Our "ally" Pakistan just abandoned democracy.

Musharraf declares emergency rule, suspending the constitution, sacking Chief Justice Chaudry, shutting down all non-state media with troops, cutting phone lines, and deploying security forces throughout the capitol (to put down protests,) and arresting opposition leaders. (AP, Reuters, AFP, NYTimes, WaPo, CNN)

While private television news stations in Pakistan were blacked out Saturday evening, state-run television station ran segments in which pro-government analysts criticized political opponents and the independent media for not backing Musharraf at a time of crisis.

He is expected to make an official statement soon.

(Ms. Bhutto was "visiting family" in Dubai, but according to a Reuters source, she has just landed in Karachi.)

So, what does US officialdom do? Utter very serious misgivings while continuing to support Musharraf thereby reinforcing the Sunni extremist argument against the US (and abandoning any pretense of "democracy promotion?"

This is a disaster.

Update: (AP) Benazir Bhutto is in her house surrounded by troops.

Musharraf's order allows courts to function but suspends some fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution, including freedom of speech. It also allows authorities to detain people without informing them of the charges.

And, The US position per Condi Rice,

the U.S. told Pakistani leaders that "even if something happens, that we would expect the democratic election to take place because Pakistan has got to return to a constitutional order as soon as possible, and Pakistanis have to have a prospect of free and fair elections."

Right. Free and fair elections with the Supreme court arrested, independent media shut down, freedom of speech suspended, and the opposition leader under house arrest. Gotta love that democracy.