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Leaderless Pakistan Drifts Toward Chaos

Infighting, confusion imperil battle against militants

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2008 5:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – Four months after historic elections in Pakistan, the nation has descended into leaderless chaos, Western diplomats and military leaders believe. The void has serious consequences for fighting militants in Pakistan's lawless northwest on the border with Afghanistan, reports the New York Times.

"I have a feeling that no one is in charge and that is why the militants are taking advantage," said one retired general. Pakistan's new civilian government is barely functioning after half its ministers resigned in a dispute, and confusion over the transition from military rule has led to disarray. Many say the only organization with real legitimacy is the country's intelligence agency, which operates largely without oversight.

Asif Ali Zardari, right, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Nawaz Sharif, head of Pakistan's Muslim League-N party left, walk head a meeting in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, 20, 2008.
Asif Ali Zardari, right, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Nawaz Sharif, head of Pakistan's Muslim League-N party left, walk head a meeting...   (AP Photo)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Pakistan's slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, smiles during his news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan. Friday, May 30, 2008.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Pakistan's slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, smiles during his news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan. Friday, May 30, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Lawmakers from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party hold a protest rally against a court ruling barring Sharif, seen in photo in background, from running in parliamentary by-elections, in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.
Lawmakers from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party hold a protest rally against a court ruling barring Sharif, seen in photo in background, from running in parliamentary by-elections, in Islamabad,...   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistani lawyers shout slogans as they travel on the top of a bus, during a protest in Lahore, Pakistan.
Pakistani lawyers shout slogans as they travel on the top of a bus, during a protest in Lahore, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Supporters from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party chant slogans during a protest rally against a court ruling barring Sharif, seen in pictures at left, from running in parliamentary by-elections, outside the National Assembly in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.
Supporters from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party chant slogans during a protest rally against a court ruling barring Sharif, seen in pictures at left, from running in parliamentary by-elections,...   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gestures during a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gestures during a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed, File)
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