Pakistan ought to be the model of democracy in the Islamic world, being secular and more modern than its neighbors, but a political crisis is rapidly developing there. Now Osama bin Laden, likely hiding in Pakistan's rugged, semi-autonomous, northern mountains, has called for a holy war against President Musharraf.
Musharraf has ruled since a military coup in 1999. He subsequently won elections, albeit disputed ones, but his continued power now rests largely on bending and breaking the country's Constitution. The primary issue is that he is heading both the country and the military. He is considered a critical ally in the war on terror despite running the country likely sheltering bin Laden, so he enjoys U.S. support. He is running for yet another term, with the election weeks away.

Northern militants affiliated with al Qaeda and the Taliban have been killing and taking hostage Pakistani troops this year. Meanwhile, two exiled Presidents, Bhutto and Sharif, have been negotiating to return to the country to lead their parties. Sharif flew into Islamabad Sept. 10 only to be charged with crimes and deported to Saudi Arabia. The Supreme Court has been battling with Musharraf, at times triggering major protests and strikes. A military attack on a mosque in Islamabad in July left over 100 dead, and this attack is what bin Laden wants avenged.

While we fiddle in Baghdad because no one can think of anything better to do, the smoldering Iraqi civil war could easily morph into a wider regional conflict. Afghanistan is not much more stable than Iraq, merely more weary and patient. If Pakistan decays into further violence, Iran will be surrounded on all sides by war.

Bush is Whistling and Wishing the powder keg he sat us atop does not bloW while he wraps up his tenure as the Worst president ever, and Democrats have likewise set their sights on Jan 2009 as the next important date on the calendar. There have been times in our history when great leaders were needed as much as they are now. Never have we been so void of statesmen. There is no shortage of spokesmen.

Thank you, corporate America, for turning our elections into fundraising contests among mealy millionaire mouths. Pay your Roves well, and your Hillarys and Tony Snows; you can always cheat soldiers and customers and citizens.