Gen. Pervez Musharraf's decision to declare martial law in Pakistan poses a dilemma for the White House. Musharraf is an ally in the war on terror, but that does not give him authority to wield his heavy hand without consequences.

The U.S. needs Musharraf to combat al-Qaida's growing numbers in the region. And Musharraf is well aware of his worth to the U.S.

Imposing sanctions is problematic, given that much of the financial aid from the U.S. goes toward military assistance to fight terrorism. Cutting that off would only embolden terrorists and undermine U.S. efforts to contain them. Still, not all funds go toward the military, and the U.S. must re-evaluate other means to impose sanctions.

U.S. support of and reliance on Pakistan have given Musharraf the delusion that he cannot be held accountable. It's up to the U.S. to give him a reality check.

President Bush finally spoke with Musharraf by telephone on Wednesday, urging the embattled Pakistan president to resign as commander of the Pakistani military and hold elections within the next two months as originally scheduled.

It is stunning that it took the leader of the world's most powerful democracy four days to respond to this crisis involving a critical ally. Bush said he had a frank discussion with Musharraf. But, as this crisis unfolds, the U.S. must also make it clear that Pakistan must release protesters, and there can be no repercussions against them.

The people of Pakistan speaking out for their civil liberties deserve our strongest support, not a tepid response.