Farewell Musharraf

Amid continuous speculation of "will he or won't he" over the last few days, beleaguered Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has publicly announced his resignation. In a televised address, he confirmed "my resignation will go to the speaker of the National Assembly".

Musharraf has seen his popularity wane over the last eighteen months or so. His much publicized tussles with the judiciary have alienated him from supporters of democracy and his belligerence against purported terrorists in the tribal regions have led to a series of retaliatory bomb blasts in the country in recent times. His allies were routed in the recent elections.

The current coalition government was all said to impeach Musharraf but he chose to leave with some element of grace instead.

The Pakistani public has been expressing satisfaction that Musharraf is willing to go quietly without plunging the country into further political turmoil.