Musharraf stepping down as the leader of the Pakistani military opens a door- it just isn't clear where the door leads. (click her for NY Times article)

Musharraf has been a clear ally in his efforts to beat back terrorist groups in Pakistan. His actions in recent weeks seemed to arise as desperate attempts to protect Pakistan from a growing influence of terrorist groups within Pakistan. While his intentions may have been noble the consequences may be great. As Musharraf attempts to maintain control as the civilian leader of a country teetering on the edge of turmoil he, our government and the people of Pakistan must carefully navigate the waters in which his opposition swim.

Those opposed to Musharraf's rule may make his efforts to maintain any semblance of stability difficult. The return of Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister, may pose a threat to peace in Pakistan and the Middle East. Sharif hopes to convince Benazir Bhutto to join him in challenging Musharraf's rule. (click here to read Hindustan Times) Sharif has begun reaching out to Bhutto, hoping to forge an alliance against Musharref. Hopefully Bhutto will look skeptically at Sharif's gestures of congeniality. Sharif would surely use Bhutto to undermine Musharraf but one would be insane to believe that he has any real long term interest in working with Bhutto, who claims to support democratic reforms.

The world should fear any sort of Sharif victory- he supported Shariah law and has strong ties to fundamentalist Islam. And this is the man who brought nuclear weapons to Pakistan.

The U.S. relationship with Pakistan has remained critical in the war on terror. Over the next several months Pakistan will struggle to choose its path. We must hope that the people of Pakistan reject fundamentalism and continue to support leaders who want to work with the U.S. to fight terrorism. At this point that should rule out Sharif.