Pakistan's president, Gen. Musharraf, has made a televised speech denouncing all forms of extremism and terrorism. Hopefully this will be the cusp of the current conflict between India and Pakistan, and tensions can begin to ease. Among the comments, which should please India and the international community, were ones calling for a international effort to resolve the situation in Kashmir, as well as a strong condemnation of domestic institutions (schools and mosques) which support extremist Islamic beliefs. Musharraf also issued orders to have over 250 people arrested. All those arrested were held on the basis that they were expected to lead protests and riots against the new proclamation of Islamic moderation.
As an American, I generally disagree with prior restraint of speech. However, I view that as a small blemish on an otherwise rosy development in the India/Pakistan arena. This speech did not meet every demand made by India, most notably Pakistan says it will try all extremist locally instead of extradite them to India, and they maintain their stand on the disputed region of Kashmir. However, India's chief complaints lately have been that Pakistan talks the talk but hasn't walked the walk. In conjunction with the announcement, Musharraf banned not only the two Kashmir-based groups demanded by India, but also two domestic groups as well. Such a move, in the face of considerable domestic dissent, will hopefully be seen by India as a starting point for reconciliation.
