Pakistan's Musharraf resigns - the show begins

[machangezi]

As soon as Pervez Musharraf announced his decision to resign on a televised address to his nation, the ruling coalition (who distrust each other) went into a marathon meeting to choose his successors. Initiating impeachment by the coalition government against Musharraf was nothing but a vindictive move - eye for an eye sort of approach. Asif Ali Zardari wants someone from Sindh province to fill in the President’s position (maybe he’s referring to himself?) whereas Nawaz Sharif is hopeful of getting himself fixed, somehow.

In my humble opinion, it’s about time the coalition parties fall apart as they distrust each other. Now the main challenge, according to the leaders of coalition government and international media, facing the coalition government is reinstatement of deposed judges although in my opinion increasing militancy, never ending power shortage, inferior education, and sky rocketing prices are more important than the reinstatement. I am not saying that reinstatement is not essential. It is but it shouldn’t be given top most priority under such circumstances when the country is going through hard times.

The two major parites - Asif Ali Zardari’s “Pakistan People’s Party” and Nawaz Sharif’s “Pakistan Muslim League - N, have different views on the reinstatement of deposed judges. PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif wants an immediate reinstatement where as PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is asking for more time to think over the modalities.

According to the ruling parties, Musharraf’s exit means return of political and economic stability in the country which I kind of doubt it myself.

I just heard from a reliable source that PPP’s chairman, Bilawal Bhutto - son of late Benazir Bhutto, wants someone from his party to take up the President’s job! Here’ we go ….1,2 ….3.

According to an insider the PPP, besides other names, is also considering Faryal Talpur - Asif Ali Zardari’s sister, for the post of President!

Let’s see what the small coalition parties have got to say on the matter. Shall we? Awami National Party (ANP) chief wants the coalition parties to appoint a new governer of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) from his party! Jamiat Ulama e Islam has requested the post of Balochistan’s governor!

Let’s turn to the US now. Last year the American government referred to President Musharraf as “an indispensable ally”. Yesterday, Condoleezza Rice ruled out the possibility of the US of A giving political asylum to President Musharraf! So much for American friendship. This should be a lesson for all those who want to befriend the US of A.

During his nine years rule the secular minded General - Pervez Musharraf, handed over tens of key Al Qaeda leaders to the US of A (over 700 member altogether). He was perceived as “Bush puppet” and things really went against him when he sacked the supreme court judges.

Last year the US of A, who wanted to keep its credibility as the upholder of democracy, had set an almost impossible task for Musharraf: to step down as army chief, hold free and fair elections and in the mean time remain in power!

According to some analysts, Musharraf was doing a great job. He had the guts to challenge the ever increasing militancy in Pakistan, especially in the NWFP . He was the first choice of the West but in my opinion the West betrayed him. As of late the West has started thinking that Musharraf deliberately allowed the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) - Pakistan’s powerful spy agency - to play a double game by pursuing Pakistan’s ambitions for strategic depth in Afghanistan through its jihadi proxies.

Back to the coalition parties. I personally don’t expect the two coalition parties, who distrust each other, to hold the coalition government together for long. Since the civilian government came to power on February this year we have witnessed tremendous increase in number of attacks on Indian army along the Line of Control (LOC). These attacks have potential to jeopardise the peace process between India and Pakistan that was initiated by President Musharraf - perhaps his greatest achievement.

Now the question is “how long will the coalition parties stick together”? A year max is my best guess.

First published at The Confab Blog

[Texpat]

Will the new coalition government be tougher or more lenient on the tribal regions along the Afghan border?

[good2bhappy]

Pakistan has a record of military take overs.
How long before the current govt forces the army to take back the reigns of power.

[sabang]

Bhutto, Sharif, Zardari. When will Pakistani politics stop being a family business?

[good2bhappy]

when the army is in control?

[machangezi]

Will the new coalition government be tougher or more lenient on the tribal regions along the Afghan border?

Lenient unfortunately. Nawaz Sharif, back in 90s, attempted to amend some constitutional clauses to declare himself "Amir ul Momineen".

[machangezi]

Bhutto, Sharif, Zardari. When will Pakistani politics stop being a family business?

23 families have ruled Pakistan since its creation. This family business will, unfortunately, go on and on and on. Are Pakistanis sick of them? Most Pakistanis are unfortunately uneducated (rural areas) and they support these goons. The middle class has always supported secular minded leaders such as Musharraf.

[good2bhappy]

These families own vast tracts of land.
It is still feudal in the rural areas

[machangezi]

I fail to understand the Western policy here. Why didn't they support Musharraf - the best ally ever? The West knows that the civilian government is not going to take serious note of insurgency in triable belts.

Are they in some sort of talks with the army?

[Norton]

I fail to understand the Western policy here. Why didn't they support Musharraf - the best ally ever?

Political expediency pure and simple. Unfortunately for Musharraf, the political situation in Pakistan has evolved such that over enthusiastic support of him would only result in the "west" being seen to take sides against the will of the current Pakistani government and it's citizens. The "west" needs Pakistan in supporting anti terrorism. Alienating Pakistan is counter to the need. Musharraf is just the latest but not the last of "best allies" to be cast aside.

McCain's recent uttering "today we are all Georgians" rings of truth. Tomorrow however, we may not be.

[machangezi]

The West could have chosen someone better to lead the country and continue fighting the Taliban in the North West Frontier Province.
Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, in the heart of hearts, dislike - perhaps even despise each other. They can't/won't stick together for long. Things will be messed up once again and the rise of insurgency will further jeopardise world security.

Between 1996-1999 when Nawaz Sharif was the Prime Minister, he launched case after case against Zardari and ensured that he went to prision on corruption charges. Meanwhile, Zardari persecuted Sharif whenever the PPP was in power.

The best thing for the West is to keep negotiating with the army. Army is the real power. They have the guts to flush out militancy from the country. Army chief must be taken in confidence to achieve Western goals.

I would never approve on Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari running the country.

[sabang]

'Busharraf' Fall May Boost Pakistani Support for War on Taliban


By James Rupert
Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- As president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf portrayed himself as America's staunchest ally in battling Islamic extremists. And that's why his resignation yesterday may actually strengthen the government's fight against Taliban insurgents.

Musharraf ordered offensives against al-Qaeda and Taliban guerrillas that failed to wipe them out, killing civilians and destroying villages in the process. He was so closely identified with the U.S. response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that Pakistani columnists, bloggers and students dubbed him ``Busharraf.''

With the president gone, the coalition government can pursue militants free from any association with the U.S. and an unpopular leader, increasing public willingness to help government forces gather intelligence.

His ``actions were seen as dictated by America,'' said Mahmood Shah, a retired brigadier general and former security chief for the Afghanistan border zone, a stronghold for the Taliban. Now, the fight against the Taliban -- which controlled Afghanistan until the U.S. ousted them for harboring the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks -- ``will have more credibility and get more public support.''

A poll released in June by a Washington-based research group, Terror-Free Tomorrow, found 58 percent of Pakistanis favored negotiating with Pakistan's Taliban movement, while 19 percent favored military action. It said 73 percent believed the U.S.-led ``war on terror'' is really aimed at weakening the Islamic world or ensuring ``American domination of Pakistan.''

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Asif Ali Zardari

They say 'Mr ten percent' has become even more corrupt since his wife, Benazir Bhutto, died.

[Norton]

The West could have chosen someone better to lead the country and continue fighting the Taliban in the North West Frontier Province.

I think they tried but unfortunately she was assassinated.

I would never approve on Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari running the country.

I don't think the west is overly enthusiastic about the prospect either.

[Norton]

will have more credibility and get more public support.

Credibility perhaps, support remains to be seen. Initial support likely from the public but when AQ retaliates against Pakistani civilians as they have and will when attacked, will the support last? I doubt it. Simple choice of short sighted self preservation really.

[Texpat]

His "actions were seen as dictated by America,'' said Mahmood Shah, a retired brigadier general and former security chief for the Afghanistan border zone, a stronghold for the Taliban. Now, the fight against the Taliban -- which controlled Afghanistan until the U.S. ousted them for harboring the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks -- "will have more credibility and get more public support."

That's the problem. Any leader that aligns him/herself with the west will bee seen as a puppet. If they don't align themselves with the west, the country gets a watered-down, half-hearted attempt at taking control -- that leads toward failure and new governments year after year.

It's a catch 22.

[barbaro]

The West could have chosen someone better to lead the country and continue fighting the Taliban in the North West Frontier Province.
Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, in the heart of hearts, dislike - perhaps even despise each other. They can't/won't stick together for long. Things will be messed up once again and the rise of insurgency will further jeopardise world security.

Between 1996-1999 when Nawaz Sharif was the Prime Minister, he launched case after case against Zardari and ensured that he went to prision on corruption charges. Meanwhile, Zardari persecuted Sharif whenever the PPP was in power.

The best thing for the West is to keep negotiating with the army. Army is the real power. They have the guts to flush out militancy from the country. Army chief must be taken in confidence to achieve Western goals.

I would never approve on Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari running the country.

Thanks for the info and details, Macha. I know little details about Pakistan and am interested in learning more.

I suppose the first paragraph in this post you wrote above shows what may be in store for Pakistan in the near future.

[good2bhappy]

Asif Ali Zardari

Ah Mr 15%

[machangezi]

15%? I thought it's Mr. 10%.

[good2bhappy]

^ inflation?

[machangezi]

As I predicted the goon, Asif Ali Zardari, has his name in the list for the job of President.

Asif Ali Zardari wants someone from Sindh province to fill in the President’s position (maybe he’s referring to himself?) whereas Nawaz Sharif is hopeful of getting himself fixed, somehow.

Linky PRESIDENT ZARDARI? -DAWN - Top Stories; August 24, 2008

[good2bhappy]

The games begin.
nawaz Sharif is going to pull out from the coalition.
how long before the army steps back in?

[machangezi]

The army will but not so quick. They will wait until it is too much. Musharraf was the best of the worst lot. Since the goons demanded his resignation, I personally wanted him to step down so that I can see the show.

Nawaz the thug gave Monday (today) deadline to Asif the goon to reinstate the judges or he pulls out of coalition. According to the thug, if his demands were not met he would sit in opposition benches.

The funniest thing is that both fuckwits are unelected.