Breaking: Musharraf steps down as army chief

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday stepped down as the country's military leader, a day before he was to take the oath of office for a third presidential term -- this time as a civilian.

"This army is my life. This army is my passion. I have loved this army. From tomorrow morning, this relationship will change, and I will be no more in uniform," an emotional Musharraf said in a farewell ceremony to the army at its headquarters in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad.

His retirement as general capped a 46-year career in the nation's armed forces and ends eight years of military rule.

Musharraf said it was sad for him to leave, but "this is the way of life, and life has to go on."

Musharraf has been under pressure to step down as the country's military leader and end emergency rule under which critics say he has consolidated power. During the past two days, he has made farewell visits to the army, air force and navy headquarters.

Musharraf handed over the military chief's post to his chosen successor, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani, who recently stepped down as head of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence agency.

more:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/28/pakistan.musharraf/index.html

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1. WTF? I know it's 3 in the morning, but this sank like a rock.

Kick!

[aquart]

2. So the top spy heads the army now?

Which changes what for the Pakistani people?

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3. Not sure.

Sharif returned to Pakistan on Sunday, ending seven years of exile in Saudi Arabia. He had first returned in September, but Pakistani authorities deported him within hours of his arrival.

What's up with that?

I guess I don't know enough about Pakistani politics/history or Sharif.

One things for sure - someone else is Pakistan has control over it's nukes.

[entanglement]

5. Apparently the new guy is a Musharraf loyalist

and Washington already has a working relationship with him. He's also "thought to harbor few political ambitions of his own". I suppose the powers that be consider those qualifications adequate.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/musharraf-quits-as-army-chief/2007/11/28/1196036982146.html

[malaise]

4. This is the joke of the century

Run for an election knowing you are not eligible, fire the judges who state that fact, appoint your own hacks, take off the uniform which made you ineligible and presto democracy is working.

Now this is an inversion of reality. :puke:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/pakistan/Story/0,,2218287,00.html

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