Pakistan: Musharraf Nearing Breakthrough With MMA?

Five factions of the Pakistan Muslim League have announced their unification as one party. There are also reports that the ruling civil-military establishment is close to clinching a deal with the Mutahiddah Majlis-i-Amal, which comprises the bulk of the Islamist opposition. Both of these events will strengthen President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's hold on power, which in turn will facilitate continued U.S. efforts against Islamist militants in the region.