Pakistan’s president: Mr. 10%

by Peter Speetjens October 3, 2008

written by Peter Speetjens October 3, 2008

In its urge to fight the forces of evil, Washington seems ready to dance with the devil in nuclear-armed Pakistan. In the latest chapter of a tragic political saga, Asif Ali Zardari was elected president on September 6, a feat welcomed by Condoleezza Rice as “a good way forward.” The US Secretary of State praised Zardari’s will to fight terrorism and his warm words of friendship towards the US. Zardari’s affability towards the US should not come as a surprise. Were it not for Washington, the 53- year-old would still be behind bars. His resurrection at the helm of troubled Pakistan is the icing on the cake of a very colorful career and must go down in history as one of the most dramatic political comebacks ever. Born in Karachi as the son of a wealthy businessman, Zardari’s path to glory started with his marriage to the late former Pakistani

Pakistan U.S zardari

Peter Speetjens

Peter is a journalist currently based in São Paulo. After completing law studies in Rotterdam, he embarked on a journey to explore the world, spending a year in India before spending around 20 years in the Middle East and eventually relocating to Brazil. His work has appeared in both Dutch and English language media, including Trouw, De Groene, De Standaard, Hard Gras, NRC, The Blizzard, MO Magazine, Middle East Eye, and Mongabay. Fluent in five languages, he also enjoys photography and co-authored the documentary "2000 Terrorists," which was broadcast by Al Jazeera in 2004.

Pakistan’s president: Mr. 10%

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