Pakistan: Through the Eye of a Needle [blog], Reuters // Pakistan:Now or Never? Perspectives on Pakistan, 21 December 2009
EXCERPT: "For the first time in many months, the future of Pakistan is being determined not in the fight against Islamist militants, but within its institutions — its judiciary, its political parties, its government and its military. Last week’s decision by the Supreme Court to strike down a 2007 amnesty given to politicians and bureaucrats has provided Pakistan with a rare opportunity to remodel itself as a civilian democracy based on the rule of law. But the way forward is so fraught with difficulties that assessments of its chances of success are at best sober, at worst ominous. . .President Asif Ali Zardari had also been covered by the amnesty, but remains protected by presidential immunity. Such was the upheaval created by the ruling that foreign exchange markets were briefly shaken last week by unfounded rumours of a military coup. The real impact is likely to be more slow-burning."
Read the full story.
Related articles:
Politicians, judges and generals in Pakistan [commentary], Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 22 December 2009
Has sleaze ruling left Pakistan more polarized?, BBC News, 22 December 2009
LHC suspends sentences against Rehman Malik [Interior Minister], DAWN, 22 December 2009
FATA lawmakers announce support for govt to save democracy, GEO TV, 22 December 2009
Pakistan's government reaches out to opposition, The Associated Press, 21 December 2009
Malik orders tight security for Chief Justice, DAWN, 20 December 2009
Will there always be a Pakistan?, Foreign Policy, 11 December 2009
Related posts:
Following ban, defense minister allowed to travel; Govt dismisses coup speculation, 18 December 2009
Zardari under pressure to resign following court ruling, 17 December 2009
At the precipice: Is Pakistan about to fail?, 10 December 2009
Pakistan leader faces court test, militant attacks, 9 December 2009
Amnesty case stirs tension, charges challenged, 7 December 2009
