Pakistani military analysts say it has been a coup within a coup, and the most important change in 20 years.

Pakistani political analysts accuse the general of sometimes enacting policies that work at cross-purposes.

The results of the national elections, Pakistani political analysts say, have always influenced provincial elections.

Pakistani analysts say the area's tribal structure is fraying.

Both versions of the events carry a grain of truth, according to Pakistani analysts of military affairs.

Today's attack raises fundamental questions about security here, and serious challenges for General Musharraf, diplomats and Pakistani political analysts said.

Many Pakistani analysts agree, and cite this as a reason Islamabad would not want to provoke a conflict.

Because of that, Pakistani analysts said, the attempt on Mr. Aziz's life was not unexpected.

In truth, the problems in Pakistan cannot be easily solved, even with American help, according to independent Pakistani analysts.

Pakistani analysts said the agreement, which was signed in Islamabad between a pro-Musharraf political party and the religious alliance, was a setback for the president.