US daily lists sources of political power in Pakistan

Washington, May 28 (UNI) US officials have complimented Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's anti-terrorism efforts and credited him with reviving his country's economy, while expressing belief in his vision of democracy.

A US diplomat, speaking off the record, confirmed last week that the United States plans to stick with Musharraf, whereas most of the officials avoided speaking on the specifics of Musharraf's election plans.

An Islamabad datelined report in the Washington Post noted that the United States wields special influence in Pakistan, where power stems from particularly of three sources: the army, Allah and America, quoting ''Of the three, (President Pervez) Musharraf seems to be doing best with America.'' A lifelong army man, Musharraf's support in the military seems to be intact, although several prominent retired generals have spoken out against him and have even talked ominously about the possibility of a coup. But among many Islamic leaders, meanwhile, Musharraf has become deeply unpopular because of his support for United States.

It said, ''as confidence in Gen Pervez Musharraf falls at home and abroad amid allegations he is moving away from democracy and becoming increasingly autocratic, the Pakistani president has had at least one unwavering ally: the United States.'' Pakistanis -- particularly opposition figures -- are watching for signs that that will change. Any indication of weakening support from the United States, they say, could spell the end of Musharraf's teetering administration. But policymakers and analysts in Islamabad and in Washington insist that is unlikely because the United States lacks a Plan B in Pakistan and is uncomfortable with alternatives to a man who has been considered a vital ally since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The report quoting former US ambassador and director of the South Asia programme at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies Teresita C Schaffer said ''US policy in Pakistan is to move toward free and fair elections. But in practice, that comes in welln behind the anti-terrorism agenda.'' Musharraf has been embroiled in the strongest challenge yet to his rule since he suspended the country's Chief Justice on March 9 for alleged abuses of office. The judge, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, has denied the charges, and his name has become a rallying cry for Musharraf critics.

The daily said Musharraf's handling of the judicial crisis and his plans for the elections have earned him rebukes from European nations.

UNI