In other news Shaukat Aziz with Mushs obvious blessings has confirmed they are in talks with Benazir. It is amazing how willing Mush is to make a deal with anyone to stay in power (whats next Sonia Gandhi?)
ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties’ reasonable suspicion about clandestine negotiations between the aides of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Benazir Bhutto and President Pervez Musharraf’s has now turned into a strong belief.
**A huge and solid confirmation of the secret dialogue came from a person no less than Musharraf himself when he recently stated that he would offer no comment on the talks or a likely deal with the PPP. **
Yeah Zakk, it suddenly seemed quite obvious on 11 Oct when during the post-iftar conference Mush answered to a question about talks with PPP with a stern, 'i wouldnt comment at the moment etc...'
This is quite pathetic really, what are the 'talks' about? I wonder what the 'talks' agenda is? PPP wants power, but what does Mush want now, and that too from PPP? I wonder who's willing to compromise what...?
Musharraf will do anything to hold on to power he has the most corrupt lotas from different political parties baptized in his cabinet so it should not come as a surprise when he will accomodate benazir and zardari too in his cabinet
Pakistan is transititioning from a religo-radical state to moderation under the terms and conditions of its main power broker ie Pak army. PPP is the only remaining national political party that represents the moderate view thus the natural alignment of interests.
More like Mushys love for his kursi FG, deals with the MMA, trying to make deals with the PPP..its the politics of opportunism to the n'th degree. Mind you it wold be silly for any party or group to make a deal with Musharraf. Unless your name is George Bush he doesn't tend to keep his promises.
whatever pluses PPP has as a secular/moderate party are turned into minuses by their parallel undemocratic traits of party-chair-for-life, wadera mindset...etc...
Zakk,
Your observation that Mushy wishes to remain in power at any costs is correct, thus the constant wheeling and dealing. Since the old paradigm (army+Mullah) has become a international embarrassment, establishment needs to present itself as a moderate state thus the move towards secularists/moderate/feudalistic/nationalists parties. As much as Mush depends on the army for domestic support, western recognition and acceptance has an equal share in his survival. Take away either of these levers and Mush becomes redundant.
[QUOTE]
As much as Mush depends on the army for domestic support, western recognition and acceptance has an equal share in his survival. Take away either of these levers and Mush becomes redundant.
[/QUOTE]
Perhaps youre right FG, but isnt it the same for every govt, civil, military, dictatorial and whatever all over the world? Perhaps its less so only for the mighty US...
Combinations work and if one angle collapses the equation goes wrong. So it's not just Mush who's unique in this regard.
