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COLUMNISTS
TODAY'S STORIES
18.02.2008
The Beginning of the End for Musharraf?

It sounds like it could be, after his party was nearly obliterated in parliamentary elections Tuesday:

“Musharraf should be preparing a C-130 for Turkey,” Mr. Ahsan said, referring to Mr. Musharraf’s statements that he might retire to Turkey, where he spent part of his childhood.

Two politicians close to Mr. Musharraf have said in the past week that the president was well aware of the drift in the country against him and they suggested that he would not remain in office if the new government was in direct opposition to him. “He does not have the fire in the belly for another fight,” said one member of his party. He added that Mr. Musharraf was building a house for himself in Islamabad and would be ready soon to move.

Also worth noting is that Islamic religious parties appear to have performed badly, even in the North West Frontier Province--perhaps an indication that the United States has less to fear from a democratic Pakistan than some believe.

--Josh Patashnik 

Posted: Monday, February 18, 2008 10:56 PM with 4 comment(s)

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rozenson said:

Ah, yes, Mr. "Real Pakistan". The Islamists are failing in Pakistan as they always have. Democracy is usually in US interests anyway, as long as we back it.

February 19, 2008 3:36 AM

ratnerstar said:

There are very real risks that come with a democratic Pakistan.  But there are very real risks that come with an undemocratic Pakistan as well, and they are probably harder to mitigate.  

February 19, 2008 9:35 AM

cspencef said:

One of the nicest things about democracy, when it works well, is that the loud, noisy, strident minorities who grab so much attention for themselves are revealed to be just that--loud, noisy and strident to be sure, but most of all, minorities.

February 19, 2008 12:01 PM

boneill said:

This is not a great day in Pakistan, but it isn't the worst either.  Stil, if anyone thinks this luster is going to last with Mr. 10% running the ruling party, they are way off.  The bloom will fade quickly.  

February 19, 2008 12:41 PM