraf’s “extra-constitutional” emergency. The dilemma has been characterized as the tough choice between supporting a key ally in the war on terror, and undermining Musharraf only to let the country (and its nuclear arsenal) slip into the hands of Islamists. In fact, there is actually a great deal of congruence between these two supposed opposites.

This supposed dilemma actually confuses the interests of pro-democracy activists and the Islamic extremists. In fact, Islamists in Pakistan have never really questioned Musharaf’s democratic credentials. It is the Pakistani government’s military and tactical support of the US war on terrorism that they have focused on. This support is seen as unholy allegiance to the “great Satan” by an Islamic country. If this had been done by a democratically elected Bhutto, or a military coup leader like Musharraf, the rage would remain the same. Further, the support base for such extremism in the wider Pakistani population remains slim. For now.

However, this scenario could change quickly. The unrest caused by Musharraf’s anti-democratic moves creates the sort of environment where anti-government sentiments can be whipped up. There may well be a growing support base for the Islamic extremists’ agenda in the wake of the emergency. This is the nightmare scenario for the US: an extremist Islamic faction that has widespread electoral support due to Musharraf’s anti-democratic policies.

Thus, the course of action is clear: the US must stop paying lip service to democratic values and yank the financial crutches that keep Musharraf’s policies alive from under him. Mild reprimands will not suffice. It is not Musharraf that keeps US interests intact, but a leader who has Pakistan’s interests at heart; interests which are inherently opposed to those of the Islamic extremists. Only a democratic system can ensure that such a leader is brought to power. The US could do no worse than to endorse Musharraf’s rule. This would catalyze a swell of support for extremists and usher in an era of oppression for the Pakistani people and instability in the world at large.