Its usually humming press shop hasn’t issued a release since Sept. 13, although Pakistan has captured much of the world’s attention of late as the General shuts down news outlets, tosses lawyers and students into jail and boxes up former leader Benazir Bhutto.
Interpublic’s Cassidy & Associates is advising Pakistan’s Embassy [link, sub req'd] in the ways of public diplomacy. C&A has a hefty $1.2M contract with Pakistan to promote its role in enhancing security and stability in a “region of broad strategic importance.” Update: Cassidy has dropped the account, according to a recent filing. [link, sub req'd]
Another C&A priority is to attain a “more accurate and balanced message” regarding the effort of Musharraf’s to deal with “important changes taking place in Pakistan in the political, economic and social spheres.” That doesn’t seem to be going so well.
America’s dear friend, Pervez, has done everything short of burning an American flag or shredding the U.S. Constitution to ridicule Washington.
Mocking President Bush’s “march of democracy,” Musharraf has declared martial law under the guise of fighting terrorism. Funny, all those black-suited lawyers didn’t exactly have the look of terrorists.
Poking the U.S. in the eye, Musharraf has the gall to liken his emergency measures to Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War. Lincoln’s actions preserved the union, while Musharraf’s moves aim to keep him in power.
Adding insult to injury, Musharraf told the New York Times he needs more financial help from the U.S. to fight terrorism. He noted Pakistan’s army only has one serviceable Cobra helicopter in its 20-member fleet. “We need more support,” he said.
Texas Congressman Ron Paul is the only Presidential candidate to say the U.S. should cut off Musharraf’s $10B allowance. He understands the U.S. may suffer the consequences of alienating Pakistan, a nuclear armed Muslim state. Paul, however, believes the U.S. serves a higher purpose by doing the right thing.
The Congressman’s “straight talk” is why he has developed such as fervent following on the 'Net and among younger voters. He says stuff that people wish more serious candidates would say. C’mon Rudy, Obama and Mitt.