With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Musharraf's turbulent 9 years in power

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf dominated Pakistan after taking power in a high-altitude coup nearly nine years ago and led a reluctant Islamic nation into the U.S.-led war on terror — a step that earned him plaudits in the West but hatred at home.

Although Musharraf's decision to side with Washington after the Sept. 11 attacks helped rescue Pakistan from the status of a pariah nation, it was followed by an explosion in Islamic militancy at home. Combined with his fumbled efforts to stay in power as democracy returned to Pakistan, he leaves the presidency reviled by many of his countrymen.

His demise was as tortured as his arrival was swift.

Read entire article at AP