Pakistan is the world’s haven for its most committed anti-Western terrorists.
Al Qaeda is here and so are the Taliban.
But this does not mean that violent Islamists are about to overthrow Musharraf and take over the country.
Whilst some of the more extreme ones have already tried — and nearly succeeded — in assassinating Musharraf.
The sympathy for Al Qaeda and the Taliban is highly concentrated in the so called tribal areas and Balochistan on the border with Afghanistan.
Here they have been able to offer if not shelter at least a blind eye to terrorist organisations.
Islamists make up probably no more than 10% of its higher ranks.
There is no doubt that the umbilical cords that gave succour to both the terrorists operating against India over Kashmir and those working with the Taliban have long ago been cut.
If Musharraf doesn’t move more forcefully against the Taliban, although thousands of Pakistani troops have perished in the attempt.
Musharraf is no saint but he impresses a wide range of people — even those who oppose army rule — with his integrity.