Political Vacuum in Pakistan

Now with Musharraf out of the political picture in Pakistan, a power struggle between Zardari and Sharif is brewing over who should replace Musharraf as president. Zardari, Benazir Bhutto's widower, is leader of the largest party in the Pakistani parliament and Sharif is leader of the largest opposition party. After the parliamentary elections, they formed a coalition government. One of the main factors for keeping the coalition together was their opposition to Musharraf.

Negotiations between the two parties to determine the next president is threatening to split the coalition. On Tuesday, members of Sharif's party met with members from Zardari's party but stormed out of the meeting without talking to the media. The second largest opposition party, MQM, is supporting Zardari for president. The longer it takes to nominate a president, the more likely the cracks in the coalition will threaten to dissolve it.

NATO general,David D. McKiernan, NATO commander of Afghanistan has told AP that the political chaos in Pakistan has emboldened the taliban. While the politicians are wrangling over who will be the next president, the taliban are consildating their power in the North Western Provinces. Not only are the taliban consildating their power but they're expanding.

Once again, Pakistan is becoming the hub for mujahideen wanting to fight NATO in Afghanistan. There has been a significant increase in attacks across the Pakistani-Afghanistan border in recent months. General Mckiernan also noted that NATO forces are encountering a number of foreign fighters, for example Chechens, Turks and Middle Eastern fighters as well as "sometimes Europeans.".

Victory in Afghanistan is totally dependant on what happens to the taliban's safe havens in Pakisatn. The political landscape in Pakistan does not paint a very conforting picture that the terrorist safe havens will be dealt with.