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https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-fight-for-control-of-nuclear-armed-pakistan-imran-khan-asim-munir-islam-politics-prime-minister-pti-military-1e6db7fe

Imran Khan Fights the Army for Control of Nuclear-Armed Pakistan

The popular former prime minister goes head to head with the powerful military chief.

By Sadanand Dhume

April 13, 2023 5:39 pm ET

In an interview with 'Global View' columnist Walter Russell Mead, the Prime Minister of Israel pointed to developments in Iran, then queried what might happen should it become the first nuclear power run by radical Islam. The answer, he says, is to "expand the circle of peace." Images: Reuters/AP/AFP via Getty Images Composite: Mark Kelly

One of the world’s most consequential political dramas is playing out largely unnoticed in America. The stability of Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 230 million, rests on a duel between the country’s most popular politician and the head of its most powerful institution. Can army chief Gen. Asim Munir stop former Prime Minister Imran Khan from reclaiming power?

Mr. Khan is beloved in Pakistan. He led a recent Gallup Pakistan poll with 61% approval, 25 points ahead of his two closest rivals. Yet his recklessness, impractical ideas and poor administrative skills risk unraveling a nation reeling from floods, terrorism and looming bankruptcy.