Pakistan's "Memogate"-Evidence of Treason?

Pakistan’s “Memogate”-Evidence of Treason?

Although many Americans may not be that engaged in the ongoing scandal dubbed “Memogate”, I would suggest that there are some extremely interesting issues involved.  For those who haven’t been following along, the scandal was precipitated by the discovery, and subsequent publication of a memo purportedly sent from the highest levels of the Pakistani Government to Admiral Mike Mullins of the United States, who is now retired.  The fallout, to date, includes the resignation of the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, a possible constitutional crisis, questions regarding the impartial nature of the Pakistani Supreme Court, and even the current and future stability of, not only the current elected government, but the stability of a democratically elected civilian government as a viable option.

I’m not about to make any claims regarding the provenance of the memo itself, but the thoughts contained within it raise some interesting questions as to what constitutes treason.  The general theme of the memo is that the civilian government fears for its survival and is very concerned about the possibility of a military coup.  Obviously, considering the history of Pakistan, this is not simply a concern that can be dismissed lightly.   Is it treason to appeal for outside help in suppressing just such a possibility? 

In the United States, the question of whether the military has the right to overthrow a duly elected civilian government barely need even be asked.  There is no question that it is the sworn duty of the military to protect and defend the Constitution which would include just such a civilian government.  If a plot was uncovered suggesting a coup was imminent it would be the officers who would be subject to the charge of treason, not the elected government.  Yet it is this very question which is at issue in the Memogate Scandal.

In fairness, the answer to the same question in Pakistan might be a bit murkier for a number of reasons, whether they are historical or relate to the present day.  The problem is that if this central question is not resolved in favor of the civilians than the only other alternative is to recognize the omnipotence of the military.  Those who support the military suggest that it is the military which has always preserved and protected Pakistan and that to trust the politicians is an invitation to disaster.  One might even suggest that the military has played the role of the Supreme Court and has intervened only when necessary to save the country from an even worse fate.  Few would argue that the civilian leaders have been beyond reproach and thus those who support the military do have reasons for doing so, but the question remains…Is it treason for a civilian government to take action to protect itself from a military coup?

The contents of the memo, as well as additional information, can be found at the following wikipedia link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memogate_(Pakistan)