Suspending the constitution and declaring martial law "for the benefit of Pakistan" [w/UPDATE]

in all seriousness, read this carefully... given the present state of executive power in the united states, there is absolutely nothing to prevent the very same scenario from happening here... be sure to note that the underlying justification for this outrage is that the "war on terror" must continue unobstructed...

from the bbc...

Pakistan has been engulfed in political upheaval in recent months, and the security forces have suffered a series of blows from pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf's support for the US-led "war on terror".

In a lengthy televised speech late on Saturday, Mr Musharraf said the situation had forced him into making "some very painful decisions".

"I suspect that Pakistan's sovereignty is in danger unless timely action is taken," he said.

He insisted his decisions were made for the benefit of Pakistan.

[...]

"Kindly understand the criticality of the situation in Pakistan and around Pakistan. Pakistan is on the verge of destabilisation," he said.

"Inaction at this moment is suicide for Pakistan and I cannot allow this country to commit suicide."

[...]

Gen Musharraf's address echoed the text of the declaration of emergency rule, which opens with a reference to the "grave threat" posed by the "visible ascendancy in the activities of extremists and incidents of terrorist attacks".

It ends by saying that the constitution is in "abeyance" - which, according to our correspondent, in effect means that martial law has been imposed, although there is not a heavy security presence on the streets.

[...]

Shortly after emergency rule was declared, all private news channels were taken off the air and tough restrictions have been imposed on the media.

Statements that defame Gen Musharraf, the military or the government are prohibited and statements or pictures from Islamist militants are banned from broadcast or publication.

you can bet george is keeping a close eye on this one... NOTHING can be allowed to interfere with the "war on terror..."

[UPDATE]

the nyt gives no quarter either to mushararraf or bush...

General Musharraf’s move to seize emergency powers and abandon the Constitution left Bush administration officials close to their nightmare: an American-backed military dictator who is risking civil instability in a country with nuclear weapons and an increasingly alienated public.

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