Musharraf's army breaking ranks

[QuietStorm]

KARACHI - Ever since its creation in 1947, Pakistan's political landscape has been characterized by the military's deep involvement, be it through direct intervention and the imposition of martial law, or through behind-the-scenes manipulation of civilian governments.

The present administration is no exception. President General Pervez Musharraf came to power in October 1999 through a bloodless coup that deposed the elected government of Nawaz Sharif. National elections have subsequently been held, although Musharraf effectively still wields power through his presidency and as chief of army staff.

However, the army's role in politics has been dramatically shaped by the unprecedented events of September 11, 2001. The army under Musharraf has been forced, because of the global fallout from the terrorist attacks on the United States, to make decisions that have seriously split the armed forces.

Well-placed sources within the army have revealed to Asia Times Online that recently several top officers have been arrested. These arrests have been kept secret as no charges have been laid. The officers, according to the sources, were seized after being fingered by agents of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as probably having links with international Islamic militants.

more...
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EH30Df01.html

[bemildred]

1. Chaos looms ...

[LoneStarLiberal]

2. It Was Only Ever A Thin Veneer

Muzzy has only kept the lid on discontent in the Army by some very strategic re-shuffling of commands and some early retirements. Sentiment with the Islamists in Pakistan has always permeated certain parts of the armed forces and Muzzy has had to keep on his toes to stay out ahead of it.

Unless he's just a whole lot smarter than I give him credit for, his internal repression is going to catch up to him in spectacular and deadly fashion some day in our near future.

[Bolo Boffin]

3. So there's a possible purge in Pakistan too?

As reported here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=125&topic_id=2119

There seemed to be one in Saudi Arabia too.

Hmmmmm.

[bemildred]

4. This is all part of our plan to "stabilize" the Middle East.

:puke: