Pakistan: The President General's Hat Dance

The debate over Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's status as military chief made headlines in Pakistani newspapers Sept. 8. Although the opposition appears to be gearing up for a showdown with the general, it is questionable whether the factionalized groups can unite to force Musharraf to become a civilian head of state. Musharraf's future is not only a domestic political issue — it also impacts the U.S. war against al Qaeda-led jihadists.