Pervez Musharraf Vs. George Orwell
Aisha Sarwari October 12, 2006
#1 Posted by Kamath on October 12, 2006 10:43:01 am
Do you think the Big General has hired expert help of spin doctors and professional handlers?
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#2 Posted by arjun2 on October 12, 2006 10:49:41 am
Not to mention a hilarious expose on how the Indian army took advantage of the communication wall with Pakistan to dramatize false attacks and award medals to officers, apparently leading to court martial when later discovered.
Umm...that was siachen...you know..siachen which is part of the jugular vein occupied by the Indians...siachen from where you`ve been unable to dislodge the Indians...
IN any case, as the mother of two daughters, should it bother you more that he`s done squat about things like the 4 witness thingy and yet declared victory over extremism...or maybe you are ok with that law and the one declaring your family non-muslim?
#3 Posted by rf786 on October 12, 2006 11:18:01 am
Doc,
Correct me of Iam wrong, u seem to believe that Mushy is our (liberal/moderate Pakistanis) only last hope thus the need to ignore his follies.
Correct me of Iam wrong, u seem to believe that Mushy is our (liberal/moderate Pakistanis) only last hope thus the need to ignore his follies.
#4 Posted by DrDr on October 12, 2006 11:48:53 am
I was afraid u were gonna do a pakistani on him (per tahmed pakistanis pull one another down) but in the end u redeemed urself. Good on u 4 recognizing the general as a hero - if nothing else he brought u real democracy as he himself claims in simple english..
#5 Posted by bjkumar on October 12, 2006 11:59:08 am
Aisha, you really don’t talk too much about the contents of the book here, mostly you discuss your (preexisting) feelings on various issues concerning Pakistan. This piece can be called an opinion piece but calling it a review is an absolute misnomer and falsity.
Even if you had not read the book, 99% of this write-up could have been easily written by you and would stay exactly the same! And the comparison with George Orwell - who after all wrote FICTION - is rather weak!
It is highly ironic that you are able to see in Mushy the “ability to give India a bloody nose” – considering that he is the ONLY commander in chief of Pakistan who actually (a) lacked the guts to accord Pakistani soldiers their basic right of recognition when they were killed, and (b) who lied on this issue countless number of times and perhaps continues to do so in the book. Statements like these do not bail out the general – they can only make the neutral reader doubt your own motives for trying to “restore” the general!
#6 Posted by iron_mask on October 12, 2006 12:59:53 pm
I must say, I was rather surprised with this review. quoting the essay by the Orwell was a real downer. (as an aside I would say his 1984 was a better book - and given the nature of things a better book to quote and use as a back drop of the review).
I have read the book - was one of the first to buy the damn book here. And I must admit, Ms. Sarwari, has done a political arselickinjob on the book. Indeed her review falls into exactly the same category od Orwells`s political speech and writing. Utterly and totally feckless.
Where I work this essay/critique would not cross a c grade! Neverthelss, as I said earlier its a good political boot licking exercise, and manto has trained his little woman Mrs. Hamdani well and I commend him for that.
In the end would you guys pay heed to a review in the economist, NYT , WP etc or little Miss Fontleroy who is the mouthpiece for a political arselickerinwaiting!
I have read the book - was one of the first to buy the damn book here. And I must admit, Ms. Sarwari, has done a political arselickinjob on the book. Indeed her review falls into exactly the same category od Orwells`s political speech and writing. Utterly and totally feckless.
Where I work this essay/critique would not cross a c grade! Neverthelss, as I said earlier its a good political boot licking exercise, and manto has trained his little woman Mrs. Hamdani well and I commend him for that.
In the end would you guys pay heed to a review in the economist, NYT , WP etc or little Miss Fontleroy who is the mouthpiece for a political arselickerinwaiting!
#7 Posted by iron_mask on October 12, 2006 1:11:34 pm
here`s how to write a review of a book (not an opinion piece - thank you BJKumar) and perhaps better inform Mantolives` little woman, the indominatble Mrs. Aisha hamdani,
from the economist http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7997005
General Pervez Musharraf
Military misjudgment
Oct 5th 2006
From The Economist print edition
The Pakistani leader`s memoir may be a bestseller, but it does him little justice
AFP
THERE are good things to be said about General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan`s president and army chief, and he is, as he might put it, proud and unstinting in his resolution to say them, over and over, in his cliché-ridden and boringly boastful autobiography, “In the Line of Fire”.
General Musharraf—and there are enough phrases familiar to those who have followed his career to prove that he wrote quite a lot of it—comes across as humourless, vain and insecure. Sentences as smug as, “My career was now well on course, given all my qualifications and achievements”, are spattered across almost every page. There are many references to the president`s (allegedly) fine musculature. Any less than glorious event in his life, after at least a refreshingly sinful youth, is blamed on some less worthy individual, a dull superior or jealous peer, whom the author is all too happy to name. And yet, painful though it is to read, this is a quite remarkable book, about dramatic events and, as the occasional sentence lets slip, an interesting and impressive man.
For a start, the book`s timing is remarkable. It is unusual for serving heads-of-state to publish memoirs, for good reason. General Musharraf denigrates Pakistan`s chief ally, America, for the bullying way in which it manages its foreign policy and for failing to live up to its promises. He is also bafflingly rude about India, given that he has staked his name on making peace with it. Of India`s leader, he says: “The initial signs of sincerity and flexibility that I sensed in Manmohan Singh seem to be withering away.” He suggests that Osama bin Laden is not, as often supposed, in Pakistan`s wild northern areas, but in eastern Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan`s leader, whom General Musharraf accused of resembling an ostrich last week at a bad-tempered summit in Washington, DC, is not pleased by the book. Neither is almost anyone in Pakistan, although it is selling briskly there (see article). General Musharraf scorns most of the country`s civilian politicians—tactless, if justifiable—including some of his supporters.
Insults aside, the book does not tell us much that is new. Most interesting are the details of events leading to the arrest in Pakistan of several top terrorists, including Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of the attacks on the twin towers, and other al-Qaeda members; General Musharraf says 689 al-Qaeda members have been arrested, of whom 369 have been handed over to America. That is a testament to the efficiency of Pakistan`s security services, even though Mr Musharraf accuses America of having failed to provide the technical kit it promised.
Such digs at the superpower may be for the benefit of Pakistanis, many of whom find General Musharraf too quick to leap to its bidding. But the book is meant for a Western audience, by whom, it is clear, General Musharraf considers himself ill judged. It contains bold treatises on the political and economic reforms he has overseen since stealing power in his 1999 coup. These include a messy, but promising, effort to devolve power to the local level, and the creation of elected councils with fixed quotas for women representatives. There are also quotas for women in provincial and national assemblies. General Musharraf has given a boost to female emancipation in Pakistan, although the full impact of the changes he has introduced will not be felt soon. Even better, he has delivered broad structural improvements to Pakistan`s economy, which had been in a desperate way. This was not, as he suggests, the result of his own genius. He is economically semi-literate. But he can take credit for appointing wise technocrats.
In short, heaven forbid that anyone unfamiliar with Pakistan should wholly trust this book. General Musharraf is as partial as any campaigning politician. One monstrous example is his account of a short war with India at Kargil in 1999, when he was merely army chief. It began when Pakistani state-sponsored jihadist militants attacked across the front-line in contested Kashmir, drawing a ferocious Indian response. General Musharraf calls this an over-reaction—but if it were, it was understandable—and he says that India`s army came off worse in the fray, even to the point where the military ran out of coffins for their dead. Yet he omits to mention the hundreds—some say thousands—of Pakistani fighters who were slaughtered in a humiliating retreat.
Disingenuously, he says the war at Kargil was an important catalyst in the peace process that followed: if that is true, it is because Pakistan, not India, was forced to the table by the drubbing it took there.
An election is due in Pakistan next year, and General Musharraf is increasingly unpopular. This is because of a litany of perceived failures, including a muddle-headed war he has prosecuted in the northern areas, and rising inflation. It is also because, despite their appalling experiences of civilian leadership, and their acquiescence in his coup, Pakistanis have tired of army rule.
The bad news in this book is that General Musharraf refuses to recognise this truth: “The Pakistan Army has always been held in high esteem as the only powerful stabilising factor in the nation,” he insists. He does not seem to show any inclination to quit his twin role, as he is constitutionally obliged to do.
from the economist http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7997005
General Pervez Musharraf
Military misjudgment
Oct 5th 2006
From The Economist print edition
The Pakistani leader`s memoir may be a bestseller, but it does him little justice
AFP
THERE are good things to be said about General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan`s president and army chief, and he is, as he might put it, proud and unstinting in his resolution to say them, over and over, in his cliché-ridden and boringly boastful autobiography, “In the Line of Fire”.
General Musharraf—and there are enough phrases familiar to those who have followed his career to prove that he wrote quite a lot of it—comes across as humourless, vain and insecure. Sentences as smug as, “My career was now well on course, given all my qualifications and achievements”, are spattered across almost every page. There are many references to the president`s (allegedly) fine musculature. Any less than glorious event in his life, after at least a refreshingly sinful youth, is blamed on some less worthy individual, a dull superior or jealous peer, whom the author is all too happy to name. And yet, painful though it is to read, this is a quite remarkable book, about dramatic events and, as the occasional sentence lets slip, an interesting and impressive man.
For a start, the book`s timing is remarkable. It is unusual for serving heads-of-state to publish memoirs, for good reason. General Musharraf denigrates Pakistan`s chief ally, America, for the bullying way in which it manages its foreign policy and for failing to live up to its promises. He is also bafflingly rude about India, given that he has staked his name on making peace with it. Of India`s leader, he says: “The initial signs of sincerity and flexibility that I sensed in Manmohan Singh seem to be withering away.” He suggests that Osama bin Laden is not, as often supposed, in Pakistan`s wild northern areas, but in eastern Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan`s leader, whom General Musharraf accused of resembling an ostrich last week at a bad-tempered summit in Washington, DC, is not pleased by the book. Neither is almost anyone in Pakistan, although it is selling briskly there (see article). General Musharraf scorns most of the country`s civilian politicians—tactless, if justifiable—including some of his supporters.
Insults aside, the book does not tell us much that is new. Most interesting are the details of events leading to the arrest in Pakistan of several top terrorists, including Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of the attacks on the twin towers, and other al-Qaeda members; General Musharraf says 689 al-Qaeda members have been arrested, of whom 369 have been handed over to America. That is a testament to the efficiency of Pakistan`s security services, even though Mr Musharraf accuses America of having failed to provide the technical kit it promised.
Such digs at the superpower may be for the benefit of Pakistanis, many of whom find General Musharraf too quick to leap to its bidding. But the book is meant for a Western audience, by whom, it is clear, General Musharraf considers himself ill judged. It contains bold treatises on the political and economic reforms he has overseen since stealing power in his 1999 coup. These include a messy, but promising, effort to devolve power to the local level, and the creation of elected councils with fixed quotas for women representatives. There are also quotas for women in provincial and national assemblies. General Musharraf has given a boost to female emancipation in Pakistan, although the full impact of the changes he has introduced will not be felt soon. Even better, he has delivered broad structural improvements to Pakistan`s economy, which had been in a desperate way. This was not, as he suggests, the result of his own genius. He is economically semi-literate. But he can take credit for appointing wise technocrats.
In short, heaven forbid that anyone unfamiliar with Pakistan should wholly trust this book. General Musharraf is as partial as any campaigning politician. One monstrous example is his account of a short war with India at Kargil in 1999, when he was merely army chief. It began when Pakistani state-sponsored jihadist militants attacked across the front-line in contested Kashmir, drawing a ferocious Indian response. General Musharraf calls this an over-reaction—but if it were, it was understandable—and he says that India`s army came off worse in the fray, even to the point where the military ran out of coffins for their dead. Yet he omits to mention the hundreds—some say thousands—of Pakistani fighters who were slaughtered in a humiliating retreat.
Disingenuously, he says the war at Kargil was an important catalyst in the peace process that followed: if that is true, it is because Pakistan, not India, was forced to the table by the drubbing it took there.
An election is due in Pakistan next year, and General Musharraf is increasingly unpopular. This is because of a litany of perceived failures, including a muddle-headed war he has prosecuted in the northern areas, and rising inflation. It is also because, despite their appalling experiences of civilian leadership, and their acquiescence in his coup, Pakistanis have tired of army rule.
The bad news in this book is that General Musharraf refuses to recognise this truth: “The Pakistan Army has always been held in high esteem as the only powerful stabilising factor in the nation,” he insists. He does not seem to show any inclination to quit his twin role, as he is constitutionally obliged to do.
#8 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 3:30:31 pm
From
http://www.chowk.com/show_forum_topic_post_list.cgi?tid=00033493
My impression of the Musharraf book...
Started by Mantolives on September 25, 2006 9:43pm PT
... is that I want to ask Sadna if she has ghost-written the book for the General... the similarity of the writing style is unmistakable. Even the typos are the same...
It displays the same control freakery, dishonest crookery, twisting of facts and materials, narrowminded focus and same lay man approach to government, constitution, politics that is the hallmark of Sadna.... Albeit ... unlike Sadna whose efforts are aimed at changing now accepted facts of history which have become all the more obvious in recent years... Musharraf`s effort seems to prop himself up in the mould of the greatest reformist dictator ....
A match made in heaven indeed.
--
The author needs to have a word with her husband. If she wants to administer the rabies vaccine to him without his agreement, that ought to be fine too.
http://www.chowk.com/show_forum_topic_post_list.cgi?tid=00033493
My impression of the Musharraf book...
Started by Mantolives on September 25, 2006 9:43pm PT
... is that I want to ask Sadna if she has ghost-written the book for the General... the similarity of the writing style is unmistakable. Even the typos are the same...
It displays the same control freakery, dishonest crookery, twisting of facts and materials, narrowminded focus and same lay man approach to government, constitution, politics that is the hallmark of Sadna.... Albeit ... unlike Sadna whose efforts are aimed at changing now accepted facts of history which have become all the more obvious in recent years... Musharraf`s effort seems to prop himself up in the mould of the greatest reformist dictator ....
A match made in heaven indeed.
--
The author needs to have a word with her husband. If she wants to administer the rabies vaccine to him without his agreement, that ought to be fine too.
#9 Posted by bjkumar on October 12, 2006 3:38:47 pm
#8 Sadna
Perhaps the author and mian Manto each read a different page from the book and came up with differing conclusions?!!
#10 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 7:08:16 pm
#9
That is why I said that Ms Sarwari needs to talk to her husband. Hopefully in their discussion about their President Musharraf and his book, they will display some minimum honesty to each other and a wholly unconnected person like myself will not be dragged in dishonestly he did.
That is why I said that Ms Sarwari needs to talk to her husband. Hopefully in their discussion about their President Musharraf and his book, they will display some minimum honesty to each other and a wholly unconnected person like myself will not be dragged in dishonestly he did.
#11 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 9:08:02 pm
#8 and 10
Spoken like a true fascist haven`t you... I know you won`t dare disagree with that rabid brother of yours.... who foams at the mouth every time he hears the words Pakistan.... have you administered rabies vaccine to him?
However in our household... people are allowed to hold different opinions. Aisha and I disagree on the Musharraf book and I am certainly not going to impose my views on her like your brother forces his down your throat.
Spoken like a true fascist haven`t you... I know you won`t dare disagree with that rabid brother of yours.... who foams at the mouth every time he hears the words Pakistan.... have you administered rabies vaccine to him?
However in our household... people are allowed to hold different opinions. Aisha and I disagree on the Musharraf book and I am certainly not going to impose my views on her like your brother forces his down your throat.
#12 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 9:10:29 pm
Addendum to #11
The word ``views`` in the last line between ``his`` and ``down your throat``.
#13 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 9:17:13 pm
#11
You are the one who gratuitously attacked me and abused Musharraf (and me) for his book and I am just quoting you. So there is no point in hitting out at me for what you yourself wrote. Take responsibility for your own actions instead of blaming an anonymous person like me for your own rabid behaviour.
You are the one who gratuitously attacked me and abused Musharraf (and me) for his book and I am just quoting you. So there is no point in hitting out at me for what you yourself wrote. Take responsibility for your own actions instead of blaming an anonymous person like me for your own rabid behaviour.
#14 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 9:25:19 pm
Dear Sadna...
Lets go over the contents of 11 again... I am not distancing myself from these comments. I stand by them. Aisha has the right to have her opinion on the book....
I am merely questioning your claim that every South Asian male is like your brother a rabid fascist who forces his views down the throats of the women in his life.
#15 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 9:29:33 pm
#13
You can`t shift focus away from your own thread which you yourself posted to anyone else. The person forcing his view on women is you, who abuse unknown women on the web for a book Musharraf wrote. I call upon anyone to name any another man they know who does that.
You can`t shift focus away from your own thread which you yourself posted to anyone else. The person forcing his view on women is you, who abuse unknown women on the web for a book Musharraf wrote. I call upon anyone to name any another man they know who does that.
#16 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 9:37:09 pm
Look Sadna.. I admit it. I posted it. I stand by it. I disagree with Aisha on Musharraf`s book... Please tell me what the crime in all of this is? Can`t a husband and a wife disagree on a dictator`s book?
Not every family has the same equation as you Guptas man..
Not every family has the same equation as you Guptas man..
#17 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 9:39:46 pm
#16
Typical misdirection - noone was questioning your wife`s freedom to disagree with you. The issue is your thread about me and Musharraf`s book. If Ms Sarwari`s husband is a weird person who was abusing a woman on the web for Musharraf`s book, that is her misfortune.
I recommend a rabies vaccine not for disagreeing with her but for your thread about me and Musharraf`s book. But as someone said, it is too late.
Typical misdirection - noone was questioning your wife`s freedom to disagree with you. The issue is your thread about me and Musharraf`s book. If Ms Sarwari`s husband is a weird person who was abusing a woman on the web for Musharraf`s book, that is her misfortune.
I recommend a rabies vaccine not for disagreeing with her but for your thread about me and Musharraf`s book. But as someone said, it is too late.
#18 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 9:47:33 pm
Dear Sadna...
There is no misdirection.
I stand by my comments on that thread.
Let me quote the ``abuse``...
is that I want to ask Sadna if she has ghost-written the book for the General... the similarity of the writing style is unmistakable. Even the typos are the same...
It displays the same control freakery, dishonest crookery, twisting of facts and materials, narrowminded focus and same lay man approach to government, constitution, politics that is the hallmark of Sadna.... Albeit ... unlike Sadna whose efforts are aimed at changing now accepted facts of history which have become all the more obvious in recent years... Musharraf`s effort seems to prop himself up in the mould of the greatest reformist dictator ....
A match made in heaven indeed.
There is no abuse... simply an apt description of General sahab`s book and your writing style.
There is no misdirection.
I stand by my comments on that thread.
Let me quote the ``abuse``...
is that I want to ask Sadna if she has ghost-written the book for the General... the similarity of the writing style is unmistakable. Even the typos are the same...
It displays the same control freakery, dishonest crookery, twisting of facts and materials, narrowminded focus and same lay man approach to government, constitution, politics that is the hallmark of Sadna.... Albeit ... unlike Sadna whose efforts are aimed at changing now accepted facts of history which have become all the more obvious in recent years... Musharraf`s effort seems to prop himself up in the mould of the greatest reformist dictator ....
A match made in heaven indeed.
There is no abuse... simply an apt description of General sahab`s book and your writing style.
#19 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 9:58:07 pm
#18
In contrast, your wife writes about Musharraf`s writing style:
`` I noticed that Pervez Musharraf steers clear from George Orwell’s most cautioned malaise – Lack of Clarity.
Musharraf has seemed to remedy with his clear, crisp and honest language the very nature of political language which Orwell says is “designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.”
Musharraf labels rot as rot, and if his story is to be believed he never would be a dictator, nor does he support the interference of the military into politics, as he explains at length, for the right reasons too.``
``
``Any learned American inspired by the Jeffersonian ethic will like this book, so will a solider, a republican or a democrat with a commitment to minority rights. Refreshingly though, the book isn’t written for the American, as much as it resonates with the nationalist Pakistani with the Jinnahist ethic – the secular democratic Pakistan that is successfully liberal because of its culturally Islamic background rather than despite it.``
That is why I said you and your wife need to talk, but feel free not to.
No other man except you or another fellow rabid Paki would attack an unknown woman from another country for the book written by a military dictator of your own country. Aisha Sarwari has my sympathies.
In contrast, your wife writes about Musharraf`s writing style:
`` I noticed that Pervez Musharraf steers clear from George Orwell’s most cautioned malaise – Lack of Clarity.
Musharraf has seemed to remedy with his clear, crisp and honest language the very nature of political language which Orwell says is “designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.”
Musharraf labels rot as rot, and if his story is to be believed he never would be a dictator, nor does he support the interference of the military into politics, as he explains at length, for the right reasons too.``
``
``Any learned American inspired by the Jeffersonian ethic will like this book, so will a solider, a republican or a democrat with a commitment to minority rights. Refreshingly though, the book isn’t written for the American, as much as it resonates with the nationalist Pakistani with the Jinnahist ethic – the secular democratic Pakistan that is successfully liberal because of its culturally Islamic background rather than despite it.``
That is why I said you and your wife need to talk, but feel free not to.
No other man except you or another fellow rabid Paki would attack an unknown woman from another country for the book written by a military dictator of your own country. Aisha Sarwari has my sympathies.
#20 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 10:05:26 pm
Sadna,
I am afraid I am still baffled as to why you think I have to agree with Aisha? Why can`t I disagree with her?
I am now sure that for your own good, you seriously need to deal with those issues that you have with your brother Mr. Arun Gupta! As for you being unknown... I met you and your brother... and my observations draw on that meeting as well.
Do you want me to enumerate.
As for rabidity... lets say we have seen abuse on this website much worse than my contention that your writing style matches that of Pakistan`s dictator.
I am afraid I am still baffled as to why you think I have to agree with Aisha? Why can`t I disagree with her?
I am now sure that for your own good, you seriously need to deal with those issues that you have with your brother Mr. Arun Gupta! As for you being unknown... I met you and your brother... and my observations draw on that meeting as well.
Do you want me to enumerate.
As for rabidity... lets say we have seen abuse on this website much worse than my contention that your writing style matches that of Pakistan`s dictator.
#21 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 10:11:22 pm
#20
Many generations will have to pass before I find an Indian who abused a Paki woman interactor for a book written by an Indian leader. And while his wife published an article on this site praising the same book. You are unique even among the community of rabies afflicted Pakis here.
Many generations will have to pass before I find an Indian who abused a Paki woman interactor for a book written by an Indian leader. And while his wife published an article on this site praising the same book. You are unique even among the community of rabies afflicted Pakis here.
#22 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 10:15:37 pm
Dear Sadna,
Here is the problem... you haven`t produced a single word of abuse in the thread you`ve quoted.
is that I want to ask Sadna if she has ghost-written the book for the General... the similarity of the writing style is unmistakable. Even the typos are the same...
It displays the same control freakery, dishonest crookery, twisting of facts and materials, narrowminded focus and same lay man approach to government, constitution, politics that is the hallmark of Sadna.... Albeit ... unlike Sadna whose efforts are aimed at changing now accepted facts of history which have become all the more obvious in recent years... Musharraf`s effort seems to prop himself up in the mould of the greatest reformist dictator ....
A match made in heaven indeed.
Could you show me the abuse...
Meanwhile for all your tall claims about the scum of the earth known as the Indian male... we all know how easily the rickety legged male of your species resorts to abuses most vile simply because a woman dares disagree with her... BJkumar, Alephnull, MacGupta, Gujjubania, chaltahai, mohar11, friend and countless others are just a few specimens of this species.
In comparison calling your writing style similar to that of General Musharraf is hardly abuse!
#23 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 10:17:23 pm
that ``her`` should be ``him`` in third line of the second last paragraph.
#24 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 10:35:46 pm
#22
Given the criticality of the subject matter of Musharraf`s book(your nation`s sole and absolute leader, the direction he is irrevocably taking your nation, its institutions, its primary foreign relations, its center-provincial affairs, its civilian-military prerogative ), it is revealing that your focus was putting down an Indian poster who cannot change a single thing in your nation.
But you are blind and cannot be made to see and your self-centered stupidity cannot be changed, tho lage raho.
Given the criticality of the subject matter of Musharraf`s book(your nation`s sole and absolute leader, the direction he is irrevocably taking your nation, its institutions, its primary foreign relations, its center-provincial affairs, its civilian-military prerogative ), it is revealing that your focus was putting down an Indian poster who cannot change a single thing in your nation.
But you are blind and cannot be made to see and your self-centered stupidity cannot be changed, tho lage raho.
#25 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 10:45:57 pm
Dear Sadna,
First of all ...Musharraf is not critical. He is an oligarch. Don`t worry about us. Why don`t you just admit you are jealous that this absolute ruler with no focus has - using your own tactics- undone the insidious propaganda unleashed by people like you spanning decades?
Secondly I stand by my comment that your writing style is frighteningly similar to our generale el presidente.... its not a put down. You may take it as a compliment. BTW you still haven`t answer #20 or produced the abuse you promised us.
First of all ...Musharraf is not critical. He is an oligarch. Don`t worry about us. Why don`t you just admit you are jealous that this absolute ruler with no focus has - using your own tactics- undone the insidious propaganda unleashed by people like you spanning decades?
Secondly I stand by my comment that your writing style is frighteningly similar to our generale el presidente.... its not a put down. You may take it as a compliment. BTW you still haven`t answer #20 or produced the abuse you promised us.
#26 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 10:59:26 pm
#25
``Don`t worry about us.``
First you mention me in connection with Musharraf`s book then you complain that I bring it up.
I have no interest in Musharraf`s book nor in discussing myself or my resemblance to Musharraf with you as you are demanding. I have no interest in interacting with you on any subject, period. But feel free to continue discussing me on your own instead of discussing the book with fellow Pakistanis like your wife, who has written views diametrially opposite to yours.
``Don`t worry about us.``
First you mention me in connection with Musharraf`s book then you complain that I bring it up.
I have no interest in Musharraf`s book nor in discussing myself or my resemblance to Musharraf with you as you are demanding. I have no interest in interacting with you on any subject, period. But feel free to continue discussing me on your own instead of discussing the book with fellow Pakistanis like your wife, who has written views diametrially opposite to yours.
#27 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 11:01:09 pm
#25
``Don`t worry about us.``
First you mention me in connection with Musharraf`s book then you complain that I bring it up.
I have no interest in Musharraf`s book nor in discussing myself or my resemblance to Musharraf with you as you are demanding. I have no interest in interacting with you on any subject, period. But feel free to continue discussing me on your own instead of discussing the book with fellow Pakistanis like your wife, who has written views diametrically opposite to yours.
``Don`t worry about us.``
First you mention me in connection with Musharraf`s book then you complain that I bring it up.
I have no interest in Musharraf`s book nor in discussing myself or my resemblance to Musharraf with you as you are demanding. I have no interest in interacting with you on any subject, period. But feel free to continue discussing me on your own instead of discussing the book with fellow Pakistanis like your wife, who has written views diametrically opposite to yours.
#28 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 11:05:17 pm
Dear Sadna,
Lets go over this again ...I did not demand anything of you. I had commented more than two weeks ago that I found your writing style similar to the general.
Now here you had a problem with the fact that Aisha`s views and mine are at variance with each other. I explained to you simply and calmly that Aisha and I have indeed somewhat different perceptions of the book. She and I have discussed it at length and even from the article it is clear that Aisha`s views do not constitute a blanket approval of Musharraf... had you read the article you would know that she actually criticises him for damaging parliamentary sovereignty and is criticising his inaction in many matters.
Yet you are unable to accept that a husband and a wife can disagree on a subject... given that you probably haven`t been allowed similar freedoms in your household. Now you are - as usual flying off into tangents- unable to stick with the topic.
Lets go over this again ...I did not demand anything of you. I had commented more than two weeks ago that I found your writing style similar to the general.
Now here you had a problem with the fact that Aisha`s views and mine are at variance with each other. I explained to you simply and calmly that Aisha and I have indeed somewhat different perceptions of the book. She and I have discussed it at length and even from the article it is clear that Aisha`s views do not constitute a blanket approval of Musharraf... had you read the article you would know that she actually criticises him for damaging parliamentary sovereignty and is criticising his inaction in many matters.
Yet you are unable to accept that a husband and a wife can disagree on a subject... given that you probably haven`t been allowed similar freedoms in your household. Now you are - as usual flying off into tangents- unable to stick with the topic.
#29 Posted by Aisha_Sarwari on October 12, 2006 11:12:13 pm
Indians assume too much.
a) My religion is public knowledge
b) I have endorsed the general
c) I like his book (Only for giving Indians a bloody nose)
d) I am Ms. Hamdani (because a woman`s identity in Hinduism is a shadow of the men she lives with)
e) I have indulged in the great Indian sin of disagreeing with my `Patti Parmeshwar` and I am defeated because it’s caught on tape or something
f) I get scared off by the pack mentality of foaming Indians barking at me to administer rabies vaccine to my husband, as if I am his Tulsi
g) Orwell writes only FICTION (LOL, is that what they teach in India)
Re: http://mla.stanford.edu/Politics_&_English_language.pdf
Mantolives, why compare Musharraf`s writing style to an Indian who is a failure at her personal life as well as her dhud attempt to be an Internet Ghauri - Rather, I suggest you ask the Indians with frostymouths to find out if there is anything in common between Musharraf and Indian leaders they hold so dear - Does Musharraf make underhanded deals, indulge in pedophilic activities or sleep around with his contemporaries` wives like Nehru and Gandhi did? That would be a more academic question.
And I disagree, Sadna doen`t write like Musharraf. She writes like she put together a Santscrit to English dictionary with a manual on How To Make Lies Sound Truthful and Murder Respectable, threw both into a sophisticated online software converter and clicked on the SHUFFEL icon.
Till this day I have never been able to get what she writes except the underlying envy, suspicion and aggression. RAW must have hired her from her earlier position of the personal typist of the infamous German leader back in the Nazi days, cloned her, put in a chip of a software engineer in Kerala, firewired it to her hands and programmed her to fight the enemy. Now she has something to do and live for.
-Aisha Sarwari
a) My religion is public knowledge
b) I have endorsed the general
c) I like his book (Only for giving Indians a bloody nose)
d) I am Ms. Hamdani (because a woman`s identity in Hinduism is a shadow of the men she lives with)
e) I have indulged in the great Indian sin of disagreeing with my `Patti Parmeshwar` and I am defeated because it’s caught on tape or something
f) I get scared off by the pack mentality of foaming Indians barking at me to administer rabies vaccine to my husband, as if I am his Tulsi
g) Orwell writes only FICTION (LOL, is that what they teach in India)
Re: http://mla.stanford.edu/Politics_&_English_language.pdf
Mantolives, why compare Musharraf`s writing style to an Indian who is a failure at her personal life as well as her dhud attempt to be an Internet Ghauri - Rather, I suggest you ask the Indians with frostymouths to find out if there is anything in common between Musharraf and Indian leaders they hold so dear - Does Musharraf make underhanded deals, indulge in pedophilic activities or sleep around with his contemporaries` wives like Nehru and Gandhi did? That would be a more academic question.
And I disagree, Sadna doen`t write like Musharraf. She writes like she put together a Santscrit to English dictionary with a manual on How To Make Lies Sound Truthful and Murder Respectable, threw both into a sophisticated online software converter and clicked on the SHUFFEL icon.
Till this day I have never been able to get what she writes except the underlying envy, suspicion and aggression. RAW must have hired her from her earlier position of the personal typist of the infamous German leader back in the Nazi days, cloned her, put in a chip of a software engineer in Kerala, firewired it to her hands and programmed her to fight the enemy. Now she has something to do and live for.
-Aisha Sarwari
#30 Posted by sadna on October 12, 2006 11:18:57 pm
#29
First they drag me into this subject then like a tag team they abuse me some more for not shutting up about it. OK so they need two rabies vaccines not one.
First they drag me into this subject then like a tag team they abuse me some more for not shutting up about it. OK so they need two rabies vaccines not one.
#31 Posted by iron_mask on October 12, 2006 11:24:10 pm
Re: # 6
Oops - I seem to have missed out a few words - 1984 was in reference to animal Farm!
Still doesnot change much...
Oops - I seem to have missed out a few words - 1984 was in reference to animal Farm!
Still doesnot change much...
#32 Posted by MantoLives on October 12, 2006 11:33:30 pm
Oh poor sadna bibi,
Pray tell how Aisha ``dragged`` you onto the subject ? You voluntarily posted (and used my thread from two-three weeks ago as cover) on this board... Honestly you needed that dose and I must say she has shown you your place.
Pray tell how Aisha ``dragged`` you onto the subject ? You voluntarily posted (and used my thread from two-three weeks ago as cover) on this board... Honestly you needed that dose and I must say she has shown you your place.
#33 Posted by nasah on October 12, 2006 11:40:14 pm
Now this is called running with the hares and hunting with the hounds -- with finesse -- with an unorthodox unmuddled `clarity` -- of riding two boats at the same time trying to drift in opposite directions -- called objectivity and balance -- great achievement Ms Sarwari -- congratulations!
#34 Posted by Aisha_Sarwari on October 12, 2006 11:52:26 pm
Re: # 33
Please take an Orwell prescribed clarity pill.
I don`t understand why your review para of Gandhi`s collected works should have you congratulate me?
-Aisha Sarwari
Please take an Orwell prescribed clarity pill.
I don`t understand why your review para of Gandhi`s collected works should have you congratulate me?
-Aisha Sarwari
#35 Posted by ballukhan on October 13, 2006 12:18:23 am
Musharaff using his violence to give India a bloody nose can hardly be considered as an heroic act unless as a civilian your Jernail or Kernail Chachujan has not been cured of his nightmares since 1971.
The fact remains that kargil was plain stupidity that exposed Mush and he had to stage a coup to avoid court martial against him.
Coming to his contributions after the coup:-
If Mush was able to do something about his own Jehadis and stopped the indoctrination of Pakistanis achieved through the Jehadist curriculum by modifying the education system, If he had done something to expose the mullah`s propaganda about Islam, If he had done something to stop the MMA and so many other mullah parties who now have occupied the political vacum artificailly created by him- Then I would have given him some credit in doing some good for the Pakistan.
Unfortunately his sins outweigh whatever riches he may have brought to his friends and coterie of boot lickers in the industry. Sorry, he only remains one of the world`s best known dictator only!!!
The fact remains that kargil was plain stupidity that exposed Mush and he had to stage a coup to avoid court martial against him.
Coming to his contributions after the coup:-
If Mush was able to do something about his own Jehadis and stopped the indoctrination of Pakistanis achieved through the Jehadist curriculum by modifying the education system, If he had done something to expose the mullah`s propaganda about Islam, If he had done something to stop the MMA and so many other mullah parties who now have occupied the political vacum artificailly created by him- Then I would have given him some credit in doing some good for the Pakistan.
Unfortunately his sins outweigh whatever riches he may have brought to his friends and coterie of boot lickers in the industry. Sorry, he only remains one of the world`s best known dictator only!!!
#36 Posted by queen_cut_paste on October 13, 2006 1:20:11 am
well done! You said it all.
Now can you tell us all who the characters of The Animal Farm are?
I guess you guys have buried good old snowball in karachi and have a bagh-e-snowball. Napolean is running the show. Mr Nawaz ``Jones`` Shariff has been runout along with his pet Benzy ``Raven`` Bhutto. The rest?
When will the animals in the farm revolt? That is an interesting question for all of us to speculate on.......hhhhhhmmmmmmmm
Now can you tell us all who the characters of The Animal Farm are?
I guess you guys have buried good old snowball in karachi and have a bagh-e-snowball. Napolean is running the show. Mr Nawaz ``Jones`` Shariff has been runout along with his pet Benzy ``Raven`` Bhutto. The rest?
When will the animals in the farm revolt? That is an interesting question for all of us to speculate on.......hhhhhhmmmmmmmm
#37 Posted by Faraz-Ahmed on October 13, 2006 3:12:05 am
Extremely well written.Pls write more regularly.
#38 Posted by bjkumar on October 13, 2006 3:40:25 am
Out of this Sarwari_Manto duo, clearly Manto is the prime mover. He drives the discussions.
Ms. Sarwari is a (sort of) writer in her own right - in a way she perhaps is – if one could be allowed to use the term loosely (just look at her numerous typos, for example).
They both take their writings seriously – to the extent of their highly limited ability to understand things and within the scope of their extreme handicap in using common-sense reason.
However, Ms. Sarwari also has to take care of the three children (including Manto), so probably has less time available (and if my guess was right, perhaps additional duties too in other roles). Therefore, the two or three “articles” of her that I have read here have been, in my view, mostly highly crappy cut-and-paste jobs. In fact, she is on record saying that an article on Gandhi she did last year was put together in less than two hours (which perhaps speaks volumes about this site’s ability to quality-control) and by comparing with this article, her approach to writing has not improved a long way from then.
They did not compare notes on their writings - perhaps a matter of pride for Ms. Sarwari – and because no comparisons were made, they would not be on the same page, of course! A classic case of the female spouse trying to emphasize her independence – in the land of Jinnah’s golden Pure – a concept which probably guides them like a light and a light which perhaps lights up their nights very bright – made all the more important to their sagging morale because that khaki darkness surrounds the rest of their compatriots – especially of the fair sex variety!
And when criticized, of course there are plenty of two-bit stooges who would make insulting personal attacks on Ms. Sadna – as if that changes anything about their own crappy writing – not to mention the underlying crappy “Muslims are exclusive” thought process!
These are the “fathers” of the future Jerrys of Pakistan – and it has been said!
“The child is father of the man!”
#39 Posted by hamidm2 on October 13, 2006 5:14:11 am
aisha,
......... even though i think you are being overly generous to the goon in khaki who has corrupted and undermined every single institution in pakistan, it was a great review .......... anything that brings out frau sadna and her protege, bjkumar, out from the bunker to bay at the moon is worth reading ...........
from her kennel beneath the rock
she maketh answer to the clock,
four for the quarters, and twelve for the hour ;
ever and aye, by shine and shower,
sixteen short howls, not over loud ;
some say, she sees .........................................
#40 Posted by Aisha_Sarwari on October 13, 2006 5:18:29 am
Re: # 38
The fact that you pay so much attention trying to analyze what I say, and do a bad job of it, is very telling of how little I need to do to get you skunking of heeng.
As a great poet once said, ``all Indians are Macacas.`` All of you combined in your intricate dance of back-scraching have not come up with a single point worth debating about.
So this is the best you can do, speculate who domiates my marriage, or who`s catching up with who in scoring articles. And that I have typos.
Amazing!
-Aisha Sarwari
The fact that you pay so much attention trying to analyze what I say, and do a bad job of it, is very telling of how little I need to do to get you skunking of heeng.
As a great poet once said, ``all Indians are Macacas.`` All of you combined in your intricate dance of back-scraching have not come up with a single point worth debating about.
So this is the best you can do, speculate who domiates my marriage, or who`s catching up with who in scoring articles. And that I have typos.
Amazing!
-Aisha Sarwari
#41 Posted by hamidm2 on October 13, 2006 5:34:30 am
Re: # 38
bj,
......... please don`t start posting pictures of naked men again - i see it coming ! .........
........ by the way, you and sadna are a match made in heaven - why don`t you climb down from that tree and abduct her to sri lanka ...........
bj,
......... please don`t start posting pictures of naked men again - i see it coming ! .........
........ by the way, you and sadna are a match made in heaven - why don`t you climb down from that tree and abduct her to sri lanka ...........
#42 Posted by Godot on October 13, 2006 8:45:32 am
Aisha
I have also read the book. Great review and very well done. You are an excellent writer. Thanks.
On the side note, please note that the Economist, with all its bias, grudgingly acknowledges yet, painful though it is to read, this is a quite remarkable book, about dramatic events and, as the occasional sentence lets slip, an interesting and impressive man.
#43 Posted by Godot on October 13, 2006 10:33:24 am
Hamid, 41
you and sadna are a match made in heaven - why don`t you climb down from that tree and abduct her to sri lanka
LOL!
#44 Posted by bjkumar on October 13, 2006 10:46:00 am
Dear Aisha,
Based on my review of your “review”, here are a few take home lessons for you:
(1) There is nothing wrong in writing a crappy “article” – countless people on this site do it. (I do fewer than many because I do fewer.) Just don’t attempt to pass it off as a legitimate article. Not only that fails to make it legitimate – it brings down the site’s credibility even lower!
(2) When you write a review – make it about the object of review, not about YOUR own controversial, crappy, and muddled-up ideas of highly doubtful legitimacy. In other words – you nead to actually READ the book you claim to be reviewing.
(3) Before sending in an article – read it yourself. That way you won’t look foolish with all those spelling mistakes.
(4) There is nothing wrong in enlisting the help of a hubby with a bit of housekeeping, cooking, diaper changing, and EVEN proof-reading. Enlisting such help will not severely damage the golden image of the land of the Pure!
(5) Do not count for anything more than empty rhetorical exhortations – and certainly expect absolutely no REAL help from fakers like Hamidm2. (Hint: Congressman Towns still awaits his campaign check!)
Congratulations on the new arrival and best wishes.
BJ Kumar
#45 Posted by hamidm2 on October 13, 2006 11:03:47 am
Re: # 44
bj,
.... thanks for reminding me, but i already sent my check to congressman towns - maybe i will send him another ..........
........... i wonder why aisha and ylh light your tail on fire - do you also turn green ?
bj,
.... thanks for reminding me, but i already sent my check to congressman towns - maybe i will send him another ..........
........... i wonder why aisha and ylh light your tail on fire - do you also turn green ?
#46 Posted by ZahraJ on October 13, 2006 11:07:26 am
Re: # 44
BJ - Hi. You are funny. Why don`t you post your take? I am sure the readers will love to entertain different povs.
BJ - Hi. You are funny. Why don`t you post your take? I am sure the readers will love to entertain different povs.
#47 Posted by bjkumar on October 13, 2006 11:07:51 am
#45
[...already sent check...]
Post an image of the CANCELLED check here.
Otherwise everyone will think your are a liar.
Now what was that about ``pants on fire``?
#48 Posted by bjkumar on October 13, 2006 12:22:52 pm
#46 ZahraJ
Dear ZahraJ,
I am posting my take on Aisha’s write-up here. But if you are asking me to post my view on the Mushy book, there are a few practical problems:
(1) To review the book, I will have to BUY it – and I have no interest in blowing my money away like the Pakistani crowds here (How do I know these people blow their money away? For documented proof, read #45.)
(2) Even more difficult than (1), I will have to sit down and read the words purported to come from that inveterate liar and Pakistan’s self-styled mai-baap called Mushy – and I do not have the patience to accomplish that spectacular feat!
(3) Even more difficult than (2), because of my pre-existing highly negative perception of that Kargil killer (which is in the same league as but perhaps on a smaller scale than the sour-puss-face vamp Jinnah whose TB-infested face would forever remain soaked with the blood of the Partition’s victims!) – it will be close to impossible for me to conduct a fair review of his book!
Therefore, ZahraJ, I hope you understand!
Sincerely,
BJ Kumar
#49 Posted by Godot on October 13, 2006 12:44:27 pm
Hamid
I see the monkey is jumping up and down, from tree to tree, trying to abduct her to Sri Lanka!
LOL!
#50 Posted by ZahraJ on October 13, 2006 12:58:42 pm
#48 -
In order to do what you were requested to consider, you do need to get the book. You do not have to buy it if it`s a toll on your emotional well being. You can ask your neighbors to send you a copy. I am positive that they would send you a few extra. They can be very gracious, if you show your civil mannerisms.
[(3) Even more difficult than (2), because of my pre-existing highly negative perception of that Kargil killer (which is in the same league as but perhaps on a smaller scale than the sour-puss-face vamp Jinnah whose TB-infested face would forever remain soaked with the blood of the Partition’s victims!) – it will be close to impossible for me to conduct a fair review of his book! ]
Well, well, well........the remark was completely out of line. Jinnah is not the only one to shoulder the burden of partition. Is that still the root of tension between indian and pakistani interactors? Why cannot we move on?
In order to do what you were requested to consider, you do need to get the book. You do not have to buy it if it`s a toll on your emotional well being. You can ask your neighbors to send you a copy. I am positive that they would send you a few extra. They can be very gracious, if you show your civil mannerisms.
[(3) Even more difficult than (2), because of my pre-existing highly negative perception of that Kargil killer (which is in the same league as but perhaps on a smaller scale than the sour-puss-face vamp Jinnah whose TB-infested face would forever remain soaked with the blood of the Partition’s victims!) – it will be close to impossible for me to conduct a fair review of his book! ]
Well, well, well........the remark was completely out of line. Jinnah is not the only one to shoulder the burden of partition. Is that still the root of tension between indian and pakistani interactors? Why cannot we move on?
#51 Posted by arjun2 on October 13, 2006 3:28:00 pm
seriously pakis...what part of no change in status quo isn`t clear to you, huh?
Zero tolerance for terrorism’: LoC is there to stay, says Singh
* India, EU agree to improve intelligence flows
* Solana stresses all nations, not just Pakistan, need to increase anti-terror efforts
HELSINKI: India is ready to discuss privately “all issues” with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, but will never enter into talks on altering the disputed state’s borders, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said in an interview with a Finnish magazine.
Talking to Kuvalehti magazine, Dr Singh touched on President General Pervez Musharraf’s proposal that the Kashmir issue be resolved through a special autonomy mechanism, by saying: “I would not like to discuss this issue in public with Musharraf. We are prepared to discuss all issues pertaining to relations between India and Pakistan, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
“I have said on many occasions that we cannot discuss moving borders. We have to create a situation in which it is irrelevant on which side of the border the inhabitants of the area live, because goods as well as people can move freely. That is the job of the two governments, and it is the only alternative.”
The prime minister also said in the interview, which had been conducted in New Delhi prior to his trips to Britain and Finland, that he was satisfied with his meeting with Gen Musharraf in Havana. “We agreed on common procedures to uproot terrorism. I hope Pakistan will seriously work with us on this issue. “The current constructive dialogue is based on Musharraf’s commitment made in January 2004.”
Indo-EU summit: Meanwhile, India and the European Union on Friday pledged to boost anti-terrorism cooperation, with particular focus on improving intelligence flows, with the Indian prime minister stressing that only “zero tolerance” for terrorism would send the right signal to those countries engaged in promoting terrorism.
Addressing the opening meeting of the seventh Indo-EU summit in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Dr Singh said that strengthening international anti-terrorism cooperation was of “vital importance to all free and democratic societies”.
“An international norm of zero tolerance against terrorism will send the right signal to those countries directly engaged in terrorism or which are allowing their territories to be used for terrorist purposes. “The recent bombings in Mumbai as well as the earlier bombings in London, Madrid and Srinagar remind us that terrorism remains the most serious threat.” Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Dr Singh and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said that India and the 25-nation bloc had agreed to exchange information and intelligence to boost counter-terrorism efforts. Dr Singh said that this would add to wider international cooperation. On Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, Solana stressed that all countries, not just Pakistan, needed to work harder. Besides India, the five other countries that enjoy a strategic partnership with the EU are the United Sates, Canada, Russia, China and Japan. agencies
Zero tolerance for terrorism’: LoC is there to stay, says Singh
* India, EU agree to improve intelligence flows
* Solana stresses all nations, not just Pakistan, need to increase anti-terror efforts
HELSINKI: India is ready to discuss privately “all issues” with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, but will never enter into talks on altering the disputed state’s borders, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said in an interview with a Finnish magazine.
Talking to Kuvalehti magazine, Dr Singh touched on President General Pervez Musharraf’s proposal that the Kashmir issue be resolved through a special autonomy mechanism, by saying: “I would not like to discuss this issue in public with Musharraf. We are prepared to discuss all issues pertaining to relations between India and Pakistan, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
“I have said on many occasions that we cannot discuss moving borders. We have to create a situation in which it is irrelevant on which side of the border the inhabitants of the area live, because goods as well as people can move freely. That is the job of the two governments, and it is the only alternative.”
The prime minister also said in the interview, which had been conducted in New Delhi prior to his trips to Britain and Finland, that he was satisfied with his meeting with Gen Musharraf in Havana. “We agreed on common procedures to uproot terrorism. I hope Pakistan will seriously work with us on this issue. “The current constructive dialogue is based on Musharraf’s commitment made in January 2004.”
Indo-EU summit: Meanwhile, India and the European Union on Friday pledged to boost anti-terrorism cooperation, with particular focus on improving intelligence flows, with the Indian prime minister stressing that only “zero tolerance” for terrorism would send the right signal to those countries engaged in promoting terrorism.
Addressing the opening meeting of the seventh Indo-EU summit in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Dr Singh said that strengthening international anti-terrorism cooperation was of “vital importance to all free and democratic societies”.
“An international norm of zero tolerance against terrorism will send the right signal to those countries directly engaged in terrorism or which are allowing their territories to be used for terrorist purposes. “The recent bombings in Mumbai as well as the earlier bombings in London, Madrid and Srinagar remind us that terrorism remains the most serious threat.” Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Dr Singh and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said that India and the 25-nation bloc had agreed to exchange information and intelligence to boost counter-terrorism efforts. Dr Singh said that this would add to wider international cooperation. On Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, Solana stressed that all countries, not just Pakistan, needed to work harder. Besides India, the five other countries that enjoy a strategic partnership with the EU are the United Sates, Canada, Russia, China and Japan. agencies
#52 Posted by harimau on October 13, 2006 4:16:40 pm
Aisha,
Don`t you have other things to do, like make babies?
Don`t you have other things to do, like make babies?
#53 Posted by harimau on October 13, 2006 4:22:02 pm
Ref Mantolives #12
[Addendum to #11
The word ``views`` in the last line between ``his`` and ``down your throat``.]
Thanks for the clarification.
I was wondering how your original post escaped the Chowk editors!
[Addendum to #11
The word ``views`` in the last line between ``his`` and ``down your throat``.]
Thanks for the clarification.
I was wondering how your original post escaped the Chowk editors!
#54 Posted by echoboom on October 13, 2006 5:20:43 pm
#52 by harimau
May I politely , but firmly, ask you to cease & desist from such blatant, unprovoked, and vulgar comments. Such a fine lady does not deserve such cyber-assault.
Be as dirty with me as you want, but spare the decent & polite ones.
The above applies to all/any aspiring yahoos on Chowk.
P.S: Is CHOWK-STAFF sleeping ,selectively, at the switch? Two days solitary is the LEAST this deserves.
Mohammad bin Quasim.
May I politely , but firmly, ask you to cease & desist from such blatant, unprovoked, and vulgar comments. Such a fine lady does not deserve such cyber-assault.
Be as dirty with me as you want, but spare the decent & polite ones.
The above applies to all/any aspiring yahoos on Chowk.
P.S: Is CHOWK-STAFF sleeping ,selectively, at the switch? Two days solitary is the LEAST this deserves.
Mohammad bin Quasim.
#55 Posted by arjun2 on October 13, 2006 6:26:30 pm
Manto`s Pakistan..
btw: Mushy can`t face the mullah in the country where he controls the army? No wonder he folded like a cheap lawn chair and left the bodies of his men abandoned on the mountains of Kargil..
Chances of manto`s dream of a secular pakiland confortable in it`s Islamic identity: ZILCH...
No Dates, No Dancing
Why Pakistan`s university students are embracing the fundamentalist life
By ARYN BAKER / LAHORE
Like many other universities around the world, Punjab University in Lahore is a tranquil oasis far removed from the rest of society. But to Westerners, there`s little else about Punjab U. that seems familiar. Walk around the leafy-green 1,800-acre campus, and you will encounter nothing that resembles frivolous undergraduate behavior. Musical concerts are banned, and men and women are segregated in the dining halls. Many female students attend class wearing headscarves that cover everything but their eyes. This fall, when the university`s administrators tried to introduce a program in musicology and performing arts, the campus erupted in protest. ``Pakistan is an Islamic country, and our institutions must reflect that,`` says Umair Idrees, a master`s degree student and secretary-general of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (I.J.T.), the biggest student group on campus. ``The formation of these departments is an attack on Islam and a betrayal of Pakistan. They should not be part of the university curriculum.``
What`s most striking about that climate of conservatism is that it is being driven not by faculty or administrators or government officials but by students. At Punjab U., I.J.T. is the most powerful force on campus, shaping not just the mores of student life but also larger debates over curriculum, course syllabuses, faculty selection and even degree programs. Nationwide, the group has more than 20,000 members and 40,000 affiliates active at nearly all of Pakistan`s 50 public universities. Students who defy I.J.T.`s strict moral code risk private reprimands, public denouncements and, in some cases, even physical violence.
In a country where most politicians cut their teeth as student activists, the rise of groups like I.J.T. provides clues to Pakistan`s political future. Although the country is officially aligned with the U.S. in fighting terrorism, it is beset by an internal struggle between moderate citizens and the fundamentalists who aim to turn the country into an Islamic state. As the hard-line demands intensify, President Pervez Musharraf has backed away from some policies sought by the Bush Administration, such as cracking down on radical religious schools, known as madrasahs, and curbing Pakistani support for the fundamentalist Taliban across the border in Afghanistan. Observers say that Musharraf`s retreats on contentious issues have only strengthened the radicals. ``The universities reflect what you are seeing in the larger political landscape,`` says Samina Ahmed, South Asia director for the International Crisis Group, a think tank. ``The moderate parties have been deprived of their experienced cadre of potential recruits, but the religious parties haven`t.``
College campuses in Pakistan are becoming prime battlegrounds in the war for the country`s soul. Political organizations have been banned from schools since 1992, when violent clashes between the student wings of rival political parties led to the deaths of dozens of students. But by outlawing political activity, the government opened the door to religious organizations such as I.J.T., which acts as an advocacy group that serves as a liaison between students and administration. Founded in 1947, I.J.T. has hundreds of thousands of alumni who provide the group with organizational and financial support, with the goal of ``training the young generation according to Islam so they can play a role in Pakistan`s social and political life,`` Idrees says.
A visit to Punjab University reveals what that means in practice. About 2,400 of the university`s 24,000 students belong to I.J.T. Members are expected to live morally and to abide by the Koran`s injunction to spread good and suppress evil. For many, that involves adopting an austere lifestyle. Members meet for regular study sessions and must attend all-night prayer meetings at least once a month. Outside the classroom, complete segregation of the genders is strictly observed. When asked, many members are critical of the U.S. and its policies toward the Muslim world; although the group has no ties to terrorism, it`s likely that some members sympathize with al-Qaeda.
And yet for some, the appeal of I.J.T. has less to do with ideology than a desire for a platform to voice their grievances. Rana Naveed, 22, a soft-spoken communications student who sports just the beginnings of a beard and wears tight, acid-washed jeans, is troubled by some of I.J.T.`s more extreme pronouncements, especially its stand on the proposed new music program. But he is excited about the prospect of becoming a full-fledged member in a few weeks, when he will take an oath of loyalty and then work to spread his faith and dedicate himself to the welfare of other students. ``There are certain things I don`t agree with,`` says Naveed. ``But as a member, I will have to submit to their way. I.J.T is the only platform to put forward my proposals to the administration, because they turn a deaf ear to regular students.``
An atmosphere of moral rigidity governs much of campus life. I.J.T. members have been known to physically assault students for drinking, flirting or kissing on campus. ``We are compelled by our religion to use force if we witness immoral public behavior,`` says Naveed. ``If I see someone doing something wrong, I can stop him and the I.J.T. will support me.`` Threats of a public reprimand or allegations of immoral behavior are enough to keep most students toeing the I.J.T. line. There is no university regulation segregating men from women in the dining halls, but students know that mingling is taboo. ``If I talk to a girl in line at the canteen, I.J.T. members will tell me to get my food and get out,`` says Rehan Iqbal, 25, an M.B.A. student, who is sitting on the floor of a hallway with female classmate Malka Ikran, 22. It`s a nice autumn day, and a shady green lawn beckons through an open window, but they dare not sit outside. It`s too public. ``There are certain places where I know I can`t talk to my male friends,`` says Ikran. When asked what would happen if she talked to a boy at the library, for example, she just shrugs. ``I don`t know. I would never try it. I`m too afraid.``
It`s not just students who feel stifled by the I.J.T.`s strict moral code. Faculty members at Punjab University say that if I.J.T. objects to a professor`s leanings, or even his syllabus, it can cause problems. It doesn`t take much to raise questions about a teacher`s moral qualifications. ``Those who could afford to leave, did so,`` says Hasan Askari Rizvi, a former professor of political science who is now a political analyst. ``Those who stayed learned not to touch controversial subjects. The role of the university is to advance knowledge, but at P.U. the quality of education is undermined because one group with a narrow, straitjacketed worldview controls it.``
Groups like I.J.T. are likely to grow more influential, not less, as its graduates move into the political arena. For those students aiming to become social activists on campus, and later politicians on the national stage, involvement in I.J.T. is the only forum available to learn the necessary skills. I.J.T. groups across the nation have embraced the opportunity to mold Pakistan`s future politicians. In addition to taking classes on the Koran, members learn how to debate, how to present and defend their views and how to write persuasive proposals. ``I.J.T. trains and promotes leadership qualities,`` says Mumtaz Ahmad Salik, president of the P.U. staff association and a professor of Islamic studies. ``When a national political party catches anyone who has been trained by I.J.T., they benefit.`` Most I.J.T. members who choose to enter politics after graduation go on to join Jamaat-e-Islami or other fundamentalist political groups. Some sign up with more centrist parties, although they bring with them fundamentalist thinking that has contributed to the general turn toward conservatism in national politics.
For now a future in politics is far from the minds of most P.U. students, who just want to enjoy their last few years on campus. ``We would love to have a student union,`` says Iqbal. ``Then we could plan events and activities and take care of the students` problems ourselves. Right now, only I.J.T. has that kind of power. If the I.J.T. had competition, that would change. Then you would see what students really think.`` But until free elections and campaigning are permitted, the religious groups will continue to walk large on campus. The same could be said of Pakistan.
btw: Mushy can`t face the mullah in the country where he controls the army? No wonder he folded like a cheap lawn chair and left the bodies of his men abandoned on the mountains of Kargil..
Chances of manto`s dream of a secular pakiland confortable in it`s Islamic identity: ZILCH...
No Dates, No Dancing
Why Pakistan`s university students are embracing the fundamentalist life
By ARYN BAKER / LAHORE
Like many other universities around the world, Punjab University in Lahore is a tranquil oasis far removed from the rest of society. But to Westerners, there`s little else about Punjab U. that seems familiar. Walk around the leafy-green 1,800-acre campus, and you will encounter nothing that resembles frivolous undergraduate behavior. Musical concerts are banned, and men and women are segregated in the dining halls. Many female students attend class wearing headscarves that cover everything but their eyes. This fall, when the university`s administrators tried to introduce a program in musicology and performing arts, the campus erupted in protest. ``Pakistan is an Islamic country, and our institutions must reflect that,`` says Umair Idrees, a master`s degree student and secretary-general of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (I.J.T.), the biggest student group on campus. ``The formation of these departments is an attack on Islam and a betrayal of Pakistan. They should not be part of the university curriculum.``
What`s most striking about that climate of conservatism is that it is being driven not by faculty or administrators or government officials but by students. At Punjab U., I.J.T. is the most powerful force on campus, shaping not just the mores of student life but also larger debates over curriculum, course syllabuses, faculty selection and even degree programs. Nationwide, the group has more than 20,000 members and 40,000 affiliates active at nearly all of Pakistan`s 50 public universities. Students who defy I.J.T.`s strict moral code risk private reprimands, public denouncements and, in some cases, even physical violence.
In a country where most politicians cut their teeth as student activists, the rise of groups like I.J.T. provides clues to Pakistan`s political future. Although the country is officially aligned with the U.S. in fighting terrorism, it is beset by an internal struggle between moderate citizens and the fundamentalists who aim to turn the country into an Islamic state. As the hard-line demands intensify, President Pervez Musharraf has backed away from some policies sought by the Bush Administration, such as cracking down on radical religious schools, known as madrasahs, and curbing Pakistani support for the fundamentalist Taliban across the border in Afghanistan. Observers say that Musharraf`s retreats on contentious issues have only strengthened the radicals. ``The universities reflect what you are seeing in the larger political landscape,`` says Samina Ahmed, South Asia director for the International Crisis Group, a think tank. ``The moderate parties have been deprived of their experienced cadre of potential recruits, but the religious parties haven`t.``
College campuses in Pakistan are becoming prime battlegrounds in the war for the country`s soul. Political organizations have been banned from schools since 1992, when violent clashes between the student wings of rival political parties led to the deaths of dozens of students. But by outlawing political activity, the government opened the door to religious organizations such as I.J.T., which acts as an advocacy group that serves as a liaison between students and administration. Founded in 1947, I.J.T. has hundreds of thousands of alumni who provide the group with organizational and financial support, with the goal of ``training the young generation according to Islam so they can play a role in Pakistan`s social and political life,`` Idrees says.
A visit to Punjab University reveals what that means in practice. About 2,400 of the university`s 24,000 students belong to I.J.T. Members are expected to live morally and to abide by the Koran`s injunction to spread good and suppress evil. For many, that involves adopting an austere lifestyle. Members meet for regular study sessions and must attend all-night prayer meetings at least once a month. Outside the classroom, complete segregation of the genders is strictly observed. When asked, many members are critical of the U.S. and its policies toward the Muslim world; although the group has no ties to terrorism, it`s likely that some members sympathize with al-Qaeda.
And yet for some, the appeal of I.J.T. has less to do with ideology than a desire for a platform to voice their grievances. Rana Naveed, 22, a soft-spoken communications student who sports just the beginnings of a beard and wears tight, acid-washed jeans, is troubled by some of I.J.T.`s more extreme pronouncements, especially its stand on the proposed new music program. But he is excited about the prospect of becoming a full-fledged member in a few weeks, when he will take an oath of loyalty and then work to spread his faith and dedicate himself to the welfare of other students. ``There are certain things I don`t agree with,`` says Naveed. ``But as a member, I will have to submit to their way. I.J.T is the only platform to put forward my proposals to the administration, because they turn a deaf ear to regular students.``
An atmosphere of moral rigidity governs much of campus life. I.J.T. members have been known to physically assault students for drinking, flirting or kissing on campus. ``We are compelled by our religion to use force if we witness immoral public behavior,`` says Naveed. ``If I see someone doing something wrong, I can stop him and the I.J.T. will support me.`` Threats of a public reprimand or allegations of immoral behavior are enough to keep most students toeing the I.J.T. line. There is no university regulation segregating men from women in the dining halls, but students know that mingling is taboo. ``If I talk to a girl in line at the canteen, I.J.T. members will tell me to get my food and get out,`` says Rehan Iqbal, 25, an M.B.A. student, who is sitting on the floor of a hallway with female classmate Malka Ikran, 22. It`s a nice autumn day, and a shady green lawn beckons through an open window, but they dare not sit outside. It`s too public. ``There are certain places where I know I can`t talk to my male friends,`` says Ikran. When asked what would happen if she talked to a boy at the library, for example, she just shrugs. ``I don`t know. I would never try it. I`m too afraid.``
It`s not just students who feel stifled by the I.J.T.`s strict moral code. Faculty members at Punjab University say that if I.J.T. objects to a professor`s leanings, or even his syllabus, it can cause problems. It doesn`t take much to raise questions about a teacher`s moral qualifications. ``Those who could afford to leave, did so,`` says Hasan Askari Rizvi, a former professor of political science who is now a political analyst. ``Those who stayed learned not to touch controversial subjects. The role of the university is to advance knowledge, but at P.U. the quality of education is undermined because one group with a narrow, straitjacketed worldview controls it.``
Groups like I.J.T. are likely to grow more influential, not less, as its graduates move into the political arena. For those students aiming to become social activists on campus, and later politicians on the national stage, involvement in I.J.T. is the only forum available to learn the necessary skills. I.J.T. groups across the nation have embraced the opportunity to mold Pakistan`s future politicians. In addition to taking classes on the Koran, members learn how to debate, how to present and defend their views and how to write persuasive proposals. ``I.J.T. trains and promotes leadership qualities,`` says Mumtaz Ahmad Salik, president of the P.U. staff association and a professor of Islamic studies. ``When a national political party catches anyone who has been trained by I.J.T., they benefit.`` Most I.J.T. members who choose to enter politics after graduation go on to join Jamaat-e-Islami or other fundamentalist political groups. Some sign up with more centrist parties, although they bring with them fundamentalist thinking that has contributed to the general turn toward conservatism in national politics.
For now a future in politics is far from the minds of most P.U. students, who just want to enjoy their last few years on campus. ``We would love to have a student union,`` says Iqbal. ``Then we could plan events and activities and take care of the students` problems ourselves. Right now, only I.J.T. has that kind of power. If the I.J.T. had competition, that would change. Then you would see what students really think.`` But until free elections and campaigning are permitted, the religious groups will continue to walk large on campus. The same could be said of Pakistan.
#56 Posted by arjun2 on October 13, 2006 6:29:38 pm
=== Interact Filtered ===
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#57 Posted by arjun2 on October 13, 2006 8:28:45 pm
I heard Rahimullah Yusufzai being interviewed on NPR(I know, but it`s a long drive from BWI): He said the paki army got it`s ass kicked by the pushtun tribesmen which is why they signed the peace deal in whch they gave the jihadis all they wanted..The paki army lost 700+ soldiers and they were confined to their camps..they couldn`t step out without being attacked..
El-president basically agreed to release all the captured men, give them their arms and give them their vehicles..
folded in kargil, folded in siachen, folded after the stone age call and folded in the tribal areas..maybe he should call himself Folderraf..
El-president basically agreed to release all the captured men, give them their arms and give them their vehicles..
folded in kargil, folded in siachen, folded after the stone age call and folded in the tribal areas..maybe he should call himself Folderraf..
#58 Posted by freesoul on October 13, 2006 10:44:18 pm
be afraid of the day when the wife is defended by not just the hubby but 10 children on this site.
u moron Indians won`t be able to beat this 12-persons team.
and yes, the article sucks...she just wanted to see a pakistani face on the tube, and she got it....now jumping up and down like a monkey.
u moron Indians won`t be able to beat this 12-persons team.
and yes, the article sucks...she just wanted to see a pakistani face on the tube, and she got it....now jumping up and down like a monkey.
#59 Posted by MantoLives on October 13, 2006 11:27:16 pm
Looks like most idiots here did not even bother to read the article...
This is also from the same article...
I’m in Lahore though and my country is headed by a military dictator who can neither be dictator enough to do away with the extra-constitutional Hudood laws, nor benevolent enough to resign as army chief and stand for elections. Filp-flopping between appeasing the mullahs and the west, he plays to the theater by walking the much acclaimed tightrope of a moderate Muslim country’s leader, all on Pakistan’s expense.
... Yet, I find that Musharraf’s understanding of the political history of Pakistan’s creation is a bit shallow. Had he really understood how much Jinnah’s Pakistan is violated in the attack on the parliament’s sovereignty, he would have stepped down as army chief the first date at which the Supreme Court mandate expired.
So far this is what has happened on this thread:
Instead of reading the article in entirety, after reading snippets of the article..
1. Sadna, being the pavitar Hindu nari inspired by Hindu cultural life (read ``Kyunki Saas bhee kabhee bahu thee) as she puts it, is shocked and awed by the fact that a wife dare have a disagreement with her husband.
2. BJkumar goes into hyperdrive of paranoia because lately his fantasy world seems to be crumbling and people are beginning to see Indians like him (and Gandhiji who believed that in order to be a true Indian, one has to be Hindu first and that a true society could only be based on caste) in their true light ... exclusivist, racist, casteist bigots masquerading as a ``secular`` nation ...
3. Maccacas go wild.
This is also from the same article...
I’m in Lahore though and my country is headed by a military dictator who can neither be dictator enough to do away with the extra-constitutional Hudood laws, nor benevolent enough to resign as army chief and stand for elections. Filp-flopping between appeasing the mullahs and the west, he plays to the theater by walking the much acclaimed tightrope of a moderate Muslim country’s leader, all on Pakistan’s expense.
... Yet, I find that Musharraf’s understanding of the political history of Pakistan’s creation is a bit shallow. Had he really understood how much Jinnah’s Pakistan is violated in the attack on the parliament’s sovereignty, he would have stepped down as army chief the first date at which the Supreme Court mandate expired.
So far this is what has happened on this thread:
Instead of reading the article in entirety, after reading snippets of the article..
1. Sadna, being the pavitar Hindu nari inspired by Hindu cultural life (read ``Kyunki Saas bhee kabhee bahu thee) as she puts it, is shocked and awed by the fact that a wife dare have a disagreement with her husband.
2. BJkumar goes into hyperdrive of paranoia because lately his fantasy world seems to be crumbling and people are beginning to see Indians like him (and Gandhiji who believed that in order to be a true Indian, one has to be Hindu first and that a true society could only be based on caste) in their true light ... exclusivist, racist, casteist bigots masquerading as a ``secular`` nation ...
3. Maccacas go wild.
#60 Posted by JG on October 14, 2006 2:11:52 am
Mantolives,
Why are battling your wifes battles, she has written this article so let her be answerable.
Why are battling your wifes battles, she has written this article so let her be answerable.
#61 Posted by MantoLives on October 14, 2006 2:23:31 am
JG,
I am merely commenting as a fellow Pakistani and a chowkie. I have the right to my own opinion.
I believe however that Aisha Sarwari has firmly put you fellows in your place with her #29.
I am merely commenting as a fellow Pakistani and a chowkie. I have the right to my own opinion.
I believe however that Aisha Sarwari has firmly put you fellows in your place with her #29.
#62 Posted by bjkumar on October 14, 2006 2:48:55 am
#61 Manto
Yasser, make sure to arrange some English spelling classes for Ms. Aisha Sarwari, so she does not make asinine mistakes like she did in this crappy “review”! Also, it is fully understandable why she wishes to kiss the boots of the Mushy – like a sati-Savitri, she is trying to get you off the hook for calling the General the son of a canine species! Nothing doing - you can squirm, but it is only a matter of time before the Mushy comes after you.
Most likely, when he is convinced that you can get more than two votes - your own and Aisha`s! (In about fifty more years or so!)
#41 Hamidm2
[don`t start posting pictures of naked men again - i see it coming]
Mian Hamid. Your aversion to naked brown skin is legendary in these waters – which makes for a highly gladdening (and perhaps enriching) material for the Drs. Sohail of this world!
Therefore, as requested, mian Hamidm2, the following is strictly for YOUR viewing pleasure. (Everybody else, especially chowk-staff – look away!)
#63 Posted by MantoLives on October 14, 2006 3:07:31 am
Dear bjkumar,
Given that you can`t write a single sentence in the English language without proving to us that you are an utterly muddled fellow, I suppose you should take some of your own advice.
Anyone with basic comprehension skills intact will see that Aisha has not for single minute let the general off the hook for anything ... but then that too would be too much to ask from someone like you.
They say a picture says a thousand words... This woman in the picture... I am guessing probably the unfortunate Kasturba... is for some reason a few steps behind her patti permeshawar... It puts into perspective Sadna`s surprise that Aisha and I have a slightly different perception of Musharraf`s writing style.
Given that you can`t write a single sentence in the English language without proving to us that you are an utterly muddled fellow, I suppose you should take some of your own advice.
Anyone with basic comprehension skills intact will see that Aisha has not for single minute let the general off the hook for anything ... but then that too would be too much to ask from someone like you.
They say a picture says a thousand words... This woman in the picture... I am guessing probably the unfortunate Kasturba... is for some reason a few steps behind her patti permeshawar... It puts into perspective Sadna`s surprise that Aisha and I have a slightly different perception of Musharraf`s writing style.
#64 Posted by bjkumar on October 14, 2006 3:51:49 am
#63
Abey Yasser kee dumm:
(I thought you were not talking to me. Such a liar!)
Much as you are dutibound to play your wife`s own ``knight``, this here is a crappy piece of “review” and you know it!
In fact the world at large knows it!
Take for example where she calls Mushy head of the state of a developing nation – you know that is not true! How can Pakistan be called a developing nation – it is fully matured and it is fully developed – to the best of its ability. In fact, if one is to go by the geographic size alone – it is not only no more maturing, it is past that phase since 1971 and entered the next phase - a SHRINKING nation!
And how can she even suggest for George Orwell would have read the Mushy memoir? Everyone knows that Orwell is dead! Dead men don’t read! They just lie dead - sometimes along with inanimate objects like mirrors!
And how can she call the Hudood laws “extra constitutional”? Isn’t Pakistan brimming full with hot-shot smartass lawyers who can jump up and challenge any “extra constitutional” laws in a jiffy? What happened – did all the Pakistani lawyers turn into jelly and butter – jelly in their spine and butter for the Mushy`s boots?
And how can she take exception to clarity? EVERYBODY, with the exception of lawyers, knows that clarity is a good thing! Actually, the lawyers know it too – but being lawyers, they deny it because it would mess up their livelihood.
And she forgets the most basic of facts – nobody in Pakistan gives a hoot about what ANYBODY, including her, says of the book. The public agencies are all going to buy it with public money – like it or not – getting their butts kicked in the latter case with khaki boots, and that khaki boot is all that matters in that land of the Pure!
And also your wife’s example of oxymoron is all messed up.
The real example of an oxymoron is a “secular” democratic Islamic Republic – called Pakistan! In practical terms, it means killing all non-Muslims so that Pakistani Muslims can be VERY secular with other Pakistani Muslims!
And one more thing. This one is just too incredible – I think chowkies will be shocked!
The wife of Yasser does not know how to spell Jinnah’s first name right! Yup, she mis-spelt Mohammed Ali Jinnah!
Make sure that for the next review she does of a book, she actually reads the book.
And the review needs to be about the BOOK, not about HER good old days as a university student in USA!
Abey Yasser kee dumm:
(I thought you were not talking to me. Such a liar!)
Much as you are dutibound to play your wife`s own ``knight``, this here is a crappy piece of “review” and you know it!
In fact the world at large knows it!
Take for example where she calls Mushy head of the state of a developing nation – you know that is not true! How can Pakistan be called a developing nation – it is fully matured and it is fully developed – to the best of its ability. In fact, if one is to go by the geographic size alone – it is not only no more maturing, it is past that phase since 1971 and entered the next phase - a SHRINKING nation!
And how can she even suggest for George Orwell would have read the Mushy memoir? Everyone knows that Orwell is dead! Dead men don’t read! They just lie dead - sometimes along with inanimate objects like mirrors!
And how can she call the Hudood laws “extra constitutional”? Isn’t Pakistan brimming full with hot-shot smartass lawyers who can jump up and challenge any “extra constitutional” laws in a jiffy? What happened – did all the Pakistani lawyers turn into jelly and butter – jelly in their spine and butter for the Mushy`s boots?
And how can she take exception to clarity? EVERYBODY, with the exception of lawyers, knows that clarity is a good thing! Actually, the lawyers know it too – but being lawyers, they deny it because it would mess up their livelihood.
And she forgets the most basic of facts – nobody in Pakistan gives a hoot about what ANYBODY, including her, says of the book. The public agencies are all going to buy it with public money – like it or not – getting their butts kicked in the latter case with khaki boots, and that khaki boot is all that matters in that land of the Pure!
And also your wife’s example of oxymoron is all messed up.
The real example of an oxymoron is a “secular” democratic Islamic Republic – called Pakistan! In practical terms, it means killing all non-Muslims so that Pakistani Muslims can be VERY secular with other Pakistani Muslims!
And one more thing. This one is just too incredible – I think chowkies will be shocked!
The wife of Yasser does not know how to spell Jinnah’s first name right! Yup, she mis-spelt Mohammed Ali Jinnah!
Make sure that for the next review she does of a book, she actually reads the book.
And the review needs to be about the BOOK, not about HER good old days as a university student in USA!
#65 Posted by lovely_k on October 14, 2006 5:18:50 am
*Though most of the world knows George Orwell for his book, Animal Farm*
Nop. He was known for all time famous ``1984``.
*Kargil was a reaction to what he revealed to be an attempt by India *
Nop. It was fixed wrestling. It was a pretext of regime change in PK. You see this is how Hegelian Dialect works.
Problem: Kargil, produces a Hero defeated by EVIL industrialist
Reaction: What`s going on. PM`s a traitor. Needs a `patriot`.
Solution: Army`s intervention and take over.
:) he and his cabal is as much a patriot as Unocol`s Karzai is an Afghan.
He was needed to facilitate the invasion of Afghanistan. He took over somewhat exactly an yr before 911. Right man for the right job at the right time in a right place. Ideal. Isn`t it?
Nop. He was known for all time famous ``1984``.
*Kargil was a reaction to what he revealed to be an attempt by India *
Nop. It was fixed wrestling. It was a pretext of regime change in PK. You see this is how Hegelian Dialect works.
Problem: Kargil, produces a Hero defeated by EVIL industrialist
Reaction: What`s going on. PM`s a traitor. Needs a `patriot`.
Solution: Army`s intervention and take over.
:) he and his cabal is as much a patriot as Unocol`s Karzai is an Afghan.
He was needed to facilitate the invasion of Afghanistan. He took over somewhat exactly an yr before 911. Right man for the right job at the right time in a right place. Ideal. Isn`t it?
#67 Posted by MantoLives on October 14, 2006 5:41:20 am
Bj, bj, bj,
You fluff up every Indian from Gandhi to Sadna and yet they disappoint you again and again. You fluff, fluff, fluff all day and to no avail.
FYI I never said I wasn`t talking to you. This is not unplugged pai... all I said I was ignoring your abuse and personal attacks on unplugged ... which is why you are on my ignore list there. It doesn`t mean that I don`t have the right to take your sorry little behind to china town... Also the name Muhammad is spelt many ways. Mahomet, Mehmet, Mahomed (this is how Jinnah actually spelt his name) and Mohammed are all the same... a rose is a rose by any name.
You fluff up every Indian from Gandhi to Sadna and yet they disappoint you again and again. You fluff, fluff, fluff all day and to no avail.
FYI I never said I wasn`t talking to you. This is not unplugged pai... all I said I was ignoring your abuse and personal attacks on unplugged ... which is why you are on my ignore list there. It doesn`t mean that I don`t have the right to take your sorry little behind to china town... Also the name Muhammad is spelt many ways. Mahomet, Mehmet, Mahomed (this is how Jinnah actually spelt his name) and Mohammed are all the same... a rose is a rose by any name.
#68 Posted by ahmedmadani on October 14, 2006 5:58:16 am
Re: # 64
Good evening everybody. This paper is misused by some bad notorious people to make propaganda against good people and nation of pakistan. This responsibility of owner of this newspaper to no all ow any tV coming on here. When I opened it automatic propaganda machine started and I had to go watching tv broadcast from some nasty looking Indian man talking about not so good things happned here and magnifying it. The man looked smug and think he is shaved sikh shame (or just hybrid sikh/hindu) to his race and some nice looking white woman a christian he should be ashamed of propaganda. It went for almost 10 minutes including troublmaking lady from pakistan who is professional agitator, I do not to add more she is LAWYER, that tell being Lawyer is worst people than police beating.Police beat and go away lawyer is low caste people and just blood suckers . Any way that is not big news. Big news is ARJUN is again allowed to post all propaganda and not his rights curtailed. Some time back he was banned its needed again.
Any way I do not like people indulging in the president when he is getting more favourable things for our country. He has made MMsing look like stupid and all muslims over world is happy about his tour of USA, canada, england all nicwe countries. If you do not like him I challenge to propose who will be better. Answer is nobody. Not mantos or lawyer lady or any body can replace General. Its not easy to be president. He has put his life on line from time he allowed USA to care of afghan terrorists. Things are not easy and he is trying best. He has got F-16s now new JF-17 which produced by Pakistan and China together is his achievement. He most recognised muslim face after OBL in west and is work horse of moderate islam. He has taken too much crap from little people. He is moderate and modern has allowed his son to go usa and settle, he could have brought him in poitics and made P.Minister but he picked man to improve economy which has put pain on face of indian PM who is not even elected and a man at mercy of woman. General is selfmade man not made in and approved man from usa like all other. He is man of street and knows how to dael with politicians and had handicapped NS and BB. But Altaf has made him his dog, he is more afraid of Altafbhai than Americans. They are both brainy urdus (new sindhis) they respect each other. They both together have kept retards of punjab and sindh in check . He is only leader who tell and follows his words and world respects that. He told baloch terrorists and their problem makers to shut up and stop blasting national assets. They did not give attention and he took care with little missiles fired by F-16 and problem is over. This blasting entertainmaent of blowing pipeline have come to end. Soon Bib G will be working and 30 meter depth channel making going on and soon very large crude carriers will be coming to big G. Soon will be rotterdam, london, antwerp od asia and that little place will control oil prices as huge refinires and will be exporting finshed products from coming black liquid gold into high speed disel, jet fuel, petrol and naptha and tar for export. All locos from China shuntting at big G to load goods for Eurore and loading and unloading and sad RAW agents will be feeling very sorry.
If you do not like general find better or shut up, he is not perfect but he is better than all who critic him.
Any way stop arjun and do not allow tv clips as they are exremely damaging and give bad picture of social order and woman status. Managenent can help by not allowing any pic, images, or voice transmission and curtail propaganda once for all. Some body may not like General but for world he best maderate face of pakistani people.
Let year has 1000days and let general live and rule 1000 years. Ruling pakistan and improving is not easy job one has put life on line, its not job as PM of uk. Just tired of bashing by little people. Just somebody go usa does not mean they are smarter than General. His book is at best selling top list heard id good news as people of america will get real picture to understand his ``majburis`` od different situationa like recent understanding with traibals etc.
Insead of criticizing you pay 5% extra tax for Kashmir struggle , I am tired of people who want govt to do all but they do not come forward and pay extra to govt say for libreration of K.
Good evening everybody. This paper is misused by some bad notorious people to make propaganda against good people and nation of pakistan. This responsibility of owner of this newspaper to no all ow any tV coming on here. When I opened it automatic propaganda machine started and I had to go watching tv broadcast from some nasty looking Indian man talking about not so good things happned here and magnifying it. The man looked smug and think he is shaved sikh shame (or just hybrid sikh/hindu) to his race and some nice looking white woman a christian he should be ashamed of propaganda. It went for almost 10 minutes including troublmaking lady from pakistan who is professional agitator, I do not to add more she is LAWYER, that tell being Lawyer is worst people than police beating.Police beat and go away lawyer is low caste people and just blood suckers . Any way that is not big news. Big news is ARJUN is again allowed to post all propaganda and not his rights curtailed. Some time back he was banned its needed again.
Any way I do not like people indulging in the president when he is getting more favourable things for our country. He has made MMsing look like stupid and all muslims over world is happy about his tour of USA, canada, england all nicwe countries. If you do not like him I challenge to propose who will be better. Answer is nobody. Not mantos or lawyer lady or any body can replace General. Its not easy to be president. He has put his life on line from time he allowed USA to care of afghan terrorists. Things are not easy and he is trying best. He has got F-16s now new JF-17 which produced by Pakistan and China together is his achievement. He most recognised muslim face after OBL in west and is work horse of moderate islam. He has taken too much crap from little people. He is moderate and modern has allowed his son to go usa and settle, he could have brought him in poitics and made P.Minister but he picked man to improve economy which has put pain on face of indian PM who is not even elected and a man at mercy of woman. General is selfmade man not made in and approved man from usa like all other. He is man of street and knows how to dael with politicians and had handicapped NS and BB. But Altaf has made him his dog, he is more afraid of Altafbhai than Americans. They are both brainy urdus (new sindhis) they respect each other. They both together have kept retards of punjab and sindh in check . He is only leader who tell and follows his words and world respects that. He told baloch terrorists and their problem makers to shut up and stop blasting national assets. They did not give attention and he took care with little missiles fired by F-16 and problem is over. This blasting entertainmaent of blowing pipeline have come to end. Soon Bib G will be working and 30 meter depth channel making going on and soon very large crude carriers will be coming to big G. Soon will be rotterdam, london, antwerp od asia and that little place will control oil prices as huge refinires and will be exporting finshed products from coming black liquid gold into high speed disel, jet fuel, petrol and naptha and tar for export. All locos from China shuntting at big G to load goods for Eurore and loading and unloading and sad RAW agents will be feeling very sorry.
If you do not like general find better or shut up, he is not perfect but he is better than all who critic him.
Any way stop arjun and do not allow tv clips as they are exremely damaging and give bad picture of social order and woman status. Managenent can help by not allowing any pic, images, or voice transmission and curtail propaganda once for all. Some body may not like General but for world he best maderate face of pakistani people.
Let year has 1000days and let general live and rule 1000 years. Ruling pakistan and improving is not easy job one has put life on line, its not job as PM of uk. Just tired of bashing by little people. Just somebody go usa does not mean they are smarter than General. His book is at best selling top list heard id good news as people of america will get real picture to understand his ``majburis`` od different situationa like recent understanding with traibals etc.
Insead of criticizing you pay 5% extra tax for Kashmir struggle , I am tired of people who want govt to do all but they do not come forward and pay extra to govt say for libreration of K.
#69 Posted by hamidm2 on October 14, 2006 6:50:38 am
please do not feed the monkeys
....... my biggest beef with musharraf - other than the fact that there is everything wrong with a man in unifrom running the country - is his misguided effort to `normalize` relations with primates ..........
.......... remember when the indian cricket team accompanied by frau sadna`s male alter ego, vereesh mian, went to defile the land of the pure ?......... at that time i had said that nothing good would come out of letting in these ... these .... monkeys into the country (at that time the world had not discovered george allen) ........ monkeys are a nuisance - they are mean spirited, cunning and wicked, they crap all over the place, they eat some of their feces and hurl the remainder at passersby, they screech (specially the females) and are infested with fleas ..........
........ we created pakistan so that we could get away from the knife-in-armpit bania because we knew that we couldn`t trust him .......... then what was musharraf thinking ? ........... you throw a monkey a peanut and more than likely he will attack you, try to grab the whole bag and then gouge out your eyes ! ......... it is the nature of the beast ....... and if you don`t believe me, then just look at the picture of the man posted by bj - would you trust your niece with him ?
ylh zindabad !
#70 Posted by nasah on October 14, 2006 8:35:41 am
``my biggest beef with musharraf - .....................- is his misguided effort to `normalize` relations with primates ..........``(hamidm)
what happened -- when this epiphany arrived....for the member of the same gene pool?
what happened -- when this epiphany arrived....for the member of the same gene pool?
#71 Posted by hamidm2 on October 14, 2006 9:04:50 am
Re: # 70
nasah,
macacas, langurs and capuchins might belong to the same gene pool, but in the wild you will never see them peacefully swinging from the same tree and sharing berries - it is the law of nature ......... the deep-rooted animosity of the macacas towards the langurs because of their inability to accept the fact that the langurs want their own berry tree, makes peaceful coexistence impossible in the forseeable future ....... and being the direct descendents of hanuman, the macacas have more experience with monkey business, which puts the langurs at a disadvantage ...........
..... maybe if the langurs stopped acting like capuchins dancing to the tune of various organ grinders, they might have a chance ............
nasah,
macacas, langurs and capuchins might belong to the same gene pool, but in the wild you will never see them peacefully swinging from the same tree and sharing berries - it is the law of nature ......... the deep-rooted animosity of the macacas towards the langurs because of their inability to accept the fact that the langurs want their own berry tree, makes peaceful coexistence impossible in the forseeable future ....... and being the direct descendents of hanuman, the macacas have more experience with monkey business, which puts the langurs at a disadvantage ...........
..... maybe if the langurs stopped acting like capuchins dancing to the tune of various organ grinders, they might have a chance ............
#72 Posted by KaalChakra on October 14, 2006 9:05:19 am
LOL
nasah ji, hamidm2 is so fine a contributor that he is entitled to spicing up the conversation. Even by his catchphrase ``horrible Hindoos`` he means no harm. :)
nasah ji, hamidm2 is so fine a contributor that he is entitled to spicing up the conversation. Even by his catchphrase ``horrible Hindoos`` he means no harm. :)
#73 Posted by masanamuthu on October 14, 2006 1:17:01 pm
Re: # 68
ahmedmadani, ROFL.. looks like you and arjun share a relationship..
ahmedmadani, ROFL.. looks like you and arjun share a relationship..
#74 Posted by sadna on October 14, 2006 4:10:47 pm
hamidm2 #various
I haven`t expressed any opinion on the book or Musharraf on this thread and have no interest in doing so. I posted what the author`s husband said connecting the book and its author to myself and I told her to have a word with him. When people write stuff about me, I have the right of reply because in case you didn`t notice, the Mughal sultanate is dead.
The root of all evils in any debate is 1. misdirection or deliberate misinterpretation of what another person says and 2. personalizing dissent. You are not setting a very good example to your juniors in both respects.
I haven`t expressed any opinion on the book or Musharraf on this thread and have no interest in doing so. I posted what the author`s husband said connecting the book and its author to myself and I told her to have a word with him. When people write stuff about me, I have the right of reply because in case you didn`t notice, the Mughal sultanate is dead.
The root of all evils in any debate is 1. misdirection or deliberate misinterpretation of what another person says and 2. personalizing dissent. You are not setting a very good example to your juniors in both respects.
#75 Posted by ballukhan on October 14, 2006 6:25:50 pm
Re: # 69
``is his misguided effort to `normalize` relations .``
Agreed.......................he tried to `normalize` the relationship of ``Pakistan-in-a-state-of-unending-war-with-India`` by pumping more resources into Jehadi infrastructure first with Kargil and then executing more terror attacks into Indian mainland.............. it is his perverse view of what `normal` relations with India means that gets exposed in his book...............
``is his misguided effort to `normalize` relations .``
Agreed.......................he tried to `normalize` the relationship of ``Pakistan-in-a-state-of-unending-war-with-India`` by pumping more resources into Jehadi infrastructure first with Kargil and then executing more terror attacks into Indian mainland.............. it is his perverse view of what `normal` relations with India means that gets exposed in his book...............
#76 Posted by arjun2 on October 14, 2006 8:02:27 pm
#75 by ballukhan on October 14, 2006 6:25pm PT
For pakis, normal relations means India hands over Kashmir to them and in return, they promise to be India`s friends...
thanks....but no thanks...
For pakis, normal relations means India hands over Kashmir to them and in return, they promise to be India`s friends...
thanks....but no thanks...
#77 Posted by echoboom on October 14, 2006 8:25:44 pm
=== Interact Filtered ===
view this users filtered interacts
view this users filtered interacts
#78 Posted by arjun2 on October 14, 2006 9:15:15 pm
manto and mrs manto can continue this circle-jerk of self-delusion all they want bu the facts don`t change.
The world associates India with IT and an ancient culture.
The world associated Pakistan with Islamic terrorism..
The world associates India with IT and an ancient culture.
The world associated Pakistan with Islamic terrorism..
#79 Posted by MantoLives on October 14, 2006 10:31:33 pm
Sadna...
You say you are not interested in posting anything about Musharraf`s book, but you`ve been posting thread after thread about him for the past three weeks. Isn`t that ironic?
In any event, we still don`t understand why Aisha and I have to agree with each other on everything. In any event, it is clear that you didn`t even bother to read the article or your comprehension of simple English is rather lacking, which makes Aisha`s description of you in 29 all the more accurate.
The root of all evils in any debate is 1. misdirection or deliberate misinterpretation of what another person says and 2. personalizing dissent. You are not setting a very good example for the lesser maccacas in both respects.
You say you are not interested in posting anything about Musharraf`s book, but you`ve been posting thread after thread about him for the past three weeks. Isn`t that ironic?
In any event, we still don`t understand why Aisha and I have to agree with each other on everything. In any event, it is clear that you didn`t even bother to read the article or your comprehension of simple English is rather lacking, which makes Aisha`s description of you in 29 all the more accurate.
The root of all evils in any debate is 1. misdirection or deliberate misinterpretation of what another person says and 2. personalizing dissent. You are not setting a very good example for the lesser maccacas in both respects.
#80 Posted by zeemax on October 15, 2006 12:58:30 am
“You want to hang him? Go ahead and hang him ... this nation will go up in flames``
(Farooq Abdullah told the CNN-IBN news channel.)
Hahaha ... Kashmir Banega Pakistan ... do it quickly please.
#81 Posted by burpinder on October 15, 2006 1:54:25 am
sadna/mantolives
Will you two please shut up? Your incessant bickering and he said-she said is driving everyone up the wall.
Will you two please shut up? Your incessant bickering and he said-she said is driving everyone up the wall.
#82 Posted by sadna on October 15, 2006 2:53:53 am
#81
Since other posters are free to post personal remarks about me, I will reply to such remarks as and when I please. If ``everyone`` has a problem with that, so be it.
Since other posters are free to post personal remarks about me, I will reply to such remarks as and when I please. If ``everyone`` has a problem with that, so be it.
#83 Posted by arjun2 on October 15, 2006 4:55:48 am
#80 by zeemax on October 15, 2006 0:58am PT
Hahaha ... Kashmir Banega Pakistan ... do it quickly please.
Take the Kashmir-challenge...
If Indian Kashmir is part of Pakistan on 1st Jan, 2011, I`ll convert to Islam...
If it hasn`t beanegaed Pakistan, you`ll eat ham and drink a fosters beer every friday of the year...
deal?
Hahaha ... Kashmir Banega Pakistan ... do it quickly please.
Take the Kashmir-challenge...
If Indian Kashmir is part of Pakistan on 1st Jan, 2011, I`ll convert to Islam...
If it hasn`t beanegaed Pakistan, you`ll eat ham and drink a fosters beer every friday of the year...
deal?
#84 Posted by arjun2 on October 15, 2006 5:42:17 am
Summary: Mushy`s book reinforces the fact that Pakiland is a quasi-terrorist state and if given an option, it would elect a pro-islamic terrorist government...and the only thing standing between this outcome and reality is...drum roll..mushy...
Is terror Pakistan’s state brand?
By Babar Sattar
‘A RISING tide lifts all boats’, we were told recently at an International Trade Council meeting in Geneva. Building a good national brand and image facilitates economic development and thus the intense focus of countries to market themselves in a manner that is attractive to governments, businesses and intermediaries across the globe. ‘Incredible India’ is the brand being popularised by our neighbour, to establish its credentials not just as the ‘largest democracy of the world’ but as a magical place that offers extraordinary cultural and business opportunities. Through ‘Italy – Life in I Style’, the Italian government is trying to make the brand ‘Made in Italy’ synonymous to quality as well as style.
These days, individuals, firms, cities, regions, countries, and even continents all market themselves professionally, often through aggressive ”sales techniques”. Indeed, having a bad reputation or none at all is a serious handicap for a state seeking to remain competitive in the international arena. A state with a negative brand faces difficulties in attracting world’s economic and political attention. Image and reputation are thus becoming essential part of a state`s strategic equity. We talk about a state`s personality in the same way we discuss the products we consume, describing it as friendly, credible, pleasant or unreliable, hazardous or dangerous. A brand reflects a customer`s idea about a product. A state’s brand is a total sum of the outside world`s ideas about a particular country.
Globalisation and the media revolution have made each state more aware of itself, its image and reputation or its brand. What is Pakistan’s brand ? Here, General Musharraf has produced In the Line of Fire which brags about the fact that Pakistan’s president holds ‘the world’s most dangerous job’. The book brings a renewed focus on Pakistan as a hotbed of terrorist activity. One wonders why the general needed to produce a 352-page memoir focusing largely on his fight with terrorism in Pakistan and beyond at a time when seldom a minute goes by that the country is not mentioned in the context of the war on terror by the world media. Even as the Musharraf regime was gloating over its effort in foiling a major terror plot to blow up planes using liquid bombs a couple of months back, political analysts on international networks continued to take jibes at Pakistan for somehow being linked to all terror plots/plotters.
‘In the Line of Fire’ is a continuation of Musharraf regime’s long-standing branding and marketing strategy for himself and for Pakistan. The title itself underscores the status of Pakistan as part of the problem of terrorism confronting the ‘civilised world’, and Gen Musharraf as the solitary warrior combating the scourge of terror. Pakistan is widely perceived in the West as a quasi-terrorist state where a truly representative system would rein-in a Taliban-style fundamentalist government. And the general is seen as the last glimmer of hope standing between Pakistan and Talibanisation, whose fall would remove the last obstacle preventing ex
Is terror Pakistan’s state brand?
By Babar Sattar
‘A RISING tide lifts all boats’, we were told recently at an International Trade Council meeting in Geneva. Building a good national brand and image facilitates economic development and thus the intense focus of countries to market themselves in a manner that is attractive to governments, businesses and intermediaries across the globe. ‘Incredible India’ is the brand being popularised by our neighbour, to establish its credentials not just as the ‘largest democracy of the world’ but as a magical place that offers extraordinary cultural and business opportunities. Through ‘Italy – Life in I Style’, the Italian government is trying to make the brand ‘Made in Italy’ synonymous to quality as well as style.
These days, individuals, firms, cities, regions, countries, and even continents all market themselves professionally, often through aggressive ”sales techniques”. Indeed, having a bad reputation or none at all is a serious handicap for a state seeking to remain competitive in the international arena. A state with a negative brand faces difficulties in attracting world’s economic and political attention. Image and reputation are thus becoming essential part of a state`s strategic equity. We talk about a state`s personality in the same way we discuss the products we consume, describing it as friendly, credible, pleasant or unreliable, hazardous or dangerous. A brand reflects a customer`s idea about a product. A state’s brand is a total sum of the outside world`s ideas about a particular country.
Globalisation and the media revolution have made each state more aware of itself, its image and reputation or its brand. What is Pakistan’s brand ? Here, General Musharraf has produced In the Line of Fire which brags about the fact that Pakistan’s president holds ‘the world’s most dangerous job’. The book brings a renewed focus on Pakistan as a hotbed of terrorist activity. One wonders why the general needed to produce a 352-page memoir focusing largely on his fight with terrorism in Pakistan and beyond at a time when seldom a minute goes by that the country is not mentioned in the context of the war on terror by the world media. Even as the Musharraf regime was gloating over its effort in foiling a major terror plot to blow up planes using liquid bombs a couple of months back, political analysts on international networks continued to take jibes at Pakistan for somehow being linked to all terror plots/plotters.
‘In the Line of Fire’ is a continuation of Musharraf regime’s long-standing branding and marketing strategy for himself and for Pakistan. The title itself underscores the status of Pakistan as part of the problem of terrorism confronting the ‘civilised world’, and Gen Musharraf as the solitary warrior combating the scourge of terror. Pakistan is widely perceived in the West as a quasi-terrorist state where a truly representative system would rein-in a Taliban-style fundamentalist government. And the general is seen as the last glimmer of hope standing between Pakistan and Talibanisation, whose fall would remove the last obstacle preventing ex