Musharraf Ends Rumors, Resigns

Pakistani President Avoids Impeachment; Defends Position As U.S. Ally In War On Terror

(CBS/ AP)  Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced Monday that he will resign, just days ahead of impeachment in parliament over the U.S. ally's attempts to impose authoritarian rule on his turbulent nation.

An emotional Musharraf said he wanted to spare the nation from a perilous impeachment battle and that he was satisfied that all he had done "was for the people and for the country."

"I hope the nation and the people will forgive my mistakes," Musharraf said in a televised address, much of which was devoted to defending his record and refuting criticisms.

Musharraf dominated Pakistan for years after seizing power in a 1999 military coup, making the country a key strategic ally of the U.S. by supporting the war on terror. But his popularity at home sank over the years.

In addition, Musharraf's loss of power within the military may have also doomed his presidency.

"The military has been central to this major shift in Pakistan," said one senior western diplomat, who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity Monday after Musharraf's announcement.

Last week, senior army officers told CBS News, they had conveyed to the former president that the powerful army would not actively support him.

The message from the army made a fundamental difference to Musharraf in a country where the armed forces have ruled Pakistan for more than half its 61 year existence as an independent state, reports CBS News reporter Farhan Bokhari.

The Pakistani military is considered to be the only main institution which can play a role in curbing the flow of Taliban' and al Qaeda militants from Pakistan's border region in to Afghan territory where troops from NATO and the US are deployed to fight a raging Islamist insurgency, Bokhari reports.

With Musharraf's utility fading, the West has appeared less concerned with his fate than about how the clamor was affecting the halting efforts of the new civilian government against terrorism and the gathering economic woes.

Many Pakistanis blame the rising militant violence in their country on Musharraf's alliance with the U.S. His reputation suffered blows in 2007 when he ousted dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule. His rivals won February parliamentary elections and have since sought his ouster, announcing impeachment plans earlier this month.

A U.S. Embassy spokesman declined to comment after Musharraf's speech, referring calls to Washington. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday the Pakistani president's future was an internal issue.

While Musharraf was a "good ally" who "kept his word" on ending military rule when he stepped down as army chief last year, whether he should resign "is a matter for Pakistan to determine," she said.

People celebrated in the streets of some Pakistani cities at the news of the resignation. resignation. In Rawalpindi, supporters of the Pakistan People's Party shot into the air with rifles. Lawyers gathered and waved flags outside the Parliament building in Islamabad.

Musharraf said he will turn in his resignation to the National Assembly speaker on Monday but it was not immediately clear whether it would become effective the same day. The chairman of Pakistan's Senate, Mohammedmian Soomro, will take over as acting president when Musharraf steps down, Law Minister Farooq Naek said.

It also was not clear whether Musharraf, a stalwart U.S. ally, would stay in Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said leaders of the ruling coalition would discuss later Monday whether to prosecute Musharraf in court on charges that that were being planned for the impeachment process.

Musharraf's political foes celebrated.

"It is a victory of democratic forces," Information Minister Sherry Rehman said. "Today the shadow of dictatorship, that has prevailed for long over this country, that chapter has been closed."

Musharraf, who has been largely sidelined since his rivals came to power, had resisted the mounting calls to quit, even after the coalition finalized impeachment charges against him and threatened to send a motion to Parliament later this week.

The charges were expected to include violating the constitution and gross misconduct, likely in connection with the ouster of the judges and the declaration of emergency rule.

In announcing he would quit after all, Musharraf mentioned the many problems facing Pakistan, including its sinking economy. He said his opponents were wrong to blame him for the mounting difficulties. "I pray the government stops this down-sliding and take the country out of this crisis," he said.

Allies and rivals of the president said talks had been under way to get him to step down by possibly granting him legal immunity from future prosecution. The second biggest party in the government has said he should be tried for treason, which carries a maximum punishment of death.

Who will ultimately succeed Musharraf is an open question. There has been speculation that both Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, the leaders of the two main parties are interested in the role.

But the ruling coalition has sought to strip the presidency of many of its powers. Sharif spokesman Saiqul Farooq recently dismissed the idea that his boss wants the job because the presidency would likely be reduced to a ceremonial position.

Qureshi would not say whether Musharraf might be granted a "safe exit" - speculation has focused on whether he might go into exile in Saudi Arabia or Turkey - or dragged through the courts.

"That is a decision that has to be taken by the democratic leadership," Qureshi, who is from the main ruling Pakistan People's Party, told Dawn News television. The leaders would assess the speech and the political situation, he said.

[lemonskink]

Even the Pakistani''s have the guts to rid themselves of a President who committed far less crimes than George W. Bush.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Had Positioned Nation As Key U.S. Ally In War On Terror"

"Many Pakistanis blame rising violence in their country on Musharraf''s alliance with the U.S."

It was clear that the Pakistanis wanted no part of Bush and his lies, so Musharraf, in 2007, "...ousted dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule", or in other words stacked the deck with unpopular and corrupt Bush sycophants, thus ensuring his own demise, it was only a question of when.

[cozzicon]

Oy!

Well so much for our foreign policy.

[rkimball3]

the majority of pakistanis want a islamic government. it is their choice,not ours. musharrif had to go for the sake of stability.

[toldyouso12]

In announcing he would quit after all, Musharraf mentioned the many problems facing Pakistan, including its sinking economy. He said his opponents were wrong to blame him for the mounting difficulties. "I pray the government stops this down-sliding and take the country out of this crisis," he said. "

This same scenario could be said about Bush. Except he is not stepping down, his many breaches in the Constitution are not being challenged and the "opposition" is either in collusion or in his pocket or are being blackmailed by him and therefore have not sought impeachment. Without a doubt the proof is there--what is missing is the will from a Congress intent on checks and balances to oust a man who has not only harmed this country but also caused great harm overseas.

The legacy of Bush are record deficits, record destruction in an unprovoked war with Iraq, record inflation and almost universal disdain and disrespect now--for both the US and Britain--around the world.

As goes the Bush, so declines the esteem of any who allied and supported him. Blair is out. The Australian Prime minister is out, Musharraf will be out--and the exodus will slowly continue.

As for Tomflint--never praise the arsonist for his attempts to put out the fires that he, himself has started--it only encourages pyromania.

[toldyouso12]

I don''''t think the world is very safe. I wouldn''''t want to live on the Pakistan/Iraqi border.

Posted by onemoretim at 07:12 AM : Aug 18, 2008


No one wants to live on that border--since such a border does NOT exist. LOL

[whitemale08]

...just another day in the life of the Anglo-American dual world empire.

[piercetheval]

...Q? What did the executioner say at the quilliotine between beheadings?
...A! NECKS!

[piercetheval]

...Q? What did the executioner say at the quilliotine between beheadings?
...A! NECKS!

[piercetheval]

...Q? What did the executioner say at the quilliotine between beheadings?
...A! NECKS!

[shazam115]

One american stoog will be replaced by another and nothing will change as usual ...pakistan will keep sinking into the releams of kaos and uncertainties...one thing is for certain that former corrupt leaders are back in business to steel from poor poor country and line up their pockets ,I can''t wait to see the taliban type of justice for these new corrupt thugs .....say good bye to pakistan america ,isn''t that you really wanted ....now have it your way again yankee doodle''s you surely will fail and fall on your face once again and me will be so so happy like mastercauseway_m the great.....woo hoo yankee''s.....

[gop_forever]

See liberals. George the Powerful wanted him gone and he leaves all by himself. He did not want to face the wrath of our brave leader.

[bob5ford]

Another win for the Taliban. Now Pakistan will align with Bin Laden and we''ll have to go in there. Only two problems - we don''t have enough military and they have nukes. Guess we should all learn Arabic and study the koran.

[shazam115]

Another win for the Taliban. Now Pakistan will align with Bin Laden and we''''ll have to go in there. Only two problems - we don''''t have enough military and they have nukes. Guess we should all learn Arabic and study the koran.


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Posted by Bob5ford at 09:14 AM : Aug 18, 2008
+

Sorry buffoon you are too dumb for such a misguided adventure....uncle BOB

[intheshade-2009]

This will save the US taxpayers a lot of money, we don''t have to prop up another puppet government. Saakashvili is next.

[mrmazerati]

Another Bush buddy down the tubes.

[tscc2]

It seems the US backs criminals and now the dominos fall. The US foreign policy is in a shambles thanks to the Republican Party. American democracy is something to fear thanks to Bush/Cheney and the world is finally catching on to the big lie.

[intheshade-2009]

The US is losing all their friends. The only allies we have are the ones we pay for like Georgia. It is very sad when all your friends are prostitutes.

[promaclaura]

I find it interesting that so many posters believe the U.S. has so much power in controlling Pakistan''s domestic issues. Yes, they want our aid, but continue to bite the hand that feeds them. Musharraf helped the U.S. as far as he could with a country riddled with radical islam that supports the Taliban. Pakistan student''s chants of killing the infidels was occuring way before Iraq and now we can only hope that their new leaders will recognize the evil within and take responsibility for their dangerous border''s as well.

Shame on the posters that blame the U.S. for everything in the world. I believe it was the U.S. that came charging to the rescue after their earthquake that killed thousands. Those same nasty American''s were in the thick of it after the tidal wave in Indonesia. How quickly we forget that the U.S. is the most giving Country in the World or that we shuck out the most money for aids in Africa due to President Bush. This analyzing of the U.S. as the reason for all the woes in the world is ridiculous and I suggest if you hate it so bad here you should move to these radical countries that you so revere.

[mrmazerati]

You why we blame Bush? Because it''s true, that''s why. The guy is a complete failure. Plain and simple.

[mrmazerati]

Sorry for the broken english on that last comment. I''m eating cereal and typing...

[petro49l]

Pakistan does not need a politician like Musharaf as leader. The nation needs a police commissioner in chief. Osama Bin Laden has no respect for the law. He promotes the sale of tar heroin. Poppy Farmers must produce safe and legal plants for opiate. The poppy industry has a poor reputation due to Al Qada''s illicit trade.

[promaclaura]

You why we blame Bush? Because it''''s true, that''''s why. The guy is a complete failure. Plain and simple.


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Posted by mrmazerati at 09:51 AM : Aug 18, 2008

That''s the problem, this isn''t Bush''s country or his issues. Pakistan wanted our money and aid so they cooperated for years. Domestically, Musharraf did squat to address the radical schools that are pumping out jihad wannabees. This has been going on way before Bush or the war in Iraq. It is the fault of the moderate muslims in Pakistan that refuse to turn against their jihad brothers. Bhutto was corrupt and they welcomed her back hoping for domestic peace, radicals killed her. It is so blind to blame Prez. Bush for everything and very naive to believe he holds so much sway.

[shazam115]

One american stoog will be replaced by another and nothing will change as usual ...pakistan will keep sinking into the releams of kaos and uncertainties...one thing is for certain that former corrupt leaders are back in business to steel from poor poor country and line up their pockets ,I can''''t wait to see the taliban type of justice for these new corrupt thugs .....say good bye to pakistan america ,isn''''t that you really wanted ....now have it your way again yankee doodle''''s you surely will fail and fall on your face once again and me will be so so happy like mastercauseway_m the great.....woo hoo yankee''''s.....


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Posted by shazam115 at 08:56 AM : Aug 18, 2008
+ report abuse

[questionnews]

"It''''s a dangerous situation. Republicans are not afraid to break the law, and Democrats are terrified to uphold it."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

Posted by Humanavance at 08:07 AM : Aug 18, 2008


Spot on!
Party People Zombies are so committed by allegiance to the "party" that they are blinded to see that neither Dems Or Repubs are worthy of any praise or votes.
The Repub President''s ratings are in the toilet and the Dem''s congress is half of that! Just look at the two candidates that they put on the ballots! That alone should tell you that both parties are inept!!

[tbweb]

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigns, good for him, now the opposition doesn`t have him to use as a scape goat anymore! Now lets see if Democracy can grow and bloom in Pakistan! Pervez Musharraf is a very smart man, I was a little surprised he did not partner with Benazir Bhutto and move Pakistan forward, power sharing with Bhutto and reconciling their differences would have extended his rule.

[blitzder]

Shame on the posters that blame the U.S. for everything in the world. I believe it was the U.S. that came charging to the rescue after their earthquake that killed thousands. Those same nasty American''''''''s were in the thick of it after the tidal wave in Indonesia. How quickly we forget that the U.S. is the most giving Country in the World or that we shuck out the most money for aids in Africa due to President Bush. This analyzing of the U.S. as the reason for all the woes in the world is ridiculous and I suggest if you hate it so bad here you should move to these radical countries that you so revere....posted by ProMacLaura at 09:42 AM : Aug 18, 2008------
they cant help it...it makes them feel better about their worthless lives to bash america -----------
Posted by jamesm12341 at 09:44 AM : Aug 18, 2008
-------------------------------------------------

Don''t flatter yourselves with self serving arrogant and shallow comments. You forget most of the terrorism is a reflection of failed US policies of intrusion then abandonment, while selling massive armaments for AMERICAN profit, to these groups by successive Republican administrations.

Also thousands of people from these countries work in major US industries and contribute a great deal to America.

[shazam115]

Suicide bombing and hiding in caves is what you do when you are technologically inferior.


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Posted by TomMarAlem19 at 10:14 AM : Aug 18, 2008

Okey technology tom to mars fellow get you bags packing and take your candy rear to the front lines of war on terror ...why are you hiding in your 50 square foot cage ....so much for technology goon ... you retards don''t even educate your self out side your trailer park ....a typical symptoms of an illiterate american that you are .....techno thumper that part of the world was the silicon valley of the world in the eleventh century when your ancestors wee willie wonk vikings and the barbarain germanic tribes were in dark the ages and ....based on conection in human history you luckly find your rear in modern day technologically advanced countries ....show some gratitudes to your past humans contributions to the world as you find your a-s-s cousy ...The question is a duffus like you ,would you be able leave anything for future generations or just use and abuse the past acheivements of mankind...

[missingamerica]

Now do the world - and your standing in the eyes of your God - a favor, Musharraf, and rat Cheney out.

[ozonmojo]

Now,the world would witness how incompetent and corrupt are Zardari and Sharif,the so called democratic leaders,who have always been symbols of the downside of democracy.

[jon2012-2009]

Shame on the posters that blame the U.S. for everything in the world.
Psted by ProMacLaura at 09:42 AM : Aug 18, 2008

I have yet to hear of anyone who blames the U.S. for ''everything in the world.'' For one thing, there are Democrats and independents who don''t toe the Republican party line and can be counted on to still speak with the voice of reason.

[petro49l]

The Saudis knew about the 9-11 Disaster before it happened. The catastrophe was a perfect excuse for a war and a steep increase on oil prices. The Saudis have Bin Laden promoting war and illicit narcotics. They authored the move to force their ground sludge and tar heroin on the world. American Oil Companies should make the right move and purchase petroleum leases from South American Governments.

[pirmin3]

He can have a nice retirement on the billions GW has paid him.

[donnie10007]

Except in circumstances of war. Thats why the founding fathers gave the position of commander and chief to the executive office, and not the congress. Circumstances arise in democracies where countries must face the more unpopular of decisions.

[endpcnow]

I am so sick of people defending Islam as a religion of peace. A recent poll in Pakistan showed 71 percent of the country opposed a Us war on terror. Where there is Islam, therei smassive oppresion,and expects to be the law of the land, rejecting a secular approach to government and has to retain its membership by threatening to kill anyone who leaves.

[donnie10007]

Popularity shouldn''t limit possibilities. And in the case of epionage and foreign policy and the complicated dynamics of national security, people must come to terms with not knowing what the right thing to do is.

[donnie10007]

But for some, war is an impossible decision. For some? War is the ultimate political failure. And thats a sad reality of being president. That every day you''re faced with being the most unpopular man in the world.

[donnie10007]

Nothing makes me more certain of a democrats incompatibility with being a President as does the global warming issue.. and the environmentalists who just say ''no'' all the time. Absolutists.. but of a philosophy incompatible with reality.

[donnie10007]

Maybe reality too is that there was no other possibility except war. But like a guy who just wants to be loved.. he refuses to accept it. He says with hindsite as his ally: "You could dun this!" "You coulda dun that!" Like some genius.

[donnie10007]

And he''s no genius at all..

[docpeter-2009]

First of all, when the American Revolution first started the American troops resorted to Guerilla fighting, ambushing the Brits and then running. Did they face them "head on"? No, they would have been "crushed." It was not until they got help from the French that America started to fight face to face.

Posted by Petro49L at 12:18 PM : Aug 18, 2008
_________________

Well, partially right. The Continental Army was established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. The Americans formed an alliance with France in 1778. The British and the Continental Army did engage in formal combat between 1775 and 1778.

[donnie10007]

He''s a moviestar.

[donnie10007]

This ain''t some.. god damned.. blockbuster movie. You ********* skkkkanks..

[donnie10007]

A president is not supposed to be a God. In fact, a God wouldn''t want, nor need to be a president. So stop referring to no ******** ''truth'' no more. We''re talk''n about people here. You think God sees any difference between a king and a peasant? They''re of the same lineage! The same stuff! CLAY!

[donnie10007]

A president is not ''anointed''. He''s elected.

[vastr-wcon]

.
Note to Nancy "Impeachment-is-off-the-table" Pelosi: see what good can happen when somebody with a backbone stands up to criminals instead of granting them immunity from prosecution for their high crimes and misdemeanors.

As an utterly incompetent political hack, you will go down in history as the worst Speaker of the House ever. You will live in infamy for openly declaring to the most criminal president and vice president ever that "You can do whatever you want, we in Congress won''t do our constitutional duty and stop your high crimes and misdemeanors. H*ll, we won''t even bother to open a serious impeachment investigation, and we''ll basically ignore Kucinich''s Articles of Impeachment for Cheney and his Articles of Impeachment for Dumbya. So go ahead, destroy the Constitution, abuse the Bill of Rights and make a mockery of the American democracy. We''ll look the other way."

The uncontested, arrogant, lawless and un-Constitutional behavior of CheneyBush has provided motivation for criminal thugs around the world - like Musharraf and Putin --to thumb their noses at democracy and act like these American criminals.

Any rational person will hope and pray and do all they can to ensure that Cindy Sheehan defeats Pelosi in the next election.

/

[deacon20081]

A Hint to the Democratic and Republican Parties...IMPEACH BUSH........Or suffer the consequences at the Voting Booths in November.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
Be careful of what you ask. I we impreach Bush, we get Cheney. Cheney will Pardon Bush.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
Be careful of what you ask. If we impreach Bush, we get the devil Cheney. Cheney will Pardon Bush.

[navyvet77]

Shucks, why does Pakistan get all the good impeachments?

Posted by SgtStedenko at 02:05 PM : Aug 18, 2008

------------------------------------------------------

The Clinton impeachment was pretty good, don''t your think?