A question of credibility

We have reached a stage, where even the credibility of our leader is in doubt and our President, once a darling of the west, is having a hard time to convince world leaders that we are not a banana republic, a failing state or a dangerous country.
Addressing a foreign policy institute during his recent European tour, President Musharraf strongly refuted the insinuations that Pakistan is a failed state or that our nuclear arsenal was in danger and that "There is no possibility of the dismemberment of the country."
He tried to convey the same message during his various meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he faced very harsh and tough questions and had a difficult time to defend and explain the present deteriorating economic and political situation in Pakistan, especially in NWFP.
I am sure that all Pakistanis fully support and endorse President's statement. However, in our enthusiasm and display of patriotism, we cannot brush aside or ignore these perceptions, as these are serious and dangerous allegations and challenges our credibility and threatens our very existence.
We have to change this negative view about us, but this is only possible if President Musharraf ends the power struggle between the judiciary, the legal fraternity and the politicians. In an interview with BBC in Davos, the President even went to the extent of saying that he will quit if unpopular. "The day I can't make a positive contribution to the country, I will resign".
It is indeed a sad day, when during the referendum of 2002, both the President and Nisar Memon, who was Fed. Min. for information at that time and holds the same portfolio presently, had announced with pride: "I am proud to note that we have been able to raise our stature. We have saved the economy. We have preserved the national interest". "This is our achievement. Voter response was beyond our expectations, with more than 98 percent of voters favouring Musharraf and less than 2 percent against. The people have given their verdict and they wanted Musharraf to stay because he has brought economic stability, while cracking down on corruption."
Unfortunately, not many would agree with that assumption today, as all seems to have changed and now, according to political analysts, the former General has become part of the problem, if not the problem and the chorus of "Go Musharraf Go' are growing louder. The chorus has now been joined by the former General's comrades in arms, requesting the president to hang up his baton and march off the parade grounds.
Even the Americans and the west are expressing their apprehensions about the deteriorating situation in Pakistan. They too will have to change their mindset and find a way to work with the Pakistani people and invest in them and not just a handful of generals, otherwise the anti-Americanism in Pakistan will produce a new wave of militants and extremists.
However, if the President does decide to quit, will it solve our problems and resolve the complicated and multiple issues facing this country? And why this rush and urgency to demand his resignation now, when elections are just round the corner and after that, the elected government can decide the course of action that should be taken, assuming that they are free and fair.
Forgotten would be the beloved Awam and the election slogans of 'Pakistan First' and would be replaced by the old and familiar 'Self Above All' slogan. The lotas and chamchas will have a bumper crop, horse trading would be in full gallop and it would be business as usual.
The mud slinging and wild accusations will start in earnest, with same old faces, washing their dirty linen in public, while the print and electronic media will have a field day with 'breaking - headline news' and talk shows on TV channels, all confirming once again, that divided we stand. God save Pakistan from the selfish men and women of straw.