The United States will remember Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for his decision to become an ally in the war on terror shortly after 9-11.

That decision helped immensely in the fight against Taliban extremists and al-Qaida terrorists in Afghanistan and the region. The United States and its allies would have faced a more difficult mission in Afghanistan without Pakistani government support.

That is why President Musharraf has been highly praised by President Bush through the years and by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Monday as she offered "deep gratitude" for the resigning president's help.

But Mr. Musharraf was a problematic friend of America because of his authoritarian rule in Pakistan. Having seized power in a 1999 coup, Gen. Musharraf, a career military man, pledged democratic government but did not deliver promised reforms.

Last year, he ousted several Supreme Court judges who had the power to block his re-election and imposed emergency rule on the country. He was also blamed for not doing enough to protect former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a political rival, who was killed when she returned from exile to Pakistan.

Mr. Musharraf has been isolated following the election of a civilian government in February. Pakistan has faced criticism for not doing enough to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaida fighters operating along its border with Afghanistan.

In short, he was not the perfect ally. But his decision to join the war on terror helped his country monetarily and the United States immensely. That is why Secretary Rice described him as "one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism."

Ms. Rice also expressed support for Pakistan's elected government. "We believe that respect for the democratic and constitutional processes in that country is fundamental to Pakistan's future and its fight against terrorism," she said.

In the end, the United States must stand for freedom and democracy — ideals that Mr. Musharraf resisted during his nine years in power.