Powderkeg Pakistan on Edge

Not a good situation in nuclear-armed Pakistan. The nightmare scenario of radical Islamists with nukes could eventually happen.

President Musharraf could declare a state of emergency in Pakistan amid growing civil unrest against his increasingly embattled regime.

Security forces were placed on high alert yesterday, detaining hundreds of activists on the eve of an anti-government rally in Karachi. Rival demonstrations are planned by supporters of General Musharraf, raising fears of violent clashes in the southern port city today.

An extra 15,000 police and paramilitary troops have been deployed to Karachi where the country’s Chief Justice, who was suspended by General Musharraf, is expected to urge his supporters to step up their campaign of opposition to the Government. General Musharraf, a key US ally in the War on Terror, removed Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry on March 9 for alleged misconduct. His action triggered violent protests in defence of the judiciary, which had previously enjoyed a degree of independence under the military-backed regime.

More at Gateway Pundit and Riehl World View.