Zardari's Secret Memo Shakes Up Pak Army, Political Establishments

Washington, Nov 18: The controversial secret memo to US from Pakistan President, being dubbed as ‘Memogate’, that talks about creating a “new security team” has enraged the country’s powerful generals and has put intense pressure on Asif Ali Zardari.

In the note written immediately after the May 2 American raid that killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, Zardari allegedly sought US help to stave off a feared military coup.

The note, given to then Chairman Chief of Staff Adm Mike Mullen by a Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz, said the situation provided “a unique window of opportunity” for “civilians to gain the upper hand over army and intelligence directorates” implying that powerful army generals could be axed.

This has brewed a storm laying bare bare the profound divide between the army and civilian government and the nation’s relationship with US which finds itself at the centre of the gulf, The Washington Post said.

From: http://ping.fm/IJ5aO