Nawaz Sharif asks Obama to part ways with Bush policy

This is from thenews (Pakistan). Sharif obviously has gained considerable political capital with his successful demonstrations that forced that government to re-instate the chief justice and many judges. Now Sharif may be able to have the decision not to allow his candidacy overturned. As can be seen from the article Sharif is hostile to the US mode of attacking terrorism especially the use of drones and is also for negotiation with the Taliban rather than direct confrontation.
Obama seems to be even more aggressive in his stance towards Pakistan than was Bush.


Nawaz asks Obama to part ways with Bush policy

Wednesday, April 08, 2009Calls for support to democracy, development, respect of Pak sovereignty; to appear before SCBy Muhammad AnisISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has urged US President Barack Obama to part ways with the Bush administration policy to fight terrorism.“Diplomacy and development should be given priority,” Nawaz Sharif said while talking to US Special Representative Richard Holbrooke and Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen during a meeting at the residence of US Ambassador Anne W Patterson at a luncheon meeting here on Tuesday.Sharif said fight against terrorism requires consensus at all levels and Pakistan’s sovereignty must be respected. The former prime minister reminded the senior US officials that drone attacks were counter productive.Later, talking to reporters at the Punjab House after meeting with the US special representative, Nawaz Sharif said he shared his stance with the US officials. Nawaz said he told the visiting officials that President Obama will have to change the US policy regarding drone attacks.He urged the nation to get united to deal with the prevailing challenges. To a question, Nawaz said he has no intention to rejoin the federal cabinet, saying it was the party’s decision to part ways with the federal government.The PML-N Quaid said the Charter of Democracy (CoD) should be implemented now. He stressed the need for stabilising the country on economic and political fronts. “I have complete confidence in judiciary following the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry,” he added. He said now they would appear before the Supreme Court in their case.Nawaz said he had nothing personal against President Asif Ali Zardari, adding his differences were based on principles.Online adds: The PML-N Quaid said he had no personal grudge with President Asif Ali Zardari. “Our dispute was based on principles. The whole nation rejoiced the restoration of judiciary. The need is to implement the Charter of Democracy like the reinstatement of the judges, he said.Nawaz said judiciary would provide justice to the nation in real sense following the restoration of the deposed judges.