It baffles me beyond belief that the western powers, particularly the U.S and U.K can't see beyond their nose. It has been obvious to all who cared to see, that it was Musharaf who brought the religious parties into power and then threatened the west that if he goes the extremists will take over. Nothing can be further from the truth. A look at the electoral history of Pakistan will confirm that the religious parties never won more that a handful of seats in the National or provincial assemblies. Musharaf rigged the 2002 election to give them the undeserved political clout and then threatened the west that it is either him or the Mullahs. Bush and Blair wake up before it is too late.

John Douglas, San Diego, U.S.A

I think the question is if there are any political parties in pakistan? The political game players keep changing their motives, principles, values, claims and allegiances however they deem is appropriate for their own pockets. I do not think Musharraf is going to have any problem staying in power as the president or chief of army staff as long as he has america's support and an ample supply of our money sucking corrupt politicians. As for the militancy, not that I am against militancy for various reasons, I think he can keep it curbed for several more years.

Imad Ashfaq, Nashville, USA

Pakistan has suffered enough at the hands of its own army and the so called politicians in the name of religion. If the people are to choose between the two, an overwhelming majority would prefer to have the General in power with the Mullahs out of the picture. I hope any deal that materialises in the near future does not have extremist elements.

Hassan, London, UK

West assures only itselff when it considers Musharaf as a moderate, in fact, our chiefs of Army staff, could use any tactic to occupy the presidential palace. They were never librals nor religious (take Zia as an example). Therefore, if West chooses to make it abundantly clear to our generals that it will only support a democratic government elected by fair election and stick to it, radicalisation will die down much sooner.
One the other hand, if it only gives a lip service to democracy, democracy will never bloom in Pakistan. Pakistani people have many short comings, however their trust in election is deep rooted, you will only have to hold a fair one.

MA Mirza, Slough, UK

The very fact that Musharraf wants to stay on as president at all costs shows that he is not really interested in the future long term interests of Pakistan. His philosophy is "Appres mois, le deluge". Unfortunately this has been the case of all military rulers that Pakistan has had the misfortune to stomach. The mantra of the hour should be, "It is the institutions stupid!" Musharraf staying on sets the wrong precedents and does not help institution building. If he really wanted a stable and prosperous Pakistan he would act according to the constitution instead of flargrantly violating it every day. Come on guy, spare Pakistan!

Nasir Khilji, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. A.

Musharraf may send Benazir government packing home once he has been elected by the next parliament and got the 'legitimacy'. He is such a treacherous man.

I disagree with one of the commentators that people of Pakistan need Musharraf. The people wouldn't wait for a moment to see his back. He has done incalculable damage to the country after Zia. He has handed over Karachi to an ethnic party whose boss is in so-called asylum in London. The security situation is getting worse by the day.

If Benazir had to enter into a deal then Nawaz sharif must get its due share as well.

khobar, London, UK

Gen Musharaf teaming up with BB is a news that so many in this country view as the only plausible way for liberal Pakistan as this is the need of the hour although this formula may not be ideally damocratic , that is Peoples Party accepting Musharaf as their in-uniform president but it is the only way to flush out right wingers and extremists which are plaguing my country! Benazir should push for a Musharaf without big boots immediatly if possible or working out a 'deal' with him to sideline the role of the fascist army of pakistan for ever as the authorotarian ruke by the Army is an equal threat to the stability of this country as do the extremists, just giving in to every demand of the General can have its own sire consequences!

Nabeel Arshed, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

for the 160 million people in pakistan and the region
its important that Musharaff keeps the top job,
the rest of the crowd i.e benazir, nawaz etc are just
timewasters

abbas, RAWALPINDI,

I certainly agree that Gen. Musharaff is between a number of rocks and multiple hard places. A smart man would know when to call for help. Nixon turned 180 degrees and went to China in 1972, so Gen. Musharraf could conceivably call Benazir Bhutto back. It makes sense in a few weird ways as in someone to share the blame with, an attractive target to steer the bullets towards, she charmed the Taliban into Afghanistan, now she can try to reverse the magic.....I'm sure Benazir will be all over this power sharing sea change being the bear for punishment or patriot that she is. If these two leaders could possibly cooperate for real, they could change Pakistan although it would be very messy and lengthy process. It all depends on whether there is an actual political centre from which to draw enough power to successfully sideline the extremes.

Linda Dial, Calgary,