U.S. Noncommittal on Pakistani Leader's Decision to Remain As Army Chief

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB4BBX6Z2E.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - After urging Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to step down as his army's chief of staff, the State Department took no position Monday about his decision to continue his military role.

Spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States will continue to promote democracy in Pakistan. He offered no objection to Musharraf's announcement that he would renege on a year-old promise to end his military career while staying on as president.

The Bush administration had welcomed the December 2003 pledge as a step that would project a shift toward civilian supremacy in Pakistan. The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half its 57-year existence.

Musharraf announced his intentions to remain chief of staff in a television interview Friday. He is a vital U.S. ally in the war on terror.

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[Tempest]

1. Mushy played Bush for a fool

Mushy announces he will stay on as military leader just weeks after Bush agrees to sell Pakistan billions in weapons.

[NNN0LHI]

2. No. Bush supports this thugs position as Pakistans military dictator

Just like Bush 1 supported Saddam's position as military dictator of Iraq until he was of no more use to him. I seen it with my own two eyes.

Don

[rooboy]

3. No he didn't... it's the way the game is played.

The US usually gives the largest amounts of military aid to dictators. Democracies make the State Dept and Pentagon uneasy.