Wobbly Af-Pak

The NYTimes reports that UN officials claim that now fired US no. 2, Peter Galbraith, proposed a plan to "replace" Karzai. I wouldn't be surprised if replacing Karzai was discussed, but this really smells more like an overexaggerated "leak" for purpose.

So, why would the UN contingent be calling the NYTimes to say this now? To "explain" NATO problems in sending more troops as the Obama administration is seeking? An effort to get out in front and discredit Galbraith before he starts speaking?

Also, Pakistan's Supreme Court struck down Pakistani PM Zardari's claims of executive immunity from graft prosecutions for his government. This matters because the political situation for Zardari is wobbly right now, and his opponents are preparing to use prosecutions of graft to go after his supporters and further weaken Zardari's position.

Then there's this story, (NYTimes/BBC) "Parts of the Pakistani military and intelligence services are mounting what American officials here describe as a campaign to harass American diplomats, fraying relations at a critical moment when the Obama administration is demanding more help to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda."