ISAS Briefs

Until eight months ago, no one would have predicted that Mr Asif Ali Zardari would become a pivotal figure in Pakistani politics, much less the President of Pakistan. Better known as the controversial spouse of former Prime Minister, Ms Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari's name was tainted with allegations of corruption and linked to extortion and murder. He spent eleven years in jail though none of the charges were proven in court before being bailed out by then-President Pervez Musharraf through the National Reconciliation Ordinance. But he has overcome all odds to be elected Pakistan's President.