The following column was published in many leading newspapers of the world. Written by Laura King, it highlights the problems and challenges the President of Pakistan faces. What I make of it? That Mr. Zardari is on his way out! This government has pushed the people of Pakistan to the wall and a backlash is evident.

Long Live Pakistan!

Zardari’s crisis leadership questioned

By Laura King,

Los Angeles Times-Washington Post

Islamabad: A year ago, Asif Ali Zardari was a political footnote. He was best known as the corruption-tainted, polo-loving husband of Benazir Bhutto, the charismatic former Pakistani prime minister who appeared poised to make a dramatic return to power.

Now Zardari, who took over leadership of Bhutto’s party after she was assassinated in December 27 and became president three months ago, finds himself head of state at a time of extraordinary turmoil, even by Pakistani standards.

Stung by Indian accusations that Pakistani militants played a leading role in last month’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, the country has responded with an outpouring of nationalistic sentiment.

For the moment, that sense of affront and grievance is uniting Pakistanis of all political persuasions, but many analysts believe it could eventually backfire on Zardari.

A tough stance

To please a domestic audience, the 53-year-old president has taken a tough stance toward India, refusing to hand over suspects sought by New Delhi and expressing skepticism that the attacks emanated from Pakistani soil, despite mounting evidence from Indian investigators and Western intelligence.

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