the next 'most important' man in the world ?

if Pervez Musharraf is being pushed out, who will take his place ?

Ashfaq ?

The rise of Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani through the ranks of the Pakistani military has been rapid if not extraordinary.

The man nominated by Gen Musharraf to be his replacement as army chief is noted for his patience, diligence, intelligence and sheer determination.

Another contributing factor has been his ability to keep a low profile when necessary while also being able to take decisive action when it's needed.

Gen Kayani's clan is one of the largest and most powerful in the northern Jhelum area of Pakistan's largest province, Punjab.

The harsh and arid region is famed throughout the subcontinent for only one product - soldiers.

So in many ways Gen Kayani was born to the job.