Pakistani Pres. Musharraf Steps Down As Military Commander

For some reason, I don't think it matters.

Pervez Musharraf stepped down Wednesday from his powerful post as military commander, a day before he was due to be sworn in as Pakistan's civilian president. During a change of command, Musharraf relinquished his post by handing over his ceremonial baton to his successor, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani. "(You) are the saviors of Pakistan," Musharraf said in an emotional final speech to the troops. Musharraf's retirement from the military has been a key opposition demand and the move may help defuse a possible boycott of parliamentary elections in January by parties opposed to his rule. Since seizing power in a coup in 1999, Musharraf has served as president while retaining his post as head of the armed forces.