What should the U.S., Senator Specter, be doing right now?
SPECTER: I think the United States should take the lead, with other world powers, in putting the maximum pressure on Musharraf to return a democracy. I think it’s not enough that Secretary Rice speaks out. I think the president has to speak out, and in more specific terms. We have bolstered Musharraf with billions of dollars in recent years, and military support, and we ought to be specific that it’s not going to continue. And then, on the terrorism front, with Al Qaida and Taliban having control in provinces, we have to give some consideration to perhaps some unilateral action. That would be very strong. But have you those sanctuaries where they’re posing a real threat to United States security. BLITZER: Because the argument, Senator Specter, has often been made that, yes, President Musharraf may not be perfect and he’s taking these draconian steps right now, but at least he’s cooperating with the U.S. in the war on terror. He’s pro-U.S. BLITZER: He’s been a reliable ally since 9/11.
