Ranjit, here is my feedback on your thread about the recent elections in Pakistan

Ranjit,
While some of your six points were rational and sensible most of the others were simply expressions of frustrated farts trapped in an oversized dhoti. OK! I will be honest, only one of your six points was partially logical. :)

As usual, my remarks are in bold:

{"Impact of the Pak elections on Islam in the subcontinent

1. The victory of regional, nationalistic parties such as ANP, PPP, PML-N etc means a comprehensive rejection of urdu speaking elite classes that have dominated pakistan by formulating a virulent anti-Indian identity. The mohajirs from India had established such a culture given their historical view about being the ex-ruling classes in India. They continued that sentiment of being anti-India and anti-hindu in Pakistan by manipulating the national agenda for 60 years. The people have finally shrugged off that agenda and have totally dismissed it from the national priorities. It is not surprising that no one even mentioned India during the elections, which were completely based on Pakistani issues."}

Ranjit, you are making a big deal out of this Urdu vs Pakistan non-issue. The elections were a simple and solid rejection of Mushy's policies during the last year or so - from the CJ fiasco to the arrogant storming of the Lal Masjid. As I noted in my FP article on Mushy and Mojos, the discredited dictator is not a Mojo leader nor a symbol of Urdu sophistication. Mojos are as Pakistani as any Punju, Sindhi, Pathan, Baluch, or Kashmiri. Also, they happen to be the most friendly toward India. Right there, you have made a serious blunder in your allegations - probably more out of hatred for Indian Muslims than your own lack of knowledge. The rest of your nonsense is more of the same left-handed compliments that we can see right through.

{"2. Pakistan's future identity is evolving as a country meant for the people living in this region who also happen to be muslims. Therefore, its future policies will be focused on Pakistan's domestic development rather than foreign policy mis-adventures in neighboring countries."}

Ranjit, once again you neglect to admit India's foreign mis-adventures in Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir, Goa, East Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The fear of Indian hegemony and domination is what has driven Pakistan to seek alliances against the proven aggressor next door.

{"3. The elections are a severe rejection of Pak military - a slap in the face in fact. Pak military will undergo a major structural shift starting with Gen Kiyani to become more of a professional army rather than a military-industrial corporate mafia. I predict large scale reforms in the army's structure and possible involvement in politics"}

Once again, Ranjit, you are predicting a blizzard by observing a dandruff on your shoulder. Pakistan's military consists of the children of Pakis, who love their fighting men and women. The elections were a repudiation of Mushy and his recent policies. When Nawaz Sharif and BB were misbehaving, Pakis begged their beloved military to intervene.

{"4. The elections are also a severe rejection of mullahs and jihadi politics. Pakistani people love Islam but hate jihadi insanity. WIth the rejection of pak army and the urdu establishment, jihadi politics has no future. Effectively we will see a kinder, gentler sufi style Islam becoming popular in Pakistan and south asia. The most telling aspect was the defeat of MMA in NWFP, a supposedly crazy jihadi place where everyone wants to be a jihadi. The Pushtoons have proven that they will NOT be jihadi fodder but want a life of dignity and self-respect."}

Yes, Ranjit, Pakis have always rejected Mullahs in positions of political power. This is nothing new and the results of this election just reinforced this tradition. We have always been telling you that the majority of Pakis don't support Al Kayda or Tally Ban - not even in Wanna Wanna or FATA.

{"5. The elections are also a complete rejection of US hegemony in Pakistan via its proxies. Pakistani people want to control their own destiny and not be a pawn in any war on terror. They have the confidence of building a liberal, free society with a proper interpretation of Islam that focuses on development.:}

Ranjit, you are partially correct in making this point. Mushy's decline can be traced to the unabashed cohesion of his awful lips to Dubya's unwashed bum. Other than that, I doubt the over-arching nature and significance of this landslide posted by Zardari and Sharif. It was a sound defeat of Mushy.

{"6. With genuine democracies in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, there is a strong chance that the subcontinent will finally move towards real cooperation and good relations from Oxus to Cape Comorin."}

When genuine democracy with justice has evolved in India, perhaps the good wind of sincerity can also blow northward and westward. Right now, with Modi triumphant in Gujarat and seeking higher orifices, it is hard to be so optimistic. Perhaps some justice in India, in combination with the much touted democracy, may go a long way to convince everyone that happy days are indeed around the corner.