That is giving way too much credit to the PAK Army then it deserves - (while they have done some good work, and about as much as can be expected in general....they have certainly not been actively engaging on a daily basis...not even close).
I think that Musharraf is more of an enemy than an ally.
"However, analysts say the relatively poor showing at demonstrations ordered by clerics in the wake of the crackdown after the July 7 bombings in London may yet embolden the government to strangle the mullah-ocracy in the province at birth."
I am not sure I want to give to much credence to that statement. Firstly, those tribal areas contain people of a totally different culture/mindset, many of them may not have the slightest idea as what happened in Britain. Secondly, they probably are not turning out in support of the clerics because they are afraid they are going to piss the federal govenrment off, and have Paki army troops invading their privacy. Thirdly, the local tribal leaders are probably scratching their heads more and more and asking just who's side is this president on. e.g. Pakistan or America.
"However the alliance of Islamic clerics (MMA) who swept to power in the province in 2002 argue that Hasba law, which was passed in a democratically elected assembly, reflects the "will of the people" and must be allowed to stand. "
The goal is not one man, one vote, one time. The goal is Freedom. And Islamic rule is its antithesis.
Pakistan is a mess. A nuclear one.
Too freaking late!! He did nothing when Pak was helping establish the Taliban in Afghanistan, and he's probably helping to hide bin Ladin (may the fleas of a thousand camels move into his beard).
He's targeted by the hard liners already and he knows he can only do so much, which makes him little more than a puppet.