Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's president and army commander, declared martial law on November 3, 2007, anticipating the country's highest court ruling that he may not hold those two posts simultaneously. Some analysts call this his second coup. By shutting down media, lining streets with soldiers, arresting opposition politicians, suspending rights, firing the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Musharraf plunges the country into uncertainty, explains Paula Newberg in the HuffingtonPost.com. To the displeasure of those in Washington who have staked their hopes on Musharraf's promises of democratic reform and anti-terrorist vigilance, old patterns of military dominance and political repression continue to dominate. Ironically, however, by taking complete control of the country with the emergency declaration, Musharraf also takes complete responsibility for the success or failure of his government's policies. His latest all-or-nothing bet could be Pakistan's best hope for long-awaited change. – YaleGlobal