Editor's Note: Talha Mujaddidi*, Axis of Logic columnist and correspondent in Pakistan has been keeping us up to date on the rapid changes taking place among the Zardari regime, the army and the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. These issues are of utmost importance, especially in the context of Obama's covert and aggressive military campaign in Pakistan and Afghanistan. For those who are unfamiliar with some of the organisations and people involved, a glossery of terms and names is provided below.

- Les Blough, Editor

Political turmoil continues in Pakistan. President Zardari has imposed Section 144 of the Pakistani Law, which means that no public procession can be held, no public gathering can take place. No public rallies, no protest rallies, since last night police have been busy arresting opposition leaders, and lawyers from all across the country. It is likely that most of the prominent leaders of the opposition parties will be arrested. The government is doing this to make sure that the long march on March 16th 2009 is unsuccessful. Police have virtually sealed off entry points into the capital Islamabad. Islamabad is not divided into Baghdad style green zones and Red zones. No one can enter into red zone unauthorized.

Such is the fear in Presidents’ mind for his security. Zardari hardly leaves the President house, if he does it’s only to travel. Earlier this week Interior Advisor, Rehman Malik, told newsmen in his press conference that treason charges can be bought forward upon Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz for their severe criticism of government and call to people from civil disobedience. Government like all previous governments in Pakistan will soon turn its stick upon the media, and it is being feared that certain news channels and news anchors will get the axe in coming few days.

Zardari, for the time being has turned this country into a police state. Unauthorized arrests are going on and this is likely to inflame the political chaos prevailing Pakistan. U.S and British Ambassadors have met both government leadership and Nawaz Sharif but so far it seems that both sides are unwilling to back down from their stance. Political analysts are worried that coming days can see violence, strikes, and government paralysis. Gen. Kayani, the Pakistani Army Chief has met Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Gillani and has advised both of them to try to settle the inflamed situation peacefully. At the same time he must have advised both the leaders that time is of essence. The current state of chaos is unlikely to last for long time. President Zardari is currently away on a tour of Iran, (which is unique in itself), since the country is engulfed in a political mess, and the President is visiting Iran. 

This is the current update from here, things on the streets are still normal; people can go about their daily lives normally in vast majority of the cities of the country. Punjab, the most populated province of Pakistan, and the heart of government and the center of current chaos is affected the most by this police action. A lot of local daily laborers are unable to get their daily wages. Economically Pakistan is not doing well since last one year at least. If situation does not improve soon and political normality doesn’t return soon then people from poor sections of the society might take to streets.

Political settlement of all issues is a must at this time, but it doesn’t look like Zardari and his cronies are ready for that, they want total control and power in their hands. Zardari has made sure that even town police officers and district police officers are those who are loyal to him. This will only lead to disaster and democratic process in Pakistan will come to a grinding halt. Army Chief at the moment is patient but how long will his patience last?

Glossary of Terms and Names

1. National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) is the brainchild of Condi Rice, Richard Boucher, and John Negroponte. The NRO brought the current Pakistan government under President Zardari into power. One of the key functions of the NRO was to "baptized" all the corrupt politicians of the past, erasing their crimes and misdeeds.
   
   
2. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is the ruling political party under President Zardari.
   
   
3. Benazir Bhutto 12th and 18th Prime Minister of Pakistan and the only woman ever to serve as Prime Minister. She was the eldest child of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She was assassinated on December 27, 2007.
   
   
4. Pervez Musharraf is former dictator-turned- president of Pakistan. He was forced out of office due to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and his loss of support by his former sponsor, the U.S. government.
   
   
5. Asif Ali Zardari is the current president of Pakistan. He is the former husband of Benazir Bhutto and came into power on her coat tails after she was assassinated. He is also the son of veteran politician Mr. Hakim Ali Zardari. Mr. Zardari is commonly known in Pakistan as "Mr. Ten Percent" due to his well-known cuts on various government deals.
   
   
6. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan with Zardari as president. Both are members of the ruling political party, the PPP. He was elected as Prime Minister, unopposed.
   
   
7. Nawaz Sharif is two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan and equally as corrupt as Zardari.
   
   
8. Shahbaz Sharif is the brother of Nawaz, former Chief Minister of Punjab Province, and was CM still when he was removed under Governor rule in the province by Zardari and Supreme Court ruling.
   
   
9. Chief Justice Iftikhar Choudary, was the CJ of Supreme Court of Pakistan, he was appointed by Musharraf, he stop vital corrupt privatization deals, and recovered more than seventy missing person who were in CIA/Pakistani intelligence prisons in Pakistan. Choudary was removed from office by Musharraf in March 2007.
   
   
10. ISI- Inter Services Intelligence is Pakistan’s top spy agency. Very close ally of CIA. Also knows some intimate secrets of Afghan Jihad against Soviet, which was partnered by CIA and Regan administration. Recently ISI has been told not to interfere in domestic politics by Gen. Kayani.
    
    
11. Salman Taseer, playboy former corrupt business tycoon, owner of different companies and a fake degree from a U.K college in Accounting. One of his wives is an Indian National, of Sikh origin and she writes in Indian Express Newspaper. Taseer is seen as a sellout to India by the public.
    
    
12. PML (N) is the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz group, currently PML is split into three groups. The three groups can come together soon. PML (Q) was also called King’s Party’ since it was formed by President Musharraf, now with Musharraf out of the scene Q and N are likely to join hands again.

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