On the Russian side, better relations with America rest partly on Mr Putin's calculation that he needs a period of stability in foreign policy while he seeks to build up the Russian economy, and partly on his skill at extracting a quid for quos he had to concede anyway.

ECONOMIST: Europe and America

He says his top priority is the economy - for Pakistan to prosper he needs peace and stability not only in his own country but also in the neighbourhood.

BBC: Afghans are wary of Nawaz Sharif - but should they be?

Yet, if Mr Wahid is to restore any kind of stability, he needs co-operation from the armed forces.

ECONOMIST: Waiting for Wahid