How do you spell "messy"? P-a-k-i-s-t-a-n

Pakistani President Musharraf faces impeachment at the hands of his political rivals, and it again reminds us of the complexities and vexing inconsistencies involved in "spreading democracy" in the Mideast and South Asia.

We have preached democracy, but we have justifiably formed pragmatic alliances with strongmen such as Musharraf in the war on terror. The problem arises when we show our frustration with his democratically elected opposition -- at this point, we reveal ourselves to be less interested in democracy than in getting our own way. At that point, we lose all moral authority in those lands, as countless surveys have revealed.

Pakistanis aren't pro-terrorism; they in fact face a far greater threat in their everyday lives than Americans do. But they are not convinced that the American military solution is the answer, either. The result is that American leaders and media now posture about how this "stalwart ally" is in fact an American enemy.

It worries me greatly, as someone with roots there. I do see a crisis coming.