Barack Obama changes tune on Pakistan

Barack Obama calms rhetoric against Pakistan

Earlier today, Obama said:

”President Musharraf has a very difficult job, and it is important that we are a constructive ally with them in dealing with al-Qaida,” the Illinois senator said.

Obama declined to criticize Bush on Pakistan policies while expressing concern for Musharraf, who faces a growing militant backlash in his Muslim nation.

President Pervez Musharraf and our alliance with Pakistan

Last week, Obama threatened military action if President Pervez Musharraf refused to act to help more on the war on terror. This caused an uproar overseas and provided more ammunition for his critics to use against him.

“If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.”

Bush previously said he would not invade Pakistan –without an invitation from the government– in the search for Osama Bin Laden, because “Pakistan is a sovereign nation.” Bush also changed his tune, all bets are off.

NY Times Article on Barack Obama, Pakistan controversy

The good, the bad and the ugly

It’s good Barack Obama had the nerve to stand up against the War, he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s been trying too hard to show his ‘tough’ side. Clinton’s campaign has reminded Democrats of Barack Obama’s weaknesses and ‘naivety’ on foreign policy, as she put it. Republicans are also quick to jump on anti-War sentiment and this should serve as a lesson to everyone!

Bottom line: do your research and be ready to take over some of Bush’s policies! “Clean up” doesn’t mean undo everything Bush did. Some of the policy implementations will require acts of War, surveillance and then some.

Then again, I could be wrong. For all we know Barack Obama may be sitting on a time machine.

Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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