The debate over the Kerry-Lugar Bill passed by the U.S Congress recently seems to have generated great confusion in the country. The differences between the civil and military leadership regarding the Bill have shaken the whole national edifice and triggered a series of consultations between political parties of the country. Apparently, the American legislation contains some degrading language for our military and security agencies that has caused this furore. The Armys main objection relates to conditions of the Bill pertaining to the civilian government having effective control over the armed forces and the clauses about the countrys nuclear program. No wonder the political parties opposed to it have called it a compromise on the countrys sovereignty and a total 'sell out of the country. The Prime Minister insists his government is not bound to accept terms and conditions of the Bill and the final decision rests upon the Parliament but that is not a view that his President shares. The President, in fact, is confident that it is 'a pro-democracy aid package which needs to be defended in the Parliament. Meanwhile, President Obama has delayed signing of the Bill in Washington due to the wide-scale criticism it has received in Pakistan. What is at stake right now is the democracy. A democratically-elected government of Pakistan is once again being confronted by the military. A similar offer was received and accepted without a whimper during Musharrafs military government but, then, that is another story. Discussion and debate is, of course, good for democracy in all circumstances but the threatening atmosphere that has been formed by militarys show of dissent on the issue is not really conducive. -ZAINAB IHSAN, Lahore, October 8.