(CNN) — Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation Monday after weeks of pressure to relinquish power.
Pakistan’s Pervez Musharraf has until now stubbornly resisted pressure to quit.
Musharraf told the nation in a televised address that he would step down — nearly nine years after he seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999.
“I don’t want the people of Pakistan to slide deeper and deeper into uncertainty,” Musharraf said.
“For the interest of the nation, I have decided to resign as president,” he said. “I am not asking for anything. I will let the people of Pakistan decide my future.” 
Watch Musharraf resign »
He was expected to turn in his resignation to parliament Monday. Musharraf quit as the ruling coalition was taking steps to impeach him.
Local media reports said he had been granted “safe passage” out of the country.
Musharraf has been a keen ally of the West in the fight on terror, receiving billions in military aid from the U.S. and launching attacks on militant groups near the country’s border with Afghanistan. Watch more on Musharraf’s departure »
In a statement released by U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe, President George W. Bush said it was committed to a “strong Pakistan that continues its efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terror.”
“President Bush appreciates President Musharraf’s efforts in the democratic transition of Pakistan as well as his commitment to fighting Al Qaeda and extremist groups,” the statement said.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said he had been a “friend to the United States” and one of the “most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism.”
One of the most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism?
I have yet to figure out if Condi is clueless or just a very bad liar (not a popular trait in the Boy George administration where lying is a key people skill).
For Pete’s sake, the guy was put in place by an army coup. That’s not “extremism”? Musharraf ruled by terror and extremism and good riddance. He was dealing with the Taliban and possibly al Qaeda for a truce; that was his war on terror.
Good riddance!
The real shame here is that Pakistan’s parliament is showing up the U.S. Congress in spades on how to deal with abuse of power and illegal activities by an executive power. Maybe we someday will embrace democracy here as Pakistan has now embraced it.
I hope somebody counts the silverware before Boy George leaves the White House.
