Pakistan - political unrest in store for Musharraf

[TonyGosling]

Decision loosens Musharraf’s hold on power: Stratfor
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\07\21\story_21-7-20 07_pg7_12

WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court verdict reinstating the chief justice makes it “virtually impossible” for General Pervez Musharraf to sustain his hold on power, as the judiciary will now become all the more assertive in its efforts to force the president to seek compromises, according to Stratfor, an American news intelligence service. The Supreme Court verdict will prevent General Musharraf from securing his own controversial re-election while holding the post of military chief. The verdict will further embolden an already energised judiciary, which will attempt to block any move by Musharraf with regard to his own re-election, as well as the parliamentary elections, Stratfor speculates. According to the analysis, “In fact, the judiciary will now move to serve as a watchdog on all actions of this government and all future governments. Meanwhile, Musharraf will be forced to seek a negotiated settlement on the matter of his own re-election, and that will result in him stepping down as military chief in order to continue as president. Should he try to resist the pressure from the judiciary, it will only lead to massive political unrest. Musharraf cannot afford to manage protests by pro-democracy forces and simultaneously fight the jihadis who are waging a major.” khalid hasan

Pakistan Supreme Court reinstates chief justice
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/pakistan-supreme-court-reinstates- chief-justice/2007/07/20/1184560045259.html