Our ally in the war on terror is gleefully receiving our >$ 1 billion per annum while collecting rent from the assorted terrorists it houses. Not a bad business so long as you can keep the deep pocketed donor bamboozled. Now, after finding out Osama was a guest in the hotel Pakistan for five years, it just could be that Uncle Sam is starting to have misgivings about its erstwhile friend. Let's hope so.


One of the things that surprised me this year was the uprising in N. Africa and elsewhere. Egypt wasn't a surprise, however, because I figured something of that sort would be necessary to unseat Mubarak. Egypt's radical tilt toward an anti-Israeli position is likewise no surprise. But what I have expected to occur, and now may finally happen, is similar unrest in Pakistan. The floods that have left millions homeless is one destabilizing event, but this embarrassment of their military is another. Pakistan's military seemed to be one of the most competent institution in this politically befuddled country. Now it has shown itself to be among the most incompetent, or the most deceptive, of Pakistan's societal pillars. Either way, one can expect change within its ranks.


It would not be a surprise if some of its younger officers launched a power struggle that ultimately resulted in them taking control of the country. The Template of Time forecasts some sort of . As it states on page 196, "conservative forces, probably military, will seize power around 2010." (This means the years 2011-2013 are in play with 2011 and 2012 being the more likely years.)   


Will the template again be right? Time will tell.


Grace and peace,


Tom