Musharraf's wobbles fuel predictions of downfall

Islamabad: For a ruler who's given himself ultimate powers, President Pervez Musharraf has provoked an awful lot of doubt over how long he can survive.

People are speculating that someone - may be his generals, may be the United States - will advise him to step down.

For years Musharraf has been likened to a tightrope walker, defying Al Qaida assassins and earning US praise, money and arms for his military.

Since he declared emergency rule on November 3 and suspended the constitution to sack judges before they sacked him, predictions of his downfall have spread.

"Did you see his interview on television yesterday - he was so nervous it was painful to watch," remarked Parveen, a teacher at an Islamabad school.

"He should try and leave with dignity - perhaps people will remember his good points."

He has revived the economy and spoken up for progressive values, but Musharraf has virtually become political poison, unloved at home and embarrassing Western governments who have needed him as a friend to fight Al Qaida and beat the Taliban.

"He is in a very precarious position in the sense that he has closed all political options for himself politically," said Talat Masood, a retired general turned analyst.

But right now the army is behind Musharraf and the United States doesn't have any alternatives.