Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf faces many challenges in his bid to retain power, but the country's Supreme Court has yet to decide if it's legal for him run for a new term. The court seems to have become genuinely independent — as, possibly, has another institution, the Pakistani media.

Musharraf's conflict with the media is intensifying, with increasing reports of journalists being beaten up and threatened by the intelligence agencies. The United States has voiced concern. But some Pakistanis believe the new media has changed their country forever.

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