Pakistani Power Sharing?

Pakistan's recent fever of violence, which included rioting that left 46 dead, may be forcing President Pervez Musharraf to relax his opposition to an old political rival before the country's long-awaited elections later this year. Yes, the riots ignited after Musharraf suspended the Supreme Court Chief Justice who would have ruled on any election irregularities. But the protests and reprisals have weakened Musharraf's standing enough that he may be looking to get a credibility boost by negotiating a power-sharing deal with exiled Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The first woman to lead a modern Muslim state, Bhutto was Prime Minister twice in the 1990s and remains popular despite the venal corruption that plagued her administration. A deal could allow Bhutto to return and lead her political party, even though term limits would prevent her from running for office.

It's still unclear whether Bhutto has the clout--or desire--to pressure Musharraf into more meaningful reforms, like stepping down from his role as army chief. Bhutto thinks he should, but he has been silent on the issue, and deal or no deal, the assembly that will decide is still under Musharraf's control.