Further erosion of justice in Pakistan

Sometimes, just doing your job can get you into a lot of strife. The Musharraf regime in Pakistan has just sacked the nation's chief judge, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry. The reason? His alleged misuse of the office. However many in the legal community believe Chaudhry has been removed for his strong criticism of the Musharraf regime, including on abductions by Pakistan intelligence services and human rights abuses. He also recently over turned an attempt by the Government to sell the state-owned steel mills. According to at least one source, another key reason for his removal was Musharraf's fear that Chaudhry would not endorse the President's re-election which is expected to occur later this year.

What is the response of Pakistan's chief international ally, the US? The affair is an internal matter of the Pakistan Government. Very telling.