This doesn't fit the technical definition of a coup, though it is worth remembering that this is how Pakistani leader Pervez Mucharaff first came to power. Musharaff organized a second coup over the weekend, effectively arresting anyone he feels likely to interfere with him. He claims that this is necessary to preserve the "life and property of the citizens of Pakistan."
Historically, there is nothing unique in what he has done and his justification of it.
What did he do?
1-He suspended the Constitution.
2-Arrested the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, then installed a successor.
3-Arrested a leading lawyer for the opposition.
4-He has delayed an election.
5-Arrested over 500 opposition leaders and journalists.
He used recent suicide bombings as one of his reasons justifying what he has done. It isn't unreasonable to wonder, from our perspective here in the US if we really want t full blown democracy in a country where fundamentalist Islamics have high levels of support and the country possesses a small handful of nuclear weapons. But is it beyond possibility that these bombings were orchestrated by Musharaff? There is precedence for this sort of thing.
There's nothing like a crisis to allow for a consolidation of power.
Before we get judgmental, can it happen here? Is there a scenario which you think could lead to a similar situation here?
How about this: Hillary Clinton seems to have been elected president over Giuliani, but just like in 2000 the results in one state are so close that a recount may be required. Then during the process another 9/11 type event occurs and the Bush administration declares a national emergency and claims that a shift in the presidency at that moment to Clinton would put the country in peril. They use military power to stay in the White House indefinitely and engineer a decision in the Supreme Court giving the election to Giuliani.
Impossible?