Destabilization

The word "destabilize" is frequently thrown around, usually intended to invoke vague, poorly outlined consequences of foreign policy, usually muddled in the phrase, "likely to destabilize the region."

After the US "interventions" in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are currently seeing very specific displays of what that phrase means in Turkey and Pakistan.

"Destabilize" means blowback. It's the polite term for fucking up.

(PS. Juan Cole makes a very good point. If Musharraf's "emergency rule" was aimed at "terrorism," he would be declaring marshal law in the tribal regions, not in the capitol.)