Musharraf is quickly losing his grip on Pakistan

[babylonsister]

Musharraf is quickly losing his grip on Pakistan
Parliament is expected to confirm a new prime minister on Monday, further isolating Musharraf.
By Mark Sappenfield | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

from the March 24, 2008 edition



New DELHI - In naming its candidate for prime minister Saturday, the party of Benazir Bhutto has taken a further step toward sidelining Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) loyalist Yousuf Raza Gillani, jailed for several years during Mr. Musharraf's rule, is expected to easily win the approval of parliament in a vote Monday. With the public still firmly against Musharraf and his allies now out of power, each success of the new government leaves him more isolated.

Musharraf has been an American ally in its war on terrorism, but his weakening position could certainly affect the way the United States battles Al Qaeda and Taliban operatives. The new ruling coalition has stressed the need for dialogue with militants – a position that reflects public opinion but may not be welcome by Washington.

Increasingly, Musharraf is finding himself only a spectator, a vastly different position from the one he held as head of the Army until November.

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http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0324/p01s04-wosc.html