In the aftermath of the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan is a country on the brink of political and civil chaos, which could lead to anarchy, and an opening for a radical Muslim extremist takeover by al Qaeda; the Taliban; and/or elements supportive of these terrorists organizations. The prospect of any such takeover would be a national security disaster for the United States, the region, and the free world, given that Pakistan possess approximately 60-100 nuclear weapons, and intermediate range missiles to deliver them. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, with rioting having resulted in the destruction of 160 banks and 18 train stations, according to recent news reports, and the opportunity to regain stability is diminishing with every moment of continued civil unrest.

Pakistani President Musharraf, the former military leader who seized power by military coup, must act quickly and decisively to stop the chaos, and potential collapse into anarchy, with all of the attendant risk to security, including the grave risk of the country’s nuclear weapons being seized by the terrorist organizations, or their political allies operating within the nation’s current intelligence apparatus. The fundamental question centers on the measures Musharraf must implement to diminish further civil unrest and restore political stability. What action should the Pakistani leader pursue?

First, he must arrange to meet with moderate opposition political leaders, including former Prime Minister Sharif, who was also subjected to an assassination attempt. As an outcome of this effort, he must announce elections will be held within 30-45 days, with international observers present to establish credibility. Musharraf could simultaneously resign from office in deference to the best interests of his country. However, given his apparent predilection for power, a resignation is improbable. Secondly, he and the moderate political opposition elements must agree to aggressively pursue Al Qaeda and the Taliban, operating in the western tribal region of the country and destroy them. These organizations present the most dangerous threat to internal stability, and of course, to the civilized world as well. They will certainly attempt to sow additional civil uprising in their effort to further destabilize the country. Accordingly, the U.S. and its allies must pressure President Musharraf to act, and to do so immediately.