Musharraf Meets with Exiled Pakistani Leader

Bhutto, a former rival, could be key ally in his bid for re-election

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2007 12:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Embattled Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf met with exiled opposition leader Benazir Bhutto yesterday in Abu Dhabi to rally support, sources tell CNN. The two leaders haven’t spoken since Musharraf seized power in 1999, but their reps have been talking for months. Musharraf hopes to hang on to the presidency but may have to cede his duties as army chief.

Bhutto, a former prime minister, could return to that post as part of an alliance with Musharraf, one expert suggested, providing him with support in the parliament. Musharraf, a key US ally against Islamic extremism, has been considering holding presidential elections, but the expert warns that if he “rigs or cancels” them, “Pakistan could explode.”

[Images (5)]

[Videos (2)]

Benazir Bhutto, Chairperson Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan speaks on "The Future of Pakistan" at The International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, Friday... (Associated Press)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto talks to a journalist in South Kensington, London Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Bhutto talked about the recent terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow,... (Associated Press)

In this picture released by the Press Information Department Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks for his televised address in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, July 12, 2007. Musharraf vowed... (Associated Press)

Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf salutes as he arrives to attend the 34th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, Pakistan in this May 15, 2007, file photo. Gunshots... (Associated Press)

Pakistan military ruler President Gen. Pervez Musharraf addresses a news conference in this Feb 2, 2007, file photo in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. From the dusty streets of Punjab to the priveleged ranks of... (Associated Press)

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Musharraf Meets with Exiled Pakistani Leader