Mental health issue clouds Pakistan, U.S. politics

LONDON -- The Daily Telegraph recently printed an article that questions the mental state of Pakistan presidential candidate Asif Zardari, leader of the populist Pakistan People's Party and husband of assassinated candidate Benazir Bhutto. Foreign observers question whether years at torture by the nation's intelligence services may have irreparably damaged his mental health and whether it is wise to entrust him with the nation's nuclear weapons.

Ironically, America's Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency suffered years of torture at the hands for North Vietnamese soldiers. One wonders if the Western world has a double standard; its alright to have Senator McCain at the helm of the largest nuclear arsenal in the world while Mr. Zardari is somehow unfit to lead his nation. The fact that Mr. Zardari's wife was recently assassinated shows the lengths with which Pakistan's power structure (and the machinations of its U.S., Chinese and Saudi allies) is willing to go to maintain the status quo.

If the status quo in Pakistan is considered sane than maybe a little insanity is in order. As for the rabid temper of Senator McCain, I can only hope the guy with the nuclear football is a faster runner than the old man.