THIS is regarding the news item (Nov 12) about Musharraf's observation that 'circumstances may bring me back'. In expressing this sentiment, he has summarised the last 50 years of Pakistan's military-civilian relations.

The military has only relinquished power because it was forced to do so and then immediately started to wish that democracies fail so that they can make a comeback.

His return will not be as a military man but he will always be a symbol of the army. However, the point I want to make is that he again fails to see what many others see clearly.

If Pakistan has a weak democracy today, it is because the military always left the country in the hands of those who were least capable of ruling.

This time too, through deals, the power was passed on to those who promised to keep the system running which included not bringing back the deposed chief justice.

I hope that people realise that if Musharraf ever returns, it will be the return of a man with wounded ego and deep resentment against the whole of Pakistan that voted him out and celebrated his resignation it will be a man seeking revenge.

AMJAD ASKARI London