The RUSI analysis alas reflects more of the Whitehall - Westminster "village" (London, UK) thinking than a hard look at the options. The final sentence is telling:

'In real terms, however, no one other than Musharraf will have the power to take decisions that will affect the future of this struggle'.

Since Pakistan has consistently followed a "stop & go" policy since 2001 over GWOT and internal militancy - led by the man at the top, Musharraf, this is hardly encouraging. Yes, he is a brave man; yes, he has the power and has he taken the decisions? Yes, consistently *stop & go". I leave aside incompetence of junior ranks, Rashid Rauf's escape for example, and the suspect divided loyalties of ISI.

What happens when Musharraf goes, peacefully rather a violent departure (which cannot be excluded)?

Sorry RUSI analyst the time is past for comfortable words.

davidbfpo