Adil Najam
Noises drenched in that uniquely Pakistani mix of rumor, spin, speculation, and analysis suggest that something is afoot in Army House, Rawalpindi. Some suggest that spurred from the US as well as the new political dispensation in Pakistan, but largely because of their own accord, the military leadership is finally ready to ease Gen. Musharraf not only out of Army House, but also out of the Presidency. Official spokesmen, of course, deny this vehemently. Which, given that this is Pakistan, adds an added layer of authenticity to the rumors.
It is time, once again, to wonder what lies in the future of Pakistan.
Although October 2007 now feels like another era, we had asked some similar questions then. At that point we had wondered about the future of Pakistan’s politics (for the next year) in light of the possibility of Gen. Musharraf doffing his uniform. Our readers’ responses had been mostly on the mark - most of you had predicted a year of increased political turbulence and a curtailing of Gen. Musharraf’s influence. Of course, the year is not up yet and anything could well happen between now and October 2008.
The record of our readers in the last ATP Poll we did - on the future of the PML(N)-PPP coalition - was a little less stellar. Most had thought that the coalition would weather the judicial storm. As it turned out, the coalition fell even before the Poll ended.
So, what do you think lies in Gen. Musharraf’s future between now and October 2008. Has anything changed since the last poll? What? Do vote and do share your views in the comments section.
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What is going to be the future of President Musharraf? I don’t think even the president himself knows the answer to that. He’s taking a gamble, in the larger interest of the nation I might add, to hang in there as long as he can.
I think it is necessary that President Musharraf sticks around just because if he quits right now the PML-Q will disintegrate into the PML-N and the PPP would be forced to sit in the opposition. This will create a much more volatile situation that what we face today.
I just pray that the Pakistani nation comes out of its craze for Iftikhar Chaudhry and the media stops biting the hand that fed them for so long.
Indeed governing Pakistan is probably the most difficult job in the world. One of the reasons being in tough times your good qualities are forgotten in no time.
I think Musharraf will muddle through as long as the army is behind him and the U.S. we know fully supports him. As long as he can stand on these two legs, he will survive.
I have a feeling that the military itself is fed up with Musharraf and it will have him sent off despite the politicians not having their act together
What’s wrong with the pictures? Shows a man who is worried about his future. Whether you like him or not, the situation for Musharraf is worrisome. Anyone in this situation who would not be worried, should be worried!
Adil Sahib;
My apologies, but the multiple photographs concretely depicting Musharraf’s disposition, are not only unkind but also crude according to the society we live in. (Yes Pakistan media does this all the time)
Furthermore with your bias so glaringly obvious, the voting, coming from those of us (including me) who hold your opinion in high esteem, the poll results will definitely be eschewed.
Regards.
With America still backing him, Army top brass yet reluctant to openly play politics and Awam still unwilling to come to the streets Musharraf seems to be safe for now. The drama appears to linger on till early next year when a new president will occupy the Oval office and Pakistani senate will be awash with anti Mush members. Having said that one must never forget that all political guesstimates are potentially flawed as even one day is a long time in politics.
Ignominy, article 6, trial, phanda.
This time, I think, the die is cast and the general is on his way out. One way or the other. And within weeks, not months.