New Bush Policy Not to Affect Ties with Pakistan

In his inauguration speech from last Thursday, President Bush echoed the theme of his first term in linking US foreign policy to the spread of freedom and democracy. Bush spoke forcefully throughout, declaring the end of tyranny to be the ultimate goal of the United States. Despite the tone of the speech, top Bush officials have assured foreign leaders that it marks no change in relations with countries like Pakistan, Egypt, China, and Russia. While non-democratic, these countries were key US allies in the war against terror. Furthermore, instituting democracy in a country like Pakistan might allow radical groups to dictate policy. In the meantime, critics have once again accused Bush of being hypocritical. Is it possible to speak so highly of freedom while, in some cases, maintaining friendly relations with the very forces that choose to repress it? – YaleGlobal