Every issue will carry answers to questions posed to world leaders - answers that these leaders might have given if it were not for diplomatese, double speak and other such trivial hurdles that accompany such positions of power.

Dear General Musharraf,
How does it feel to be a military man leading the political process of your country?
Zest In Autonomy
Dear ZIA
It feels quite natural, actually. After all, we have had a long tradition of military men being the head of Pakistan. In fact, elected heads feel rather out of place leading our country.

Dear General Musharraf,
Does it not affect the working of the country? After all, people must find it difficult to express their opinions about your policies and the state of affairs.
Not All Worried About Zealots
Dear Nawaz
Not really. People have their own protocols of expressing their dissatisfaction - they try and blow me up when they are unhappy.

Dear General Musharraf,
But really, don't you think that Pakistan needs to be a democracy? Each Pakistani does need to have ways in of deciding his/her own future!
Poor Pakistani People
Dear PPP
Of course! But first each Pakistani must be trained to make decisions responsibly and understand which choices are good for him/her. The military leadership is doing exactly that.

Dear General Musharraf,
I really think that all you are interested in is holding on to power.
Organizing For Free Elections Now, Dude
Dear OFFEND
You see, it is not just about me. It is about strengthening a noble institution like the military. When they are out of power, they get sneaky and corrupt, causing trouble. So keeping this institution in power is really for the good of Pakistan.

Dear General Musharraf,
Is that why you rigged the referendum?
Citizen's Enquiry Office
Dear CEO
How do you have this information? In any case, you must appreciate how I am willing to sacrifice my reputation for the good of Pakistan.

Dear General Musharraf,
What is your vision for the future of Pakistan?
Righteously Armed Worshipper
Dear RAW
I see my beloved Pakistan emerge as a strong nation, a military might in this region, a nation where my subjects, er, our citizens live in peace and harmony according to the laws made by the wise.

Dear General Musharraf,
Is that why Pakistan has taken the path of nuclear weapons?
BeLieve In Nuclear Device
Dear BLIND
It shows us as strong - yes. But it is also of use economically - after all we have traded nuclear secrets as is now becoming obvious. It also strengthens us in domestic politics - like it strengthened the BJP in India.

Dear General Musharraf,
But is it not a dangerous mix - especially with the strength of Islamic fundamentalism?
Individual Seeking Information
Dear ISI
What is this fundamentalism you folks keep harping on? It really is no different than the religious right in the US or neo-nazis in Europe. Only, given our sense of honor and our righteousness we begin to take ourselves too seriously. I do not worry too much - after all these fundamentalists are not affecting us badly!

Dear General Musharraf,
But is Islamic fundamentalism not the basis of terrorism?
Another Individual Seeking Information
Dear AISI
The basis of terrorism is the incompetence of the military. Since we are not able to use military strength to openly attack those who resist us, we have to use these 'Track II" methods to do so. That is why I keep saying that we must strengthen our military - that is in the best interests of Pakistan as well as our neighbors.

Dear General Musharraf,
Why did your talks in Agra fail?
Atal Behari Vajpayee
Dear ABV
I did not realize that Indian elite likes to change its clothes often - I guess the Indian movies reflect that. Perhaps I should not have gotten so angry about being kept waiting by the Indian PM.

Dear General Musharraf,
Why don't you and the Indian PM solve the Indo-Pak issues once and for all?
Wonder About Individual Seeking Information
Dear WAISI
Are you crazy or just stoned? Once we solve this issue, we will have no alibi to use for all our domestic failures. We understand each other well - hence we think that this issue is well left as it is.

Dear General Musharraf
Why have you apportioned such a small fraction of your budget for education, health, women's issues and other social programs?
Children Living in Pakistan
Dear CLIP
My friend, we are efficient. Hence we are able to achieve with little what the western nations need huge amounts of money for. We follow a decentralized plan where every community, every family has the freedom to take care of its education, health and other needs. After all decentralization is the basis of a good democracy.

Dear General Musharraf
What is your strategy vis-à-vis USA?
Dick Cheney
Dear DC
You have asked a difficult question. We must give an impression of staying aligned with the might empire - our military strength and my life depends on it. However, I must continue to give an impression of using US for domestic welfare to the audience at home. My life certainly depends on it.

Dear General Musharraf
What are your views on global environmental issues and Pakistan's role in it?
Friends of Earth
Dear FOE
Once I have sorted out all military issues, I will begin to learn more on environmental stuff. Please be patient with me - I have only just begun!

Dear General Musharraf
What are your views on World Peace?
Mother Earth
Dear ME
World Peace! Are you folks conspiring to destroy the military in Pakistan - its most important institution? Have you not been listening to me when I say that the good of Pakistan, of south Asia, of the world depends on a strong military in Pakistan and for that we need occasional wars? Peace indeed. Hmmph!