Musharraf's exit poses challenge for Pakistan
A Pakistani seller listens the address of country's President Pervez Musharraf at an electronic shop in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Aug.18, 2008. Musharraf says he has decided to resign to avoid an impeachment battle that would harm the nation's interest. His exit would end a presidency both aided and hobbled by U.S. support.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) _ Pervez Musharraf resigned Monday as the president of Pakistan, avoiding a power struggle with rivals vowing to impeach him that would have deepened the country's political crisis.
His exit, announced in an emotional televised address, leaves the politicians who pushed out the stalwart U.S. ally to face the Islamic militants and economic problems gnawing at this nuclear-armed nation.
"There is a huge challenge ahead," said Shafqat Mahmood, a former government minister and prominent political analyst. "Now this whole Musharraf excuse is behind us. Now people are going to be focusing on their performance."
Musharraf's departure after nearly nine divisive years in power was widely expected after months of rising pressure for him to leave, culminating in the threat to bring impeachment charges to Parliament this week.
A diminished figure since he resigned as army chief in November and found himself cut ou
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