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Report: Musharraf poses risk for Bush

November 18, 2007
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Some foreign policy strategists say long-standing White House loyalty to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is now a liability.

U.S. President George W. Bush forged close ties with Musharraf when he pledged to stand with Bush against the Taliban and al-Qaida after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

That bond is being tested by Musharraf's assumption this month of emergency powers and crackdown on opponents, the Post reported. Bush, however, has made clear he is standing by Musharraf despite doubts from outside the administration about whether Musharraf is committed to democracy, the Post reported.

The Bush administration's show of solidarity has included nearly $100 million in the last six years to help Musharraf secure Pakistan's nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Wendy J. Chamberlin, who served as ambassador to Pakistan during the months after Sept. 11, 2001, told the Post the White House no longer is justified in standing by Musharraf.

"We have to make clear that our relationship is with the people of Pakistan and not with one man, and that he is not indispensable," said Chamberlin, president of the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based policy group.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International

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