As Pakistan's presidential election nears, the United States finds itself in a delicate situation concerning the "war on terror."
Pakistan is a leading ally to the United States in the international arena, and the United States rewards the country well with their stance, giving billions of dollars to Pakistan, aiding President Bush's agenda overseas as well as Pakistan's security interests.
After Musharraf's resignation, the sources of power for a Pakistani president must again be looked at. Even though a president holds the head of state role, normally suggesting more of a traditional aspect, and less of a political one, Pakistan's president actually constitutionally claims a large amount of formal powers. These include the powers to dissolve the National Assembly; declare a state of emergency, such as Musharraf did just recently; appoint the prime minister; and veto privileges. And even though some will disagree, I must state that perhaps a large portion of power given to the president of Pakistan isn't such a bad thing. After all, the country is a hugely volatile area with a significant threat of terrorism. However, the area to look at isn't exactly this.
The thing to watch in the proceeding political events of a fresh Pakistani government, a new president elected to the country, and also a new U.S. administration is the relationship between these two countries, especially in regards to how it may evolve.
Already the current relationship is becoming a little strained as the United States frets over the expected Pakistani president, Asif Ali Zardari. Zardari is the choice of the Pakistan People's Party, which controls much of the parliament. This hints at not only a large portion of formal powers, but also political powers, which can be compared to the United States political system.
Take, for example, Congress led by one party, and a president belonging to that party. A president's agenda is easier to push in this aspect.
The most frightening thing about all of this is the supposed mental instability of Zardari, and his ability to control Pakistan's nuclear weapons if he wins the presidency.
Needless to say, the United States is a little concerned, and rightfully so.
Regardless of which candidate wins the Pakistani presidential elections, the nature of the relationship between Pakistan and the United States will change, in regards to the current administration, and a new administration that will form after the U.S. presidential elections.
The deal brokered between Pakistan and the United States is already changing on Pakistan's side. In the brief five or so months of the new government, there has been an increase in the crackdown on the Taliban, and the prevention of the ease of access of militant groups on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The interesting thing to see is if anything else changes, and whether future changes will be monumental or seemingly insignificant.
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