Following the thread of hope for Pakistan:

It is dangerous to stand up to a military dictatorship, but more dangerous not to.

I recall the words of President Bush in his second inaugural address when he said: “All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.”

Excellent. (Perhaps Benazir Bhutto is learning from Maliki.)