Pakistan146;s a 8216;failed state8217;: Richardson

8220;We should be saying to Musharraf very clearly, we give you USD 10 billion since 9/11. Unless you have free elections and return to democracy, Unless you go after al-Qaeda in a determined and effective way, your conditional assistance may be terminated.8221; the Democratic candidate said, adding 8220;That8217;s what I would do.8221;

8220;I think right now we have a failed nation state on our hands,8221; he said.

8220;8230;right now Musharraf is in trouble. al-Qaeda is getting stronger8230;What I would convince Musharraf to do is if he has free and fair elections, if he brings Benazir Bhutto in the coalition government, if he opens up the Supreme court, if he sincerely goes after al-Qaeda, then I believe our foreign policy objectives are dramatically increased,8221; he said.

8220;8230; I8217;m very skeptical of this elections announcement of President Musharraf. I am extremely concerned that we are associating ourselves with a dictatorship that is basically just revamping the entire constitutional system to keep its purposes of being in power,8221; Richardson said.