Pakistan

WikiLeaks: Israel wanted Musharraf to stay in power

Israeli spy chief expressed concern for Musharraf's well-being, ability to prevent Islamic regime takeover in 2007.

Express November 29, 2010

Israel was concerned for former president Pervez Musharraf’s well-being and wanted him to remain in power in 2007.

This was revealed in a secret cable message originating from the American embassy in Tel Aviv that was leaked by whistle-blower website WikiLeaks, in its latest release of classified information ‘Cablegate’.

The cable message contained records of US under secretary Burns' meeting with Israel’s Mossad Chief Meir Dagan on August 17, 2007. Dagan met Burns to provide his assessment of the Middle East region, Pakistan and Turkey. According to leaked documents:

Dagan provided his assessment of the Middle East region, Pakistan and Turkey, stressing Israel's (a) concern for President Musharraf's well-being, (b) view that Iran can be forced to change its behavior, and (c) sense that Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are unstable with unclear futures ahead of them.

The Israeli spy chief said that he was concerned about how long then-Pakistani President Musharraf would survive, saying:

"...he is facing a serious problem with the militants. Pakistan's nuclear capability could end up in the hands of an Islamic regime."

Dagan observed that Musharraf appeared to be losing control, citing that his coalition partners could threaten the former president in the future. He linked Musharraf’s retaining control over Pakistan to his dual president and commander-in-chief role. The cable message says that if Musharraf cannot retain his army role, “he will have problems”.

The Mossad chief, observing attempts on Musharraf’s life, wondered whether he could survive the coming years.

Burns replied that South Asia has assumed vital importance in American foreign policy since September 11 and said the US is committed to denying Afghanistan as a safe-haven for Taliban and Al-Qaeda activity. He said the US is committed to support the Musharraf and Karzai governments as they face opposition from Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Burns also said that the US will remain engaged in the region for the long term.

Ehud Barak's 'nightmare'

In another cable message marked “confidential” also sent from the American embassy in Tel Aviv, Defense Minister Ehud Barak described Pakistan as his “private nightmare”.

Barak, who met two separate American delegations, said that if there is a potential Islamic extremist takeover in Pakistan, the world might wake up "with everything changed".

When Barak was asked if the use of force on Iran might backfire with moderate Muslims in Pakistan, Barak said that although the two countries are interconnected, a causal chain between the use of force on Iran and public anger in Pakistan cannot be established.

The texts of the two US embassy cables discussed can be found here and here.

With additional reporting by Hassan Asif.

COMMENTS (79)

sufyan | 14 years ago | Reply musharaf was in those politicion who try to change but by thier some major mistakes he was bieng unpopular and he was not well aware from islam that he started the compaign hoqooq niswa to change the ideology

Shalom Salaam (same word) | 14 years ago | Reply It strange how my comments were deleted simply because I pointed out a few facts - proven facts, without being cynical I mentioned that how funny it was that Pakistan takes such a strong and apparently PRINCIPLED stance against Israel, for apparent moral and ethical reason when we have such strong alliances with China who have allegedly murdered millions of Tibetans in an atrocious genocide which still happens to this day, when we ourselves treat our own minorities with such distance and disregard for their welfare, when we as Pakistanis who stand united as one in times of catastrophe so hypocritically are more than willing to leap off the face of this continent and forget it all for a beer garden. The hypocrisy involved in not recognizing Israel as a state is unbelievable. We say we care for the Palestinians. What about the poor Israeli who are also suffering in grave numbers. We all know how terrible it is to face suicide blasts - yet we condone it unto the Jews. Pathetic. At least if we accepted Israel as a nation we would be in a better position to criticize it and lend a helping hand to establish a Palestinian state, and lessen our hypocrisy as a nation. We would then become leaders instead of be left behind - again! For the sake of democracy and free speech - do not delete my comment as is the case with my previous two.

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bary | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan is an ideological miscalculation, a fact that can be proven even mathematically. and please dont delete my comment this time around.

imran | 14 years ago | Reply y isnt there ny thing wrong said in all these leaks about india or israel,,,,,,,,,,,think on it

imran | 14 years ago | Reply israel says tht palistine was their home land 2000 years ago nd some muslims says tht we should recognoise them as a legitimate state, because we will get benefits,how if tommorrow the idole worshiper of india r ny other state say tht they want macca or even kaaba because it was their's 1400 years back and we will give u economic faviour for tht,what will u say then,go on take the money we dont need macca. it doesnt make a wrong into right if some pupit egyption or other arab leader supports nd recognoise israel,go on hold a refrendom on tht issue in ny of these muslim countries tht have recognoised israel nd u will find the answer.but make it sure tht its should be a free nd fare one, do the same for mush nd alike half agent half leader like people we have seen tht in pakistan nd u will find the answer in the rest of the world

furqan | 14 years ago | Reply @ hassan how can isreal not talking about zardari, nawaz sharif or any other muslim country ruler except musharraf ?

Ali Farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply We should not make the motive of non acceptance of Israel based on tit for tat with Arab world. It is a Humanitarian Issue and Pakistan has a principled stance ... It is beyond negotiation

Fetter Free | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan SHOULD accept Israel as a state and then we would be in a better position to help Palestine become a state, we would also be in a better position to influence Israel and visa verse in solving regional issues, economic ties, tourism (Allah knows I wanna go hang out on a beach in Tel Aviv and visit a coffee shop in Jeruselum's)...aaaahhhhhhhh....in would in deradicalising out country - just feel a little afraid for the first Israeli tourists which come to Pakistan - India's tourist trade is booming because of such things - there's not a restaurant in the country that doesn't have a Hebrew version of the menu. Imagine the cash we could make, the handicrafts stores, the beach huts, the mountains huts and backpackers that would be on for rent...dream on...Please accept Israel, it would help open us up to the rest of the world.

Dani | 14 years ago | Reply @ Ashraf Siddiqui, my dear fellow pakistani. I was cracking up , literally i was laughing out loud at your hilarious statements about President Musharraf.. well good thing i laughed i needed it .. but when i really think about how misinformed you are just like millions others in our "land of the pure" i am greatly disappointed. a)Thousands of "muslims" didnt die at the "unfortunate" lal masjid event, only 94 TERRORISTS died and none of them was a kid. b) The neighboring country you are so concerned about which happens to be Afghanistan, which we "betrayed" by providing US/NATO troops with a route for supplies, if you are forgetting introduced the Kalashnikov and Opium Culture in Pakistan. c) Giving passage to the indians to setup a base in afghanistan is the best one from all your comments.. like how exactly did we do that?? oh lemme guess just opened up the wagah border and let the indians go through?? Sure.. d) turning pakistani forces against the public?? umm okk.. Mr X is a terrorist but happens to be a pakistani . so what do we do?? umm nothing as per your suggestion. e)" sending the scouts to help the US soldiers in kashmir'?? what in the world are you even talking about?? f) being bombed back to stone age?? INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN WAS JUSTIFIED, eradicating the taliban and alqaeda was JUSTIFIED. joining the coalition was in our best interest Coz honestly speaking i dont want my head to chopped of coz i dont want to go pray at the masjid !!! and for countless other things the talibs did. P.S please dont believe in every thing you hear and watch on TV . And no hard feeling , you are my brother just like everyone else here is.

Imran Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Guys we have fanatic people sitting in our country they wont even allow a thought about this diplomatic ties. From the above comments you can see how people think ?

Ashraf Siddiqui | 14 years ago | Reply One can expect any thing from persons like Pervez Musharaf who supported US & NATO forces by supporting & providing all intelligence, food, passage & Pakistan military on rent to attack neighboring country. Musharaf himself went long away by always accepting any terrorist attack any where in the world before catch of any person involved and by accepting US forces attacks in Pakistani area as done by Pakistni forces. He sold hundreds of Pakistanis & Arabs to US as per his own writings in his book. As head of State, on on large killing in Karachi, he openly in public announced that he will not carry any investigation (what kind of a president). He used Pakistani forces in attacking worshipping places & and even killing thousands of innocent young children both girls & boys (Lal Masjif episode). He brought Pakistani forces & Pakistani public face to face. He sent scouts from Pakistan who helped US forces in fixing wires in Kashmir disputed dividing lines. He gave passage tp Indians (forces & intelligences) to establish their bases in Afghanistan. He created a fear among Pakistani nation if not help US, Pakistanis will turn into stone age period. US could not send Pakistan in stone age, but Pervez Musharaf & his companions did - high food cost, water & electricity situation in country & handing over the country to people like Zardari's.. Then whats strange in the news

abu bakar | 14 years ago | Reply What is so wrong with accepting Israel as a state? Can anyone tell me? Just because they kill Palestinians? Like really? With Palestinians partying around the world and being inconsiderate about their own conditions why do we have to stand up against anyone? With enemies inside being controlled by enemies outside, this seems to be the smallest issue If turkey can accept Israel and have diplomatic ties with them, so should we. I am not a fan of Musharraf, nor i support him in most of his ventures but give this guy a margin, he knew what he was doing.

DR.DEEPAK TYAGI | 14 years ago | Reply as an indian i strongly supported president musharraf for he was the only leader worth his salt . under his regime india and pakistan were close to a settlement on kashmir with his exit things are back to square one .domestic compulsions of other leaders in both the countries prevent them from taking a realisic view of the worsening situation and negotiate a solution. i am fully aware of his role in kargil but still one has to move forward,we can not afford to lose human lives for the sake maintaining status quo on kashmir . if peace is to prevail in south asia ,policies of musharraf should be continued further rapproachement and not conflict should be the corner stone . a strong pakistan is a stabilising factor and a gaurantor of peace in this region . if israel was concerned about musharaff it doesnt mean that mush was pro israel. on the contarary its an acknowledgement of a possible pakistani role in estabilishment of peace in middle east

Musharraf | 14 years ago | Reply OMG... Damn you Wikileaks....

Adil | 14 years ago | Reply i think its good for Musharraf as leader

Aftab Malick | 14 years ago | Reply emotionalism prevails here a lot !

Farhan Janjuah | 14 years ago | Reply We as Pakistanis never accepted state of Israel and will never in future. Israel has not only occupied Palestinians but Mosque Al-Aqsa as well. And our Kashmir dispute is still unsettled with India. Point to make clear to all my pro Israelis friends.

vasan | 14 years ago | Reply I didnt know that Musharaff has such a popular support and Saudis are so unpopular among Pakistanis

Zain | 14 years ago | Reply The Israeli Ministers opinions are subjective, this doesn't mean that the jewish lobby has a soft spot for Musharraf, like us they are afraid of Militants gettin hands on nuclear weapons. These opinions are his personal thoughts, like all of us thinking Zardari is no good for us. Plus to all of those who think Pakistan shouldn't recognize Israel, they didn't invade us, the palestinians invited them to What is now Israel, the US armed them after initially rejecting them from the states after world war 2, and the Israels over threw us, by claiming religious grounds. Now this isn't too different from our 2 nation theory that Hindus and Muslims are 2 seperate nations. We also divided the lands and got our seperate nation and many muslims, hindus and sikhs were killed in the process. When Turkey, Egypt, Jordan have diplomatic ties with Israel, we shouldn't? Zionism and Islamic Extremism aren't different they both have the same agenda: Global Dominance, through armed conflict on the basis of religion. We aren't any different than the Jews.

Cool | 14 years ago | Reply When Palestine having no problem to accept Israel so why Pakistan ?????? there are almost 42 Muslim countries how much of them oppose Israel acceptance , Mushraf instance is very clear if Palestine have no problem then also we haven't any ....

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply Guys, please understand that Pakistan can play a better role in Middle East peace and stability by recognizing Israel. There is no point and it's beyond understanding that why we are not accepting Israel as a state while many Muslim states do so. Pakistan is greater player in Asian politics and a close ally of US, by recognizing Israel, we can defeat Indian agenda, we can mediate talks between Israel, Iran & US. Please also note that Pakistani Mission in US is acting as Iranian Embassy/Consulate since Iran does not have any formal relations with US. We can also use Israeli influence towards India for the solution of Kashmir and on other several issues. There will be a lot of Financial benefits too for Pakistan. Why some of you are worrying about Umma? Your most of Umma is in Middle East and they are so rich and have lot of money but you have hunger, misery, poverty everywhere.

Ronit | 14 years ago | Reply Wow, u pakistanis are really confused.

saad | 14 years ago | Reply what were israel's interests via usa that it wanted the dictator to stay in 'dictated or directed' power? so cut the emotions and be realistic.

Noor | 14 years ago | Reply Hardly anything surprising in the 'leaks'. The "Enemies of Israel" are not invited to speak to the "World Jewish Forum". Musharraf was a crony of imperial powers and he remains to be one. The sectarian Arabia of the Sauds is the single most-damaging factor for the Ummah. As a financier of global terrorism and an oppressive, anti-human-rights, state, the Kingdom continues to be a pain in the back of the global community.

Muhammad Saqib Tanveer | 14 years ago | Reply Guys I have read the leak myself and I am unable to understand that where does the Mossad Chief says that Musharraf should stay in power. He only expressed his concern over his abilities rather than iterating that he should stay in power. Infact US UnderSecretary of State replied that American will continue to support Musharraf

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply This means he had no enemy and all loved him except Mr. Nawaz Sharif and Co., even our present CJ of SC loved him so much that all powers were handed to him on silver platter but strictly warned him "Thou Shall Not Touch Me" which he did and as such came "Tumbling Down".

Patriot | 14 years ago | Reply This shows he was not just respected by the friends of pakistan but also the foes...worthy enemies you sees!

Waqqar Azeem | 14 years ago | Reply Well, i think it should be the key personality of a Muslim, that even a Jew should like him for his good personality, attitude and behavior. He is a man to be appreciated by others, If Jews do that whats wrong in it.

Ali | 14 years ago | Reply For to long Pakistan has bowed to the Arab scums, now it has been reviled that the Arabs see Pakistan as nothing but a Muslim country with nukes that they expect to defend them if necessary. The Arabs hate Israel not because of Palestine but because of the battering they have always gotten. What Palestine needs is a Jinnah. Pakistan should recognise Israel, Palestinians have not been failed by Muslims or Pakistanis, they have been failed by Arabs and their own personal greed. Pakistan should follow Turkey, Indonesia and Malaysia. Just because Makkah happens to be in SAUDi Arabia does not mean that the Saud family can dictate the Muslim world. The arabs have turned a blink eye on Xijiang, Kashmir, other parts of India, the growing Anti-Islamic sentiment in Europe and the list goes on. My anti-arab rant is over but I will look forward to some replies.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply How stupid can we get? Even if Israel wants Musharraf to remain in power, how does that make Musharraf anything different from earlier? The problem here is that we all take for granted that Israel is the enemy of all Muslims. Where does it say that in the Quran? Or give me an example from Islamic history where Muslims and Jews didn't live in peace other than the last 60 or so years? If Israel really knew how we think and it really wanted Musharraf elected, then it would have been easier for Israel to get elected by just stating that it supported the democratic forces by supporting Bhutto and the Sharifs, yes we are that stupid.

Aamer Khawaja | 14 years ago | Reply To those who say. "what is Pakistan getting by not accepting isreal .. NOTHING. By accepting israel as a state maybe Pakistan would be in a better position to negotiate a position and protest its wrongdoings in a stronger way altogether. That is a smart move ! secondly if someone wanted him in power doesnt mean he is an agent, for Gods sake, its just that they thought it was in their interest !" better position to negotiate?, you are but naive just like your leader. you can't negotiate Kashmir and talk about negotiations with Israel, theres a saying in urdu, 'apni shakal dekhi hai'(have u seen your face). It just goes to show how absurd and how low APML and their followers can fall, next they'll say why not sell pakistan, we can make some money whats so wrong. Smart move by the way. And secondly if someone wanted him in power, it means that whatever the man is upto is actually is in their favour, and surely Israels favours dont lie with Pakistan, Mush was the man for them

ehsanali | 14 years ago | Reply It is not a big deal what a fuss about it.

Kanishka | 14 years ago | Reply Think about Pakistan not Palestine....This is not prudent, Pakistan would have gained so much if it had not aligned itself to the Islamic World. I personally feel that there is nothing common between the heart of a Pakistani and Islamic world. Well infact you guys are not Islamic at heart, you all are only pretending to be Islamic/Arabic .. you have an inner desire to break free from this restrictive society. Every religion is prone to intervention by human elements, but all major religions have cleansed themselves of ill practices that creep in due to human intervention, Christians in the darkages decided to speerate religion from state and hence they are now doing very good, Hindus like Raja Rammohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj stood up against Sati, Baal Vivaah, Casteism etc to clean the system... Muslims need to stand up for their religion and clean it too... Its the youngest of all religions(1400 years as compared to 5000+ years of Hindus) and may be this is the first wave of cleaning effort...But please do not let these hate mongers hijack your religion...God is with you..

khaled | 14 years ago | Reply Israel said so this means there would be some interest cause remember Israel can't be our friends n even i heard that the prime minister of Israel said that "We don't afraid of any Muslim country except Pakistan" why He said that ...? n well, everybody knows what Musharraf had done in Pakistan i know He was good in some way but He also destroyed the image of Pakistan many innocents had been killed in his rule mostly were great scholars,He was destroying the image of Pak that's why may be Israel was in His favour to let him be the president of Pak... i don't want him back

Q | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf was a very strong person who stood against militancy in Pakistan. His strength was for Pakistan and not any other country or individual in the world. If that strength provided some feeling of security to others, well that's not what was intended. Nor does it matter. Pervez Musharraf was a true patriot who worked for this country. For him, interest of Pakistan was above everything. Long Live Musharraf. *Pakistan Zindabad!*

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply Wikileaks is not the word of God. Move on!

waqas | 14 years ago | Reply well according to pak media this is just a drama staged to achieve some specific results so there is no slap on no body's face

Dani | 14 years ago | Reply oh and btw.. what have we gotten by the whole kashmir issue?? NOTHING AT ALL... so how about we totally scrap that out of our agenda and make the LOC an international border with it being a free trade zone... and let both countries shine.. but oh wait no.. we wont.. coz they are hindus , they are the infidels and they are our eternal enemies !!! i wonder what will happen to transform my fellow country men to more being more sensible... and what do you guys have to say about the the Saudis saying to Iran.. persians have nothing to do with the arab matters..stay out of it.. .. now honestly tell me what they would say about us.. ??

Jazzy | 14 years ago | Reply Well in short.... WE DON'T NEED MUSHARRAF ANY MORE..

Dani | 14 years ago | Reply i dont understand why is everyone a hater of musharraf?? what does the cable say here?? nothing suggesting that musharraf was a "jewish agent" you guys need to grow up.. some one here says mush was the worst thing happen to pakistan... i say and i believe that mush was the only thing good that i have seen happen in the history of pakistan. recognizing Israel as a state?? there is nothing wrong with that. what have the world gained by not accepting Israel as a state.. nothing at all.. about time we all rethink our strategy. Muslim world?? what muslim world are you guys talking about??? the OIC?? which is nothing but a stage show.. when have a muslim country stood up for pakistanis??and plz dont tell me the oil supplies we get from our rich arab "brothers" .. at the end of the day every one has to watch their own back and no one else will do that for you... turkey is a secular state with muslim majority.. there is pub on one corner of the street and there is one masjid on the other and a church on the next.. it is a progressive society, people who want to worship , they worship, people who want to party , they party and they all live in harmony and they are liked by everyone... and now look at us... what are we doing?? are we a progressive society ? not even close to that.. there was only one man who could do that for us atleast in the current generation of people in power and that was musharraf..... take a deep breath and think about the similarities b/w pakistan and israel's existence.. you will be surprised .

mak | 14 years ago | Reply here comes another well timed leak with a objective . Recall The WMD drama and the subsequent rape of a long suffering people and a country . mak

Syed | 14 years ago | Reply Picking a sentence as a headings out of the whole thing and without context is unfair and a prejudice attempt. What a journalism !!!

Mohammd Ali Siddiqui | 14 years ago | Reply It is a slap on the face of all those who wanted Musharraf to come back and regain power as Head of the State.

Asad Baig | 14 years ago | Reply If your friends respect you its not a big deal,but if your enemy in this case (Israel) respects you than it is certainly no mean achievement.One thing that people are forgetting is that he was Chief of the Army Staff too,which in Pakistan is the most powerful person so dealing with him was Important.Pervez Musharraf is In fact trusted more all over the world than our current government and opposition people which again is a big achievement for him.

khan | 14 years ago | Reply According to WikiLeaks: In July 2009, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and de facto defense chief, said Zardari was "dirty but not dangerous." Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "dangerous but not dirty -- this is Pakistan." He said Sharif, who heads the main opposition party to Zardari, could not be trusted to honor his promises.

khan | 14 years ago | Reply Express Tribune: I'm glad you caught on!

Ba Khabar | 14 years ago | Reply @ Abhinav I am not a selective humanist like you. I believe in the right of people to decide their fate, be it Palestine, Kashmir or Tibet!

Abhinav | 14 years ago | Reply @Ba Khabar What about Paksitan severing its relation from China on basis of Tibet (another humanitarian issue)?

Xeshan | 14 years ago | Reply We cannot accept Israeil as a state becuase its an accupied terrotory and plz read the papers what Israily Army doing in Ghaza specialy Killing Children and pregnent Women

maz | 14 years ago | Reply @ Rana and Hassan Guys we have fanatic people sitting in our country they wont even allow a thought about this diplomatic ties. From the above comments you can see how people think ?

misk | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf is the most unfortunate thing ever happened to this country. REAL SHAME!!!

SK Ayubi | 14 years ago | Reply Why isn't the tribune putting more emphasis on the Saudi King's denouncement of Zardari? In case others don't yet know, the Saudi King, as much of an 545 as he is, managed to get one thing right; he said Asif Ali Zardari is the biggest problem Pakistan currently faces, adding that 'when the head is rotten, it affects the whole body'.

Tariq | 14 years ago | Reply Its very simple to understand, India don't like to see Musharraf as a President, then how Israel could like. So its the tactic to create hatred in Pakistan against Gen Musharraf.

Zabeeh ullah | 14 years ago | Reply well,,no matter of fact that Mush was an truimph card of the western countries,in his reign i have often heard his open debate about Israel that we accept Israel as a state.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply Haha.. This is fun..

Ba Khabar | 14 years ago | Reply @ Hassan I don't believe in the concept of Ummah and I am not a practicing Muslim. Still, we must NEVER accept Israel. It is a humanitarian issue, not religious one. If Jews are being persecuted, we should stand up for them too.

Sikandar Mughal | 14 years ago | Reply hi sir ap hamaray pk k booth achay sadar thay please come back in pakistan. pleace take care pakistan.

Talha | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan should accept Israel, it will bring many benefits. Ditch the Muslim countries, all they do is export their hardline ideologies and extremists to Pakistan.

Khawer | 14 years ago | Reply What is this fuss about. Musharraf did whatever was in best interest of Pakistan. The world had confidence in Musharraf and his abilities to handle extremists.

Nooruddin Zangi | 14 years ago | Reply Here is a link to an essay that explores former President Musharraf's efforts to normalize relations with Israel -- http://www.counterpunch.org/shahid09202005.html

Kung | 14 years ago | Reply It is because we have special relationship with Saudi Arabia and other middle eastern countries that we don't recognise Israel.For example, Libaya and Saudi Arabia funded our nuclear programme. Saudi Arabia provided us with free oil for five years after we conducted nuclear tests and international sanctions were imposed on us. All OIC has supported us countless times on Kashmir. etc etc They and China are our best friends and that's why we always support them and they always support us.

hussain | 14 years ago | Reply well said at least there is still hope of change ....... bcz if we all think in optimistic nd positive way there is still hope for a better future. problem is we Pakistani as a nation are quite emotional and illiterate people. we just fallow the rule bcz we got no direction AGREE 1-what is Pakistan getting by not accepting isreal .. NOTHING. By accepting israel as a state maybe Pakistan would be in a better position to negotiate a position and protest its wrongdoings in a stronger way altogether. That is a smart move ! secondly if someone wanted him in power doesnt mean he is an agent, for Gods sake, its just that they thought it was in their interest ! 2- what is Pakistan getting by not accepting isreal .. NOTHING. By accepting israel as a state maybe Pakistan would be in a better position to negotiate a position and protest its wrongdoings in a stronger way altogether. That is a smart move ! secondly if someone wanted him in power doesnt mean he is an agent, for Gods sake, its just that they thought it was in their interest !

Patriot Pakistani | 14 years ago | Reply I cannot believe how stupid our Pakistani brothers and sisters can get. You dont want Pakistan to accept Israel as a state, but what about asking our brother muslim countries such as Lebanon, syria, Saudi Arabia of not accepting India as a state, did they ever voice their concerns for us??? THE ANSWER IS NO!!!. Why do we have to stand up for all the muslim community when nobody gives a damn about us!!!

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply Agreed with Rana Amjad!!

Jflossy | 14 years ago | Reply Again further evidence of the Zionist and US agenda for Pakistans Nuclear deterrent, the "nightmare scenario of Pak Nukes in Islamo Fundo Control" not just restricted to media talk and conspiracy theory's but a real agenda that the "Axis of Evil" is working hard to achieve, inevitably though Pakistan will have to face overt and real demands to handover the Nukes, will we be strong enough when that time comes to resist and face the "consequences"? Yes, but not with the current leaders, they rely on the US for there power and I believe they will do anything to hold on to it.

maqsood | 14 years ago | Reply Since the Arabs have no concern for Pakistan, hence Pakistan should show no concern for Arabs. No Arab country comes out in the open to criticize India on Kashmir. We should stop supporting Palestine as well and if a relationship with Israel helps us both internationally, economically and militarily then we should be friends with Israel. . And Israel and Pakistan have a common enemy, the mullahs in Pakistan, who blow up school girls, attack government buildings, train suicide bombers etc.

SK | 14 years ago | Reply Nothing said here is/was secret, it has been widely known that Isreal pushed US to ensure Mush's security so as per Isreal nukes are protected from militants. As I opined in other blog, wikileaks is nothing but US govt's blessed site and there is no doubt that by getting obvious stuff leaked, US is trying to use reverse psychology in pushing idea that it genuinely concerned about these countries. This new found way of US to release "classified' secrets via wikileaks is nothing but another farc way of reaching some newly set milestones

Waqas | 14 years ago | Reply Its not only Israel but all countries of the world (except Pakistan's enemies) that want a stable and secure Pakistan rather than the one ruled by religious bigots or highly incompetent (so called) democratic regimes. This is a plus for Musharraf. Pakistan does not have any issue with Israel, its the Arabs. And many Arab states already recognize it. Consider, we recognize India, which is an enemy and wages overt and covert wars against Pakistan on regular basis. Israel is not any threat to Pakistan and vice versa. Pakistan and Israel are only two states in the world based on an ideology.

Shahryar Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply He was trusted by enemies as well. Please keep in mind a stable Pakistan is important for both the US & Israel. Israel is not against Pakistan, but from the threat of nuclear arsenal falling in hands of extremists. They were not supporting Musharraf was his sake, the intention was to have a moderate man in control on the nuclear button. Also, not only Musharraf, but all Army men are aware of the nexus between India & Pakistan. Please also note that Iran has more cordial relationship with India, & India has extremely good relationship with Saudia, because these relationships are based on national interests & not emotional feelings. But this is too much international politics for people who watch 7 believe Jang publication & are ardent supporter of the Shariffov's.

IZ | 14 years ago | Reply Generally I strongly disliked Musharraf, but personally I don't think this is such a big deal. @Raqib if you have been following world affairs of late you would note that many Muslim leaders have been merrily cooperating with and working with Israel though they dont publicly admit it. At least Musharraf was not asking Israel to invade Iraq and Iran as Saudi Arabia was.

ABDUL NASIR SAGGU | 14 years ago | Reply IT IS NOT SURPRISE

GH | 14 years ago | Reply I think in upcoming threads from "WiliLeaks" the conspiracy behind 9/11 will be released. And, to Musharaf supporters how you'll justify this?

KM | 14 years ago | Reply Hehe ... There goes Mush and his political career ... Cheers! @Rana ... There is something called as a "Principal Stance"

Rana Amjad | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf should have recognized Israel since we have no dispute with them! Why we want to be "Holier than Pope", when Jordon, Egypt, Syria & several other Muslim countries have diplomatic relations with them, what are we waiting for.

Hassan | 14 years ago | Reply what is Pakistan getting by not accepting isreal .. NOTHING. By accepting israel as a state maybe Pakistan would be in a better position to negotiate a position and protest its wrongdoings in a stronger way altogether. That is a smart move ! secondly if someone wanted him in power doesnt mean he is an agent, for Gods sake, its just that they thought it was in their interest !

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply @Khirad: Show me the Muslim world..where is the Muslim world? Everybody is concerned about their own wellbeing and benefits. How many have visited Pakistan after flood? Everybody is connected to Pakistan for their interests only.

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply That's very humble thinking of Mr. Dagan that he was concerned about Musharraf's security & stability. It also means that Musharraf was trusted by many in the world that he will protect the assets of Pakistan and will act as a safeguard for Pakistan. There is no one in Wikileaks talking against Gen. Musharraf's capability, everyone appreciates him and cursed the President Zardari & Nawaz Sharief.

Khirad | 14 years ago | Reply Musharaf wanted Pakistan to accept israel as a state When it was an illegal occupation on muslims land military dictators like these ( musharaf and Mubarik ) are shame for muslim world and show the hypocrisy of west who support puppet regimes in muslim world

Raqib Ali | 14 years ago | Reply How can Mush supporters justify this? They call a leading media group Jewish agent for 'conspiring' against Musharraf. Musharraf is probably the only Muslim ruler who was called friend of Israel and addressed World Jewish Congress http://www.life.com/image/55711356

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