Pakistan's Musharraf Suspends Media Crackdown

[WhiteTara]

Source: NPR

All Things Considered, June 7, 2007 · Pakistan's military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, has made his first significant concession to his opponents since the start of the political crisis now threatening his rule. Government officials say an emergency ordinance tightening control over Pakistan's electronic media, issued earlier this week by Musharraf, has been suspended pending a review.

The announcement came on another day of demonstrations in Pakistan, weeks after Musharraf tried to suspend the nation's chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry. The latest protests took place Wednesday in Lahore, where activists were arrested in advance of the demonstration.

Musharraf has been widely credited with allowing the growth of a free and independent media in Pakistan. But the emergency ordinance is a step in the opposite direction. It allows government regulators, without review, to close down broadcasting organizations who they decide have broken the laws.

The move has backfired. Musharraf's opponents were unanimous Thursday in the view that cracking down on the media — a move they see as a brazen attempt to stop them covering opposition rallies and criticizing Pakistan's military rule — only serves to strengthen them.

Read more: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10819120

[cliss]

1. I'm not sure if this

will make a difference. Even if Musharraf loosens some control, the angry populace is going to demand more. And ~ Musharraf will be obliged to concede some more. Next, the angry hordes will demand his ouster - something he won't do.

Then - there will be a Clash of the Titans, and we're off to the races again.

I've read that Pervez Musharraf is a virtual prisoner in his government; he is so hated because he's seen as a Bush-Lover. It sounds like he has a 0 % approval rating. Time to go Buddy. And when you do, it's going to be MayHem. DU:ers, do NOT get into a car with this man.

[IndianaGreen]

2. Poor Musharraf!

He is following Romanian dictator Ceaucescu's path to oblivion. Ciao!

[bemildred]

3. Yep, it's probably going to "embolden" them. nt