Re: Extremism needs a political solution [split: Imran Khan escapes from house arres
I believe that this is the straw that will break the camels back. Despite terse diplomatic proclamations, the US and UK must be furious with him. Our days of supporting Dictators are over. This is most distasteful. If anything the back channels are on fire, and the message to the Pakistani Army will be clear. Mushy is discredited, and the Pak army has never supported a discredited leadership. When street protests result in Pak soldiers slaughtering protestors, the whole ordeal will become too unsavory for the Pak army. Mushy will fall.
The only thing preventing street protests now is the sudden shock of the event. As the outrage grows and becomes more organized, there may be a "green revolution". These are uncertain times, I hope you all stay safe.
I regret to say that your analysis will not come true. The US/UK have dealt with dictators and autocrats and will continue to do (Hosni Mubarak, Kings of S.Arabia etc).
The opposition to Musharraf is too divided. As you can imagine, Pakistan's many ethnic, political differences are highlighted during crises. At the moment only 2 Western Provinces (NWFP + Baluchistan) have opposed him. The eastern (majority) provinces have not turned against him outright. On the political side you have the Urdu Speaking MQM + Strong in Sind and parts of Punjab, Bhutto's PPP not actively opposing this action. As for Punjab, its heavy representation in the military has created a situation where there is a sense of complacency if not acceptance. Sure there are pockets of opposition in Sind & Punjab but they are hardly unified.
Oh and the overseas Pakistanis don't count. Besides these internet based protests, they will not be effectual in the matters of the homeland.
Actually, I would like to see a green revolution..but it won't happen.