The resignation of Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf after nine years of military rule has marked a historic political success for his rivals at home who have been seeking his removal from office since last February elections.
President Musharraf departure resulted, in part, due to his political enemies. They convinced his supporters in the Bush Administration and Congress that U.S. military interests in the region would not be undermined by his removal. Also, it would prove unwise to continue to support an unpopular ruler in what appears to be a domestic crisis. President Bush, who considered President Musharraf an ally of the United States, sought the assistance of Saudi Arabia and Great Britain in convincing key members of Pakistan government and coalition parties to ensure Musharraf’s immunity from prosecution at home or abroad.
President Musharraf has insisted that his decision to resign was as a result of his desire to serve the national interest.
According to Mubarak Zeb Khan, a friend of Atlas who writes for Dawn newspaper in Pakistan, the challenge for the new government is national unity, rebuilding civilian institutions and restoring economic growth. In addition to tackling a widening trade deficit, soaring inflation, food shortages and sliding forex reserves.
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