On Second Thought, Maybe Don’t Worry What Zardari Says

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Pakistan’s top court has declared an amnesty that had protected the president from corruption charges was illegal, state and private TV outlets reported. The ruling Wednesday paves the way for challenges to President Asif Ali Zardari’s shaky rule and adds to political turbulence just as the U.S. wants Islamabad to step up its fight against militants.

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The court decision apparently also leaves thousands of other officials, including Cabinet ministers loyal to Zardari, facing reopened corruption and other criminal cases. That prospect is sure to further weaken the U.S.-backed leader, who is unpopular and under pressure to give up much of his power.