I have to admit, she has guts.  She might be just what America needs in Pakistan--a moderate, pro-US, WOMAN, in charge.

 

Normally, I consider gender to be of incidental importance in a political realm, but not here.  Because the Taliban are so anti-woman, Butto has become an incarnation of their greatest fear: a powerful woman.  They will expend every resource possible to get her.

 

So this has, to paraphrase Sun Tzu, provoke our enemy into reckless behavior.

 

I think that pakistan - iraq anology is not correct, in iraq there is no one with the power but strong holds of 3-4 power houses, but in Pakistan army is still in power and has authority over almost whole Pakistan. one may remember that some times ago the new classification added pakistan in middle east, probably US wants to apply the middle east strategy here to support his backed people in Government.

i'm suprised no-one has mentioned musharraf's latest move and what it throws into the equation

Well,

 

My instincts say that it will just make matters worse.  Musharraf has got a tiger by the tail here.  He isn't in control of things, but he's afraid to let go.  I don't think it's a matter of his being corrupt, so much as understanding that the people who take over after he steps down will be both corrupt and vengeful.

 

On the other hand, Pakistan has a long tradition of military dictatorship.  Pakistanis may be more resigned to it than we would expect (especially after that huge bomb blast targeting Butto).

 

I think this will somehow end with Musharraf going into exile in the US or getting assassinated--when it happens is anyone's guess.