Pakistan is caught up in vicious cycle of violence that pits the army against certain tribal groups and fundamentalist organisations. The proposal by General Pervez Musharraf, the country's ruler since 1999, to establish a social order based on enlightened moderation—seen by many as a stratagem to reconcile the country with US policies—has not met with wide success. The nation's future is fraught with grave threats, although the recently elected governing coalition is trying to restore domestic peace.
