good analysis, in my mind, gz. Both sides, US and Musharraff now have an ever decreasing hold on Pakistan and both need to move on to a new set of co-ordinates, a new formula. I can't imagine what that could be but one thing that might change the tuning of the machine a bit might be the removal of the Repubs in the US and the enthroning of a Democrat. But it would be a small twist of the nob. I was hoping to see more movement from Imran Khan and his coalition but he seems to be much too weak. Would Russia provide the backing for a new regime? China's policy is to stay out of foreign politics, so, if they keep their word, militarily, at least they'll do nothing. Financially, though, I can't fathom it.