In any system of governance, including a democracy, a basic principle is that with power comes responsibility.
BLOOMINGTON, IL, US: Although sex in politics and extramarital flings are not unheard of in the US, things have changed since the mid-80s. The process of reformation and strict adherence to a code of ethics is essential for any state or institution to survive and flourish. Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer was forced to resign in 2008, when it was discovered that he was a regular visitor to a prostitute working for an escort service. Gary Hart, a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in the 1988 US presidential election, had to pull out when it was revealed that he spent a night on a luxury yacht with a woman who was not his wife.
No holder of public office in the US has ever escaped accountability for financial irregularities, abuse of power and conflict of interest. One wonders when our elected ruling elite, including the civil and military bureaucracy, will submit themselves to accountability and assume the moral high ground expected of them, especially since our Constitution mandates that all laws are to be in conformity with Islamic laws and principles. Those holding public office are expected to adhere to a more conservative moral and ethical code during their tenure. In the US military, adultery is not allowed for the officer corps during their tenure of service and is punishable with termination of service, dishonourable discharge without any benefits and even prison. Generally speaking, however, extramarital affairs are considered a private matter by most ordinary Americans and evidence of infidelity can only be used for divorce proceedings; there is no criminal penalty involved.
In any system of governance, including a democracy, a basic principle is that with power comes responsibility. General David Petreaus, a four-star general who commanded the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired from active service and was appointed as head of the CIA. In this capacity, he was expected to behave in a responsible manner and have moral authority to enjoy respect of the officers and staff that worked under him. Although his extramarital affair is believed to have occurred after his retirement from the military, its exposure resulted in his resignation from the CIA. As head of the CIA, he had access to confidential intelligence information and if that landed in the wrong hands, it could have an impact on American interests.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, November 18th, 2012.
