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Musharraf's Exit Leaves Alarming Power Vacuum

Washington frets as nuclear nation steps into unknown

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 4:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pervez Musharraf was once Washington's most important ally in the Muslim world, but the general-turned-civilian president of Pakistan had become an increasingly unreliable partner in the combat against Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents, writes the New York Times. Now that Musharraf has resigned, the US will have to work with Pakistan's squabbling, distracted coalition government, which has shown even less interest in fighting the rebels.

"We’ve said for years that Musharraf is our best bet, and my fear is that we are about to discover how true that was," said a top White House figure. Terrorism is not America's only concern—the administration is deeply concerned about who is controlling Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Some in Washington are worried about "steadfast efforts" by militants to infiltrate Pakistan's nuclear laboratories.

Outgoing President Pervez Musharraf salutes as he leaves the presidential house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
Outgoing President Pervez Musharraf salutes as he leaves the presidential house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Outgoing President Pervez Musharraf is surrounded by top military officers as he leaves the Presidential House in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
Outgoing President Pervez Musharraf is surrounded by top military officers as he leaves the Presidential House in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A Pakistani reads a morning news paper covering headline story of Pervez Musharraf's resignation at a stall in Karachi, Pakistan on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.
A Pakistani reads a morning news paper covering headline story of Pervez Musharraf's resignation at a stall in Karachi, Pakistan on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
President Bush walks with Pervez Musharraf to the East Room at the White House to hold a press conference in 2006.
President Bush walks with Pervez Musharraf to the East Room at the White House to hold a press conference in 2006.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Outgoing Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf leaves the presidential house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. Musharraf announced his resignation Monday, ending a nearly nine-year tenure that opponents said was hampering the country's shaky return to democracy.
Outgoing Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf leaves the presidential house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. Musharraf announced his resignation Monday, ending a nearly nine-year tenure...   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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