InfoAnda - After 1 year, Pakistani president's ratings slide

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Afghan armed groups interfere in Red Cross work | 16 December 2010
Alibaba launches smartphone running its Cloud OS | | 28 July 2011
California court issues warrant for Lindsay Lohan | 15 March 2009

Greek PM gives new hint he may call election | | 31 October 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : After 1 year, Pakistani president's ratings slide

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: After 1 year, Pakistani president's ratings slide By CHRIS BRUMMITT,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, September 3 ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari's plunging popularity has led to questions over whether he can finish his term, raising the possibility that political turmoil could undercut Pakistan's recent gains in the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban. ADVERTISEMENT Just one year after taking office, opinion polls say Pakistanis are unhappy with Zardari because he has been unable to control inflation and create jobs in the desperately poor country. Terrorism _ the main concern of the West _ is not seen as the most pressing issue. Some political analysts and rival politicians say they believe Zardari will be unable to survive until his term ends in 2013 given his lack of support, especially since his main rival, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, is seen as the most popular politician in the country by far. Others said unseating a democratically elected leader in midterm would be hard, not least because Zardari's party has a clear majority in parliament. Forcing him out would likely need support from the powerful military, which could be reluctant to become embroiled again in politics so soon after the resignation of Zardari's army-backed predecessor, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who was a deeply unpopular figure by the end of his decade-long rule. Still, Zardari's political weakness _ despite significant military successes against the Taliban and the death in August of feared militant chief Baitullah Mehsud _ is a major problem for Pakistan's Western allies. The U.S. and other nations are looking for long-term partners to expand the fight against extremists threatening the stability of the nuclear-armed country as well as the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, suspected militants opened fire on a government minister's car in the capital. Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi survived the daylight ambush, but his driver was killed. Some opposition figures questioned the government's ability to provide security even in the heart of Islamabad. Foreign donors will be looking for political stability and focused leadership in Pakistan as they consider how to distribute millions of dollars of aid to help shore up democratic institutions, create jobs and reconstruct areas close to the Afghan border damaged in fighting with the Taliban. By Western standards, Zardari's poll numbers are damning for a president so new in office. A recent Pew Global Attitudes poll said just 32 percent of the country had a favorable opinion of Zardari, down from 64 percent a year ago. In the current poll, 79 percent of people had a favorable opinion of opposition leader Sharif, while 67 percent said they liked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Pew conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,254 adult Pakistanis in late May and early June, mostly in urban areas. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. In May, 72 percent of those polled by the International Republican Institute said they disliked Zardari. Zardari's path to power began when his wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was killed in a suicide bomb attack in late 2007. Three days later, he became co-chairman of her political party, which swept to victory in parliamentary elections in February 2008 largely on a sympathy vote and disaffection with Musharraf. On Sept. 6, he was elected president by federal and regional lawmakers. Still known by his nickname "Mr. 10 Percent" because of unproven corruption allegations when he was a minister in his wife's government, Zardari and the government led by his party have made little headway in tackling many of the daunting economic and social challenges facing the country. "Mr. Zardari has been a big disappointment and has failed to inspire confidence in the nation at one of the most crucial junctions of our history. We deserve better," said opposition lawmaker Sen. Mushahid Hussain on Tuesday. "In 2009, there is no stomach for serious change, but his presidency will start unraveling in 2010." Presidential spokeswoman Farahnaz Ispahani pointed out several areas in which she said the president had made progress, including gathering public support for the fight against militants in the Swat Valley and securing an IMF bailout for the battered economy. She dismissed suggestions that Zardari could be forced to step down, saying that there is no constitutional way for this to happen without the support of the parliament and that the party is solidly behind him. She said talk among politicians and in the media of removing Zardari was the continuation of years of attacks by the enemies of Bhutto's political party. "We will succeed or fail, but we will fight to fulfill our five-year term," she said. Zardari's decision to launch an April offensive into the Swat Valley to take back the region from the Taliban was widely praised at home and abroad, but it has apparently done little to help his image. The army has taken any credit for that decision, analysts said. "His problem is that everyone thinks he is president not in his own right, but because of Benazir's death. In the last year he hasn't done anything substantial to establish his credentials for the rightful occupancy of this office," said political analyst Hasan-Askari Rizvi. "Unless economic and social issues are addressed, he cannot regain any popularity." Also adding to pressure on the government are demands by Sharif's party to put former military ruler Musharraf on trial for violating the constitution. The demands are popular among many Pakistanis, but put the government in a tight spot because giving in could put it on a collision course with the still powerful army, something Sharif is surely aware of. Pakistan has a long history of civilian governments that became bogged down in political fighting and accusations of incompetence only to have the military step in. In its 63-year history, only one government has seen out a full five-year term, and that was under Musharraf, who seized power in a coup. In March, Zardari's refusal to reinstate the chief justice caused political turmoil for weeks and culminated in his putting Sharif under house arrest. Sharif ignored that order and marched on the capital with thousands of his supporters, forcing Zardari to give in. The tensions between the two biggest parties persist and have been exacerbated by Zardari's unpopularity. "This is an intrinsically dangerous situation and will create another round of instability," said Ishtiaq Ahmad, from Islamabad's Quaid-i-Azam University, referring to gathering sniping between the two main parties. "Whatever success in Swat will be neutralized." Zardari is often criticized in the media for being aloof and not mixing with common people. His frequent foreign trips are also lambasted, especially since he has not been to Swat since the army offensive. He did visit a camp for some of the two million people displaced by the fighting, however. More basic concerns are likely to drive the erosion of any goodwill he once had. Power outages for up to six hours daily in some parts of the country cause misery for millions. The price of sugar, rice and flour have risen by more than 100 percent over the last year, shoppers say. Technically, Zardari is head of state and Gilani is in charge of the government. But the president inherited many of the sweeping powers from predecessor Musharraf, and most Pakistanis apparently blame him for the lack of progress, rather than the government as a whole. Zardari has said he intends to give up those powers _ which include the right to dissolve the assemblies and fire the government _ but most observers think he is dragging his feet on implementing that promise. "One thing I am increasingly convinced about is that things cannot continue as they have been going. Change appears inevitable," said analyst Rasul Bakhsh Rais. "One way is Zardari is retained as a decoration piece with ceremonial powers, but whether he likes that remains to be seen." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific Dozens trapped as Indonesia quake toll rises to 46AFP - Thursday, September 3 China approves one-dose homegrown swine flu vaccineAFP - Thursday, September 3 Mountain to climb for Indian PM in corruption battleAFP - Thursday, September 3 India says carbon emissions to soar by 2030Reuters - Thursday, September 3 Vice cartel smashed in Hong Kong: policeAFP - Thursday, September 3 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Kidnapped US girl walks into police station 18 years on Madoff's beachfront hideaway up for sale -- but it's no steal Microsoft apologizes for photo gaffe BP unveils 'giant' oil discovery in Gulf of Mexico Spider-Man joins Mickey Mouse as Disney buys Marvel View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 3 September 2009
4 Iraqi security personnel to hang for bank heist
First baby born from new egg-screening technique
Google blames Gmail outage on server maintenance
Iranian commander: ex-president challenged state
BP unveils 'giant' oil discovery in Gulf of Mexico
Iran MP warns against commander as interior minister
Israel, Palestinians hold high-level economic talks
Computer algorithm to decipher ancient texts
Four sentenced to die for deadly Iraq bank robbery
Sony to launch 3D TVs next year: report
Guinea bans political debates on radio, TV | International |
Suicide attack kills 22 in Afghanistan: governor
Greek PM calls snap election, blames economic crisis | International |
U.S. voices grave concern about Sri Lanka video | International |
Countries do little to help landmine victims: report | International |
Sony to launch 3D TVs next year: report
Key U.S. broadband official: More spectrum needed | Technology |
German bright spot for electronic devices spending | Technology |
News
News
Amazon joins opposition to Google book deal | Technology |
Strong Indonesia quake kills 35, damages 1,300 homes
New US ambassador: global issues test China ties
Cate Blanchett injured during performance
Thailand's swine flu death toll rises to 119
Spy chief among 23 killed in Taliban suicide blast
Indian official's helicopter missing in rebel area
Qantas jet diverted again after midair mishap
Taiwan court convicts former first lady of perjury
Ford, Streep bring Hollywood to Deauville
World Bank chief says China stimulus should continue
News
Pakistani 10-year PIB cut-off yield at 12.50 pct
World Bank presses G-20 aid to poorest countries
Rolling Stones official denies Watts quit the band | Entertainment |
Pakistan signs $230 mln road deal with ADB
Former British PM Tony Blair headed to Late Show | Entertainment |
Daewoo puts Myanmar gas fields investment at $3 bln
Archaeologists find early Jerusalem fortifications
Diane Sawyer to replace Gibson as ABC News anchor | Entertainment |
Men far outnumber women in Qatar: census
Philippines unlikely to climb World Bank survey
Polish Catholic group wants IVF outlawed
Pakistani stocks end higher; rupee firms
Colbie Caillat, Miley Cyrus lead album chart | Entertainment |
Tornatore's 'Baaria' premieres at Venice film fest
Jon Gosselin: 'I took a lot of abuse' from Kate
China shares rise on higher manufacturing data
Indonesia quake 'leaves 33 dead'
Ford, Streep bring Hollywood to Deauville
Well-known Gypsy praises Madonna's defense of Roma
Powerful Indonesian quake kills 11; dozens injured
Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops director, dies at 74
Strong earthquake strikes Indonesia's main island
Devastating suicide strikes show Taliban expansion
Twitter snags former Google exec for COO
Indonesia quake death toll at 46, likely to rise | International |
EU countries push for bank pay crackdown
Albania to Zimbabwe: the climate change risk list
Viewers hunger for Web and TV at same time: study
Bloodshed at Iranian camp tests US-Iraq transition
Japan's Hatoyama to meet U.S. envoy | International |
Swine flu vaccine to cost up to 20 dollars per dose: WHO
Hitmen kill 17 in Mexico clinic on U.S. border | International |
YouTube talks to studios on movie rentals: source
Suicide attack kills Afghan intelligence deputy: officials
World powers urge Iran to enter nuclear talks
New iPhone application tracks disease outbreaks
Iran would not discuss nuclear work with powers: TV | International |
Karzai inches closer to prospect of Afghan win
Sculptor plugs Greek classics into iPod Age
News Corp. seeks stake in Saudi media company: WSJ
British e-reader company in partnership with Google Books
Dalai Lama says ready to negotiate with China | International |
Nokia unveils new smartphones to rival iPhone
Iran opposition says 72 died in post-poll unrest | International |
Key U.S. broadband official: More spectrum needed
Tension mounts as Gabon awaits poll outcome | International |
French filmmaker Poveda killed in El Salvador | International |
Nokia unveils new smartphones to rival iPhone
Hurricane Jimena batters western Mexico | International |
U.S., Australia to ask China to exercises: report | International |
YouTube may stream movie rentals | Technology |
US Mormon missionaries expelled from Guyana
Viewers hunger for Web and TV at same time: study | Technology |
Feds didn't clear brush in wildfire area
LG to unveil new Windows smartphones | Technology |
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 738
US diplomats say US-Japan alliance to stay strong
Japan's next first lady anything but bland
Firefighters make gains on Calif. fire
Google outage setback for business email pitch | Technology |
China to approve single-dose swine flu vaccines
New Zealand stun Sri Lanka in T20 match
Sex, scandal, yawn: Madoff books are a bust
Twitter snags former Google exec for COO | Technology |
Dozens trapped as Indonesia quake toll rises to 46
Obama envoy to resume talks in Mideast next week
Tokyo still confident after IOC evaluation
Schwarzenegger demands response to water crisis
SEC flubbed Madoff probe: watchdog
After 1 year, Pakistani president's ratings slide
FAA will modify airspace rules over Hudson River
Indonesia quake death toll at 46, likely to rise
Sexual misconduct at embassy alleged
Hong Kong's top judge to retire next year
Korea Hot Stocks
Seoul shares slip as autos decline; banks advance
S.Korean bonds rise on U.S. lead, weak shares
South Korea Q2 growth revised up, outlook frail
Seoul shares open higher as techs advance
SKorea economy grew faster than expected in Q2
China grants $600 mln to Cuba during solidarity visit
Uniqlo to open biggest store yet in Shanghai
GM China says 2009 sales expected to rise 40 pct
Whitney Houston comeback album headed to No. 1 | Entertainment |
Madonna world tour breaks her own record | Entertainment |
Indonesian quake leaves 44 dead, dozens missing
Cate Blanchett injured onstage in Streetcar | Entertainment |
Strong Indonesian quake kills 33; flattens houses
Kenny Chesney gives fans something to cheer about | Entertainment |
Circus billionaire plans show from space | Entertainment |
Friends, family gather to remember missing poet
Whitney Houston comeback album headed to No. 1
Kenny Chesney gives fans "something to cheer about"
Cate Blanchett injured on stage but the show will go on
Madonna world tour breaks her own record
Cate Blanchett gets a head wound on stage
YouTube in talks with studios about movie rentals: WSJ
Biographical details on Diane Sawyer
Sex, scandal, yawn: Madoff books are a bust
Oprah Winfrey to dedicate show to Michael Jackson
Ahmadinejad says Iran ready for more sanctions
Russia launches new search for journalist killer
LG Elec to unveil new Windows mobile phones
Final farewell as Michael Jackson laid to rest
US sees first signs of growth: Geithner
British finance minister's recession warning
Protesters demand Xinjiang leader step down | International |
Iran MPs start vote on Ahmadinejad cabinet
Iran opposition says 72 died in post-poll unrest
Pfizer agrees to record drug dispute settlement
When it comes to hurricanes, what's in a name?
Brussels rejects Berlusconi criticism in immigration row
Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns | International |
Iran dismisses sanctions talk, to present proposals | International |
Spanish woman kills pedestrian in suicide leap
Greek PM calls snap election, takes risky gamble | International |
Catholic editor who criticized Berlusconi resigns | International |
LG Elec to unveil new Windows mobile phones
China denies U.S. reporters were seized in China | International |
Riots in Gabon as Bongo poll win disputed | International |
Indonesian maids in Malaysia to have weekly day off
Myanmar's Suu Kyi appeals against conviction: lawyer
Not enough Facebook friends? Buy them | Technology |
Bangladesh ministers ditch suits to save power
Nokia seeking developers' help in Apple rivalry | Technology |
Storm Jimena brings havoc to Mexican resorts
China stresses prevention of heavy metal pollution
2 Pakistanis arrested in Britain return home
India media: politician killed in copter crash
2 US soldiers killed in vehicle accident in Iraq
Lawyers set to lodge Suu Kyi appeal
Software mogul attacked by elephant during safari
Spacewalk still on despite approaching space junk
China rejects Kadeer call for talks on Xinjiang
Pa. lifers seeking clemency in wake of US ruling
Sprint backs Hero, the latest HTC Android phone | Technology |
Israelis meet US Mideast envoy
Myanmar's Suu Kyi to file appeal in criminal case
Japan's next PM stresses US ties
Study: Older Americans staying put in jobs longer
Iran says will not bow to nuclear deadline 'threat'
Pakistani stocks end lower; rupee weakens
Pakistani forex reserves rise to $14.31 bln
Japan stocks down on strong yen, US worries
S.Korea Sept crude runs to decline from Aug-survey
Trade ministers meet with 2010 Doha deal in sights
Seoul shares flat after volatile trade; autos fall =2
China shares up 5 percent on strong lending news
Taiwan says it won't censor China propaganda film
UK finance minister's warning ahead of G20
An overview of deadly Indonesian earthquakes
Star-filled mausoleum awaits Michael Jackson
Austrian Wehrmacht deserters campaign for justice
Philippines' San Miguel: bln dlr power investment
Fathi meets Yiannis, the man he 'killed' in Cyprus
China to seek more private investment: state media
Nepal's 'living goddess' adjusts to modern life
Venice opens with sentimental Sicily drama | Entertainment |
Movie remake for McCarthy's bleak novel The Road | Entertainment |
Muslims can see Black Eyed Peas, Malaysia says | Entertainment |
LA County lawmaker critical of lack of TV coverage
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01