It seems that recycling storylines and repeat performances are not  solely the prerogative of cinema and theatre. In Pakistan, the plot of  politics is often repeated and rehashed until the performance has  become a fine tuned and much rehearsed drama on the ongoing tussle  between democracy and the military. Dictators replace democrats,  democrats negotiate and bargain with each other and the army, and the  masses stand by much like the citizens of fair Verona caught in the  crossfire of the fighting between the Montagues and the Capulets. And  although the actors change on a seasonal basis, the transition is now  almost seamless and perfect. Costume changes require minimal refitting  as the Ayubs make way for the Zias and Musharrafs, and the MMA of  today steps into the shoes of the Islamic Democratic Alliance of  yesterday. And repeated though it might be, the performance is by no  means dull as bloody assassinations, behind the scenes plotting and  scheming, horse-trading, and even exploding helicopters all add to the  political experience in Pakistan.  One feature of this repertoire of action is the role played by the  much maligned MQM.

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