'Democracy, even if one finds it flawed, is better for Pak'

KINGMAKER, IS SHE? What awaits Pakistan in the days ahead depends a lot on how Benazir Bhutto takes the elections.

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Rezaul H Laskar: Thank you Gowda. Stuff like this is always apprecated. I come from a very orthodox Muslim family, my outlook was shaped by studying in a Roman Catholic school and my Christian and Hindu friends....

Preetham: Hi Rezaul, my question is 'If not Musharraf, who else is capable of taking Pakistan out of the current situation? I believe whoever comes after Musharraf will play in to the hands of the US. Please share your thoughts.

Rezaul H Laskar: The US will continue to try to influence things in Pakistan for a variety of reasons, irrespective of who is in power. As for 'if not Musharraf', well the choices are rather obvious and also rather limited. As I said earlier, this is one decision that has to be made by the Pakistanis. And it isn't going to be an easy decision.

Neha Sharma: Hi Rezaul, Musharraf imposed a ban on Pakistan media during the Emergency. Being a journalist yourself, what was your reaction to that? Did you feel like you and your community had been gagged?

Rezaul H Laskar: Neha, no journalist likes being gagged. It's almost like losing a part of your soul. Hats off to the Pakistani journalists for the way they have coped and dealt with the situation

Greek Fan: What is the perceived stand of the new Army Cheif on the radical elements, Taliban more specifically......?

Rezaul H Laskar: Gen Kiyani is believed to be moderate, pro-West, and a good military strategist.

Bhaskar: What happens to the elections if the biggest coalition boycotts them as they have threatened?

Rezaul H Laskar: The real party that counts right now is the PPP and its leader Benazir Bhutto. If she decides to participate, I don't see the others boycotting the polls

Mahesh: So far, Musharraf had to watch his back for people like Benazir and Nawaz, but now that he has shed Army uniform, do you think he'll have to watch out for the Army as well?

Rezaul H Laskar: Not in the immediate future. The top officers in the Army are all seen as confidants of Musharraf. But it is also a historical fact that the Army has always respected the wishes of the Pakistani people.

Thiagan: Hi Rezaul, this is Thiagan from Chennai. No Muslim majority country in the world has evolved as a stable, functioning and durable democracy in the last 200 years. My fear is Islam is inherently incompatible with democracy, dissent and compromises. Muslim societies perform better with a ruthless dictator like Sadaam, Kemal Attaturk etc. Is Islam responsible for the mess?

Rezaul H Laskar: Interesting question. I personally think it is the distorted version of Islam that contributes to the mess. Islam, per se, doesn't condone some of the things that are happening. In Islam, suicide is forbidden, therefore, there should not even be suicide bombers. Obviously, some people have subverted the religion to suit their ends. I personally don't think any person, irrespective of his/her religion, would prefer a dictator. Also I don't think it is not possible for Islam and democracy to co-exist —150 million Muslims are doing just that in India, almost the same number as the population of Pakistan.

MK Banerjee: What is your prediction? Who will win in the next general election?

Rezaul H Laskar: I don't see any party winning the next election, especially in the current circumstances. The parties will do well in certain provinces, but I don't think anyone will emerge a clear winner.

Rajeev: If after the elections, the political dispensation in power turns against Musharraf, does he face any risk of impeachment or being tried over Emergency and other issues?

Rezaul H Laskar: Well, interesting question... if the Opposition gets its act together, it could pose a serious threat to Musharraf in the next Parliament. But as things stand now, no party is expected to win an overwhelming majority.

Bharadwaj KV: India never came under US pressure for whatsoever reasons. Even the sanctions did not effect the economy. My question to you is, why not Pakistani economists try and get a moderate government that can concentrate on economic reforms?

Rezaul H Laskar: I think most Pakistanis, like most Indians, want better economic conditions. Everyone in Pakistan wants a better economic deal. But you have to keep in mind that Pakistan started economic reforms much later than India. And right now, economic issues are important but they have taken a back seat to the politics.

KJ Ravi: Hello there! This is Ravi from Delhi. Do you think that the civilian Musharraf will be able to emerge from the large shadow of General Musharraf?

Rezaul H Laskar: Very good question. Musharraf has already said he is everything that he is because of the Army. He is obviously looking to the Army to bolster his position. The civilian has taken his first tentative steps. But the shadow of the general continues to loom everywhere.

Kotrak: Hi Rezaul, in the light of whatever is happening in Pakistan, what do you think India should do or hope for? What does the near future hold with respect to Indo-Pak relationship?

Rezaul H Laskar: Well, one can only hope that the good work of the past few years are not rolled back. One can also only hope that whoever comes to power will continue along the path adopted by Musharraf to try and resolve tricky issues like Kashmir. The fear is someone with a hardline stand coming to power and queering the pitch.

MK Banerjee: Do you think that Partition was necessary at all? As you have said just now 150 millions are living in India with harmony, peace and tranquility. My next question is very important. Whether it would be possible in future to unite both India and Pakistan like East Germany and West Germany? People of both countries will be benefited in the end.