Click to play videoNew Delhi: Is Pakistan heading for another military coup. Pakistan watchers in India are cautious but believe the tensions between the army and President Zardari are growing.
Former diplomat G Parthasarthy says, "It is clear that the bill will lead to differences between the government and Army."
The army doesn't like the Kerry-Lugar bill, which it sees as a blatant US attempt to build up the weak civilian government at the expense of the army. The bill will provide $7.5 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan but provided certain conditions are maintained.
These include the aid being channeled through the civilian government, the armed forces remaining under civilian control and action against terrorist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Former director of the Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval says, "This is a US law and they will use it as they deem fit."
The army is willing to live with this in the expectation of substantial US military aid , but the eight terror strikes in the last 10 days may force its hand. The attacks are clearly linked to the army's campaign against the Taliban in Swat and the continuing drone strikes that have taken a heavy toll of the Taliban's top leadership including Beitullah Mehsud.
President Zardari remains the strongest backer of this war, a war that is deeply unpopular with his people and disliked by the army which sees the Taliban as strategic assets.
But Zardari's popularity - never beyond single figures even at its peak - is today at its lowest ebb. Unseating Zardari would go down well with the people and leave the army where it wants to be.
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