Editorial: Something of a coup for Zardari in Pakistan?

THE nomination of Asif Ali Zardari for the office of president seems to have stunned everyone, including the people of Pakistan. During the long struggle for the removal of Pervez Musharraf by the politicians, civil society groups and the lawyers’ movement, this was one possibility that was never considered.

But the prospect of Benazir Bhutto’s widower taking over from Musharraf has always been there. Only they did not expect Musharraf would eventually go. And even if some of them did, no one thought Zardari would step forward to replace him.