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So who are the factions? As I understand it:

PPP and its remnants, now possibly aligned with Sharif

ISI, who have god only knows what agenda of their own

Islamic militants, who seem to overlap with ISI and probably have links to organised crime through Afghani heroin

Musharraf and a dwindling band of loyalists

The rest of the military, some of whom will be trying to replace Musharraf

The CIA doubtless also has some interest in what's happening.

Is that about right? Or is there more in the pot?

by ThatBritGuy (thatbritguy (at) googlemail.com) on Fri Dec 28th, 2007 at 07:03:54 AM EST
Beluchistan, the Pashtun re-unification aspirations, and the ethnic/regional angles to the other forces too.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
by DoDo on Fri Dec 28th, 2007 at 08:14:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]
And groups in Kashmir.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
by DoDo on Fri Dec 28th, 2007 at 08:14:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]
A good backgrounder, attached.

There are a few names to look for. One PPP leader is Aitzaz Ahsan, who was in solitary confinement recently (don't know if he still is) and told Bhutto not to cooperate with Musharraf, is quite popular, arguably more popular than the almost indisputably corrupt Bhutto. Implacalbe foe of Musharraf; if Washington is serious about democracy in PK rather than maintaining control via alternative conduits, he's a man to watch (but hint - don't hold your breath on Washington's desire for Democracy in PK).  

This might also be a moment for Imran Khan to show he is not the political lightweight many accuse him of being.

by redstar on Fri Dec 28th, 2007 at 10:30:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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