Barack Obama Makes Statements on Writers' Strike, Pakistan

Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Barack Obama released two statements regarding the Writers Guild strike and the situation in Pakistan, where a State of Emergency has been declared. He was in favor of the strike, while taking a hard line on Pakistan's government. Presidential candidate John Edwards also made a statement on Pakistan.

Senator Obama issued a brief statement on Monday regarding the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. He expressed support for the strike, referring to a decision "media corporations" will have to make, as to whether they should compensate writers fairly or keep "concentrating profits" to benefit their executives.

Obama For America campaign spokesman Bill Burton also released a longer statement on the situation in Pakistan. He indicated that Senator Obama condemns Pakistani President Musharraf's move to declare a State of Emergency, claiming that Musharraf had "broken his pledge" to take steps toward democracy. He acknowledged Pakistan's importance in general and as an ally, but expressed the belief that the Pakistani government becoming "more authoritarian" will merely promote extremism and lack of stability.

The statement called upon the United States government to be "clear and unequivocal" that Musharraf has to cancel the State of Emergency, give respect to the decisions of Pakistan's Supreme Court, and have elections in the month of January. It referred to the Bush administration's "failed policies" of supporting stability in preference to democracy. It also urged a "serious review" of American assistance to Pakistan and measures to be taken to make sure "concrete action" is taken against Al-Queda terrorists in Pakistan.

The John Edwards For President campaign also issued a press release regarding the situation in Pakistan on Monday; it called the events in Pakistan "extremely worrisome", saying that Pakistan's stability is very important. He expressed opposition to the emergency declaration and arrests which have occurred in Pakistan, and called upon the Pakistani leader to move toward democracy and do "everything in his power" to put an end to terrorist attacks originating in Pakistan.

According to the CIA World Factbook entry on Pakistan, General Musharraf came to power in 1999. Pakistan carried out testing of nuclear weapons in 1998, after neighboring India did the same. The last war it fought with India was in 1971. It was formerly a territory of the United Kingdom, until August 1947. The nation is relatively poor, but has made some progress in recent years.

Sources:
1. Obama For America, http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/05/obama_statement_on_writers_gui.php
2. Obama For America, http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/05/obama_statement_on_state_of_em.php
3. John Edwards For President,
http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071105-pakistan/
4. CIA World Factbook (public domain),
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pk.html