General {Musharraf} moves deeper into labyrinth (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad

Saturday's move by Pakistan's ruler General Pervez Musharraf to implement emergency rule was not unexpected.

The move was first considered as a possible option in August, soon after the Supreme court restored Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.

Mr. Chaudhry had been suspended by General Musharraf in March on allegations of abuse of power.

He denied the charges and was supported by Pakistan's lawyers and opposition political parties.

The subsequent storm of protests proved to be the sternest test General Musharraf had faced thus far.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7077392.stm

[LakeSamish706]

1. My hope is that Musharraf will soon be toast in Pakistan! That country...

is a far greater threat to the US and the world than Iran is... Shit they have Nukes for God sake... If those weapons get into the wrong hands they could start any number of wars in the ME.. Hell if they decided to lob one into India, the whole world would become a tinderbox... (But hey, that would make both GWB and Cheney's day)...

[Igel]

2. And who to replace him?

Bhutto? She had two shots to tamp down Islamism, and ignored it both times.

Sharif? He's the guy the army ditched in '99. Recognized the Taliban, I think he did.

Some other general? Like the country would go for that.

Chaudhry? While he'd like it, I'm sure, it would be bad.

Musharraf, not a good choice. Got another?

One that actually fits in with the problems the country has, from the drug trade, to dacoits, to the Bugti/Balochi mess, to the Taliban, and one that accommodates both the ISI and the military?

Good luck.