Archive for August 18th, 2008
President Pervez Musharraf resigns
Pervez Musharraf the president of Pakistan resigned from his post and said goodbye during a live address to the nation today. Musharraf came to power in 1999 and goes after 9 years of rule not uncommon for a military general, 8 of which were spent in uniform. Jubilant scenes were reported from some areas in Pakistan where people celebrated by eating mithai and doing bhangra. In some places there were tears and mourning. But most of the Pakistanis remained indifferent to the ‘regime change’ not sure whether to be happy or sad.
Musharraf had been threatened with impeachment by the ruling coalition unless he resigned. Apparently the US had also stopped supporting him so he decided to say goodbye leaving behind, a new look Zardari to take care of Pakistan. A new era of ‘democracy’ has begun today. But will the the Chief Justice will be restored in 72 hours remains to be seen. And what about the American war we’re fighting. What about the Taliban and Al-Qaida and all that crap? The maulvis are obviously happy to see Musharraf go. This move may lead to more instability and uncertainty giving the US the opportunity to take out Pakistan’s nuclear weapons with a clean strike.
Nawaz Zardari
The west will not be happy because Musharraf was the man keeping ‘Pakistan’s extremists in check’ (or so they say anyway). Can Zardari be that man for them also remains to be seen. If Musharraf really cared about Pakistan he would have taken Zardari with him. Instead the gave him to us as a farewell present. In any case its more turbulence ahead for Pakistan. So hold on and try to enjoy the ride. Until its over…
