President Musharraf to US: ‘Don’t Dare Invade My Country’

Ed Morrissey in his blog takes note of the US officials’ current rhetoric about covert intelligence and military operations in the tribal areas of Pakistan, and the strong reaction this evoked from President Pervez Musharraf who said that he would consider such a step by US troops as “invasion of his country.”

Well said, General (oops Mr) Musharraf!

Mr Musharraf by now should know the dangers of riding a wild tiger. However, in this verbal duel between Washington and Islamabad the first round definitely goes to the latter. Let’s see who ultimately wins…for the US troops were not exactly invited by the leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan, or given a red carpet welcome either.

But then the world seems totally reconciled to the non-stop adventurism of the current US administration; and the leaders of other powerful nations appear almost helpless/impotent in the face of this challenge.

An agency report states: “President Pervez Musharraf warned that U.S. troops would be regarded as invaders if they crossed into Pakistan’s border region with Afghanistan in the hunt for al-Qaeda or Taliban militants, according to an interview published Friday.

“The New York Times reported last week that Washington was considering expanding the authority of the Central Intelligence Agency and the military to peruse aggressive covert operations within the tribal regions.

” ‘If they come without our permission, that’s against the sovereignty of Pakistan. I challenge anybody coming into our mountains,’ he (Musharraf) said in the interview in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. ‘They would regret that day.’

Even Mr Musharraf’s detractors would grudgingly admire his guts. The President of Pakistan knows that he is riding a wild tiger whose abode is…(The White House…or did I hear you say the tribal areas???). In the history of Pakistan there have been strong leaders (both military and civilians). However, there is no instance of a leader who could survive much longer after dismounting the tiger!

The US threat is a matter of serious concern not only for Pakistan but for the entire international community. President Musharraf should realise now that it is better to make amends with one’s own rivals/enemies within the country than regret friendship with someone far away in a different country who sooner than later could turn into a bully…or worse.