U.S. urges Musharraf, Bhutto to consider cooperating

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

U.S. urges Musharraf, Bhutto to consider cooperating
Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:58PM EDT

By Arshad Mohammed

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has
urged embattled Pakistani President Pervez
Musharraf to explore ways of cooperating politically
with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a
diplomat said on Thursday.

The effort to encourage a political deal, first
reported by The New York Times, appears aimed at
shoring up Musharraf's eroding domestic support
and at ensuring Pakistan's continued cooperation
with the United States in the war on terrorism.

The strategy carries risks for Washington, which
could be seen as meddling in Pakistan's internal
affairs, and for Bhutto, who could taint herself
by allying with Musharraf, who seized power in a
bloodless coup eight years ago.

The Pakistani president, who is preparing to seek a
second term in office, has seen his popularity plunge
since his failed attempt to oust Pakistan's chief
justice this year and he faces a deepening political
crisis at home.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1529903120070816

---

Related: U.S. Is Prodding Pakistan Leader to Share Power - New York Times