Ahmed Rashid explains Pakistan: The military isn't plotting a coup, but it won't give up its economic stake and privileges

His take
makes sense to me. So I am less worried by the prospect of a military coup, but
no less concerned about the general drift of Pakistan.

Since the 1950s every political crisis Pakistan has faced
has been a result of civilians trying to wrest power and control from the
military. This crisis is no different except for one important aspect -
the military has no intention of seizing power. Instead it has allied with
the
Supreme Court in an attempt to get rid of a government that is widely
perceived to be corrupt and irresponsible.

But in an era when hope of democracy is spreading
through the Arab Muslim world and powerful armies in countries such as Thailand
and Turkey have learnt to live under civilian control, Pakistan is an ongoing
tragedy. Its military refuses to give up power, its huge stake in the economy and
its privileges, while its politicians refuse to govern wisely or honestly and
decline to carry out basic economic reforms such as taxing themselves.