by SHAMILA N. CHAUDHARY
The truth is out there — but it doesn’t really matter what it is. This seems to be the mantra for politics in Pakistan these days, and none of us are immune from it. The Pakistani press was quick to judge President Asif Ali Zardari’s last-minute trip to Dubai for medical treatment as a form of political exile in disguise at the behest of the military. His departure instantly confirmed the prevailing view that Zardari is increasingly on the ropes with the military and that the “Memogate” scandal — in which Zardari allegedly drafted a cable to the U.S. government offering to reshape Pakistan’s military leadership — was indeed the straw that broke the camel’s back for the military. This is Pakistan after all, a place where the military is always in charge. Is it any wonder none of us really waited to learn the full details of Zardari’s trip to Dubai before speculating on the political possibilities of a post-Zardari Pakistan?
Rumors of Zardari’s political demise have been greatly exaggerated a number of times over the course of his eventful three-year presidency. While it’s certainly too early to count him out now, his already weak political position now seems even further compromised, and it’s not too soon to look at the scenarios for how this weak, but surprisingly resilient, leader could leave the stage and who might replace him.
Foreign Policy for more
(Thanks to Robin Khundkar)