Nuke-armed, fundamentalist Pak, a major danger globally

A nuclear-armed, fundamentalist-threatened Pakistan will continue to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world, says The Telegraph.

London, Dec.28 : A nuclear-armed, fundamentalist-threatened Pakistan will continue to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world, says The Telegraph.

With Pakistani politics already in a state of ferment, there is a view that Thursday's assassination of Benazir Bhutto could add immeasurably to the volatility of that unhappy country.

According to the paper, whatever Bhutto's failings, and they included arrogance, tolerance of corruption and administrative incompetence, - she epitomised resistance to military hegemony in a country. And now, her assassination could put the restoration of representative rule on the backburner.

The circumstances are such that Musharrafmay decide to postpone or cancel parliamentary elections due on January 8.

There is also the possibility of the elections being rigged in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q).

The situation may deteriorate to the extent that the army decides once again to intervene, this time removing the author of the 1999 coup, Musharraf.

Power is likely to be dispersed between Musharraf and the new army chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, or whoever emerges on top after the elections.

ANI