Pakistan President to Quit as Army Chief

Wed Dec 24,10:49 PM ET
By PAUL HAVEN, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's pro-U.S. president agreed Wednesday to quit as army chief by the end of 2004, part of a surprise deal with the anti-American Islamic opposition and a historic step in this nuclear-armed country's return to democratic rule.

Pervez Musharraf will serve out the final 3 1/2 years of his presidency, but he may be in a less powerful position and some observers questioned whether he will be able to stay in power without the military at his beck and call.

The agreement, reached after months of protests by the Islamic opposition, also forces Musharraf to scale back extraordinary powers he decreed after ousting a civilian government in 1999.
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http://news.yahoo.com/?tmpl=story&cid=516&e=19&u=/ap/pakistan_musharraf


The words "return to democracy" sound so sweet...

the militants may win an election... they are far less ahem, friendly
to Washington,

This is to a point truly a careful what you wish for.... situation

Musharraf (including today) leaves me worried that he's about to be eliminated by al Qaeda, even before end of 2004 when he gives up control of the Army (surprise deal??? saving his ass, more like it). I'm afraid we're about to have some nukes on the loose.

to 14.
http://news.yahoo.com/?tmpl=story&cid=1512&e=12&u=/afp/pakistan_attacks_toll

Teh second fear is a thermo nuclear war with India... the fanaitcs
and they have them by teh dozen, will want to take Kashmir back...not that the Indians don't have their own hot heads mind you

But between this and the two assassination attempts, it looks like something very erratic and dangerous is in the cards.

Shrub will save us...:scared: