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Weakness at Top Worsens Pakistan's Woes

Zardari has alienated party allies and foes alike: officials

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 26, 2009 12:19 PM CST
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(Newser) – In less than 6 months at Pakistan's helm, Asif Ali Zardari has surrounded himself with cronies, alienated top advisers, and created a situation that has diplomats warning that he's undercutting efforts to oppose al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Benazir Bhutto's widower is holed up inside his palace, and cabinet ministers who venture there risk public insult: He called one "impotent" and told another to "shut up," the Wall Street Journal reports

Zardari's latest move—dismissing a provincial government yesterday following a court ruling against his political opposition—led to a 5% drop in Pakistan's stock exchange. Through a spokesman, Zardari denied that he is fueling disputes and reiterated a commitment to unite the fractious nation. Says one frustrated senator, "This is what you come to expect at the presidency. You go there and you are insulted."

Zardari, right, confers a civilian award to visiting Joe Biden in Islamabad. Washington is likely concerned about the political infighting distracting Pakistan from fighting terrorists.
Zardari, right, confers a civilian award to visiting Joe Biden in Islamabad. Washington is likely concerned about the political infighting distracting Pakistan from fighting terrorists.   (AP Photo/Press Information Department, HO)
Pakistani supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif burn an effigy of Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari during a protest earlier today.
Pakistani supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif burn an effigy of Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari during a protest earlier today.   (AP Photo/Khalid Tanveer)
Supporters of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif demolish a billboard showing the portraits of President Asif Ali Zardari, left, and his allies.
Supporters of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif demolish a billboard showing the portraits of President Asif Ali Zardari, left, and his allies.   (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Asif Ali Zardari adjusts his hair during a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, unseen, at the presidential palace in Kabul last month.
Asif Ali Zardari adjusts his hair during a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, unseen, at the presidential palace in Kabul last month.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
Zardari dismissed opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif from his provincial chief minister post yesterday, sparking widespread protests and plunging the nation's stock exchange.
Zardari dismissed opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif from his provincial chief minister post yesterday, sparking widespread protests and plunging the nation's stock exchange.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
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Riot police try to quell protests
Bloomberg

Protesters torch photos of Zardari
AFP

Zardari eager to keep China ties
Indian Express

 
War on Terror • Pakistan • Benazir Bhutto • political factions • Nawaz Sharif • infighting • Asif Ali Zardari • Afghanistan war

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