Bush to Pakistan

George W. Bush will enter Pakistan after a widely publicized complete (national, if not global) strike on Friday, March 3, 2006. I personally feel this is the reason the "Muhammad cartoon strikes" have been extended so long in the world. However, I also think it's a good idea that he is coming.

I think it is positive for Presidents to visit other nations to build relationship, especially in area where conflict is more of a perception than a reality. There is not a major conflict between the U.S. and Pakistan, but there is a large perception that this country is a seed for terrorists - it is supposedly the origin of Al-Qaeda. While Pakistan has it's own challenges (and I am no expert), I feel that think this idea of Pakistan as a source of terrorism is unfounded - and ditto for Islam. England and the U.S and a few parts of Europe share the burden of harboring independent minds with their own ideas of how the world should be run. The President's visit, to me, is a welcome gesture of goodwill that the global community should see - even if it is largely only symbolic.

Here is some of today's news from The International News website of Top Stories.

Bush to proceed to Pakistan despite bombings(Updated at 1410 PST)NEW DELHI: US President George W. Bush said on Thursday he would proceed with his visit to Pakistan despite a bomb blast outside the US consulate in Karachi."Terrorists and killers are not going to prevent me from going to Pakistan. My trip to Pakistan is an important trip," Bush told reporters after talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.He said one US diplomat had been killed in the blast.The US president is scheduled to leave for Islamabad late on Friday after a three-day trip to India."I sent our deepest condolences to that person's loved ones and family and we also sent condolences to the people of Pakistan who lost their lives," he said.

-------Update 04-MAR-2006-------
Extra links:

Week in international news regarding Bush and Pakistan:

Bush praises Pakistan terror role - BBC
Troubled Pakistan hopes for Bush bonus - BBC
Pakistan debates US relationship - BBC
Shops close for Pakistan strike - BBC

Bush reaffirms Pakistan alliance - CNN

President's Visit to India and Pakistan - whitehouse.gov
President Bush and President Musharraf of Pakistan Discuss Strengthened Relationship - whitehouse.gov
President's Remarks at Roundtable with Pakistani Society Representatives - whitehouse.gov

Bush Affirms Confidence in Pakistan as 'War on Terror' Ally - NY Times
Pakistan Is Tense as Bush Arrives on 24-Hour Visit - NY Times
Bush Says Pakistan Cannot Expect Nuclear Deal Like One With India - NY Times

Two days in local news regarding Bush and Pakistan:

Pakistan steadfast partner for US: Bush- The International News
Bush arrives; talks with Musharraf today- The International News
Opposition not to attend Bush banquet- The International News
Massive security in Islamabad- The International News
Pakistan, US enjoys good relations: Kasuri- The International News
US, Pakistan narrow down differences on BIT: official- The International News
Bush to watch school cricket match- The International News
Attempts to deter Bush end in smoke- The International News
Bush firm on Pakistan visit- The International News
Cast-iron security planned for US president- The International News
Massive anti-Bush protests in India- The International News
Anti-Bush demo staged in Punjab- The International News

Pakistan a force for moderation, freedom: Bush - Dawn
Bush arrives; talks with Musharraf today - Dawn
Countrywide strike against blasphemy: Extraordinary security measures in Islamabad - Dawn
MMA to observe ‘black day’ today - Dawn
Bush to watch cricket - Dawn
Opposition to boycott Bush dinner - Dawn
APHC urges Bush to push for demilitarization - Dawn
Opposition criticizes Bush visit - Dawn
Strike, rallies paralyse capital, Rawalpindi - Dawn
18 held for violating ban on rallies - Dawn
Islamabad expects similar concessions- Dawn
Bush: Kashmir talks must be intensified- Dawn
Terrorism high on Bush’s agenda for talks in Islamabad - Dawn
Opposition groups plan two-day protest - Dawn
‘India, Pakistan got nukes legitimately’- Dawn
Bush urged to defuse tension over cartoons - Dawn
HRCP on Bush’s visit - Dawn