My Life: January 2012

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Kashmir issue taught me 3 key things: Pervez Musharraf

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's concern of losing political clout among his populace and Israel's arrogance hindered the Middle East peace process, Pakistan's former president General Pervez Musharraf has said.

Musharraf said from his involvement in talks with India on Kashmir, he had learnt three key things that are required to solve any dispute and these are also applicable for the resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

"There are three things needed. One, sincerity on both sides, of head and heart. No bluff game and no politics. Two, flexibility to accept the views of others. And three is the key - boldness and courage. I say this is key because in any deal you cannot take everything. The other side will not allow this. You have to give and take," said the former Pakistani leader in his first interview to an Israeli daily, Ha'aretz, published over the weekend.

"Leaders are afraid of that 'give' because they are afraid of the backlash in their own backyard, but as long as you are convinced that the positives outweigh the negatives, you must be bold. And, as a leader, for the sake of the bigger good, you must make the right move, even if you lose on a personal note. Leadership demands sacrifice and courage," he added.