Archive for the ‘Pakistan’ Category
Emergence of ‘New Bargainers’ in South Asia - IV
Taliban as ‘new bargainers’ in Pakistan.
The Taliban in Pakistan have emerged as strategic bargainers since the democratic government has assumed office in the country. The democratic government’s compelling desire for stability as hallmark of its success has been exploited by the Taliban to the fullest. For now, the Taliban in Pakistan have bargained to exist and flourish in peace while the Government has bargained for a formal recognition of its scarcely acknowledged authority. The Taliban phenomenon is not new for Pakistan, what’s new is their ability and strategy to bargain with the Government authorities. Click to continue…
March Madness Grips Pakistan
The current phase of political frenzy in Pakistan goes beyond the usual uncertainties associated with the country. Pakistan has witnessed opposition to Army rule or military takeover of civilian regimes, but never a popular uprising against a popularly elected Government. Who are the key players in this political drama and what’s motivating them?
Who is Pakistan Marching For - Nawaz Sharif or Iftikhar Choudhry?
The lawyers protest march gets underway in Pakistan defying the ban by President Zardari’s Government. As political instability grips the country speculations of a military take-over are mounting. In the political drama of reinstating Chief Justice Iftikhar Choudhry, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has succeeded in projecting President Zardari as the villain. But is Nawaz Sharif genuinely fighting to uphold the cause of democracy or is he merely fanning anti-Zardari sentiments to serve his political objectives? Much of the evidence supports the latter contention.
Zardari’s confrontation and Gilani’s Reconciliation: Where is Pakistan Headed?
The decision of the Pakistan Supreme Court to uphold the ban on Former P.M. Nawaz Sharif and Punjab C.M. Shahbaz Sharif has initiated a phase of multiple political crises for the country. Since the PML (N) has a majority in the Punjab Assembly and enjoys popular support, the court ruling has ignited a political movement against President Zardari. The PML (N)’s demand for reinstating the judges has widespread political and popular support. The Court decision has not only widened the gulf between the PPP and PML (N), but has also amplified the intra-government fissures. President Zardari’s style of political functioning has come in direct confrontation to that of P.M. Gilani. Coexistence of the two as the country’s top political functionaries appears doubtful. Click to continue…
Pakistan - The Matryoshka Doll of Terrorism
Matryoshka Doll commonly referred to as Russian nested doll is a set of dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other. Matryoshka is derived from the Latin root ‘mater’ meaning mother. As a breeding ground for terrorists and exhibiting different forms of terrorism, Pakistan can undoubtedly be likened to a matryoshka doll of terrorism.
Mumbai Attacks and Resilience of India’s Democracy
The 11/26 terror strikes in Mumbai, India is a reminder of the vulnerability of ’soft targets’ across the globe. 170 people, including 30 foreign nationals, lost their lives in the incident. The terror attacks had raised several questions on the efficiency of the country’s intelligence apparatus and political structure to prevent and manage such brutal attacks on the population. The country is seething with public anger with the political establishment. In the midst of this hysteria and fears of a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, a positive development can be discerned. The democratic process, in principle and practice, has withstood the critical test of unforeseen and aggressive exigencies. It is inspiring and interesting to analyse the performance of democracy in India during this critical crisis. Click to continue…
Pakistan’s Anti-terrorism Resolution - Law or Hype?
The terrorist attacks on India’s financial capital, Mumbai, on November 26, 2008 raised concerns over Pakistan’s commitment and ability to fight terrorism. India has launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan by claiming to provide credible evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks. The international community while emphasizing on the utility of handling the on-going crisis through diplomatic avenues maintains that Pakistan needs to act pro-actively in ensuring that terrorists do not receive official support or safe haven in its territory. Demands and suggestions relating to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism policy have multiplied manifold following the Mumbai attacks. However there is little realization that the Mumbai attacks occurred only a month after Pakistan had reviewed its National Security Strategy and the Parliament had passed a 14-point Anti-Terrorism Resolution on October 22, 2008. The Resolution had sought to exemplify Zardari Government’s stand on counter-terrorism, in principle and policy. In the wake of the mounting pressures on Pakistan to crack down on terrorists it is important to ascertain the extent to which the Resolution has, or is capable of, altering Pakistan strategy to deal with terrorism. Click to continue…