ithout their own Harvard educated heart throb Rivers Cuomo. Second, the idea that the army is not well liked in Pakistan seems odd based on my research, which includes a few books and numerous taxicab confessionals with Pakistani drivers in the beltway area. Most Pakistani families dream that their male children become officers in Pakistan's Army, a hint that they view the army as a step up the social hierarchy. Any bitterness they express toward it is not because of its policies or political endorsements, it is because of caste issues. Finally, the idea that Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), is still a force to be reckoned with is odd given that he has no support from the army, one of the major power bases in Pakistan. In fact, Rashid states that the army has "enormous mistrust" of both parties. In sum, I disagree with Rashid's argument that, "most Pakistanis see the coalition government as the country's last chance for democracy, and want it to work." I think the average Pakistani wants something new, perhaps a new party. All in all, they want a change.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Beyond Musharraf
Ahmed Rashid makes some interesting statements in this article. First, he implies that Asif Ali Zardari, Benazir Bhutto's widower, has complete control of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) just because he is the co-chairman. Zardari is no Benazir Bhutto, just like Hillary Clinton is no Bill Clinton (pre-senility). Zardari is not as charismatic, is not good looking, and is not a product of the long crimson line - Harvard. To make it seem that the PPP is just as strong as it was when Bhutto was its leader is a misrepresentation. The PPP today is the equivalent of Weezer w
ithout their own Harvard educated heart throb Rivers Cuomo. Second, the idea that the army is not well liked in Pakistan seems odd based on my research, which includes a few books and numerous taxicab confessionals with Pakistani drivers in the beltway area. Most Pakistani families dream that their male children become officers in Pakistan's Army, a hint that they view the army as a step up the social hierarchy. Any bitterness they express toward it is not because of its policies or political endorsements, it is because of caste issues. Finally, the idea that Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), is still a force to be reckoned with is odd given that he has no support from the army, one of the major power bases in Pakistan. In fact, Rashid states that the army has "enormous mistrust" of both parties. In sum, I disagree with Rashid's argument that, "most Pakistanis see the coalition government as the country's last chance for democracy, and want it to work." I think the average Pakistani wants something new, perhaps a new party. All in all, they want a change.
ithout their own Harvard educated heart throb Rivers Cuomo. Second, the idea that the army is not well liked in Pakistan seems odd based on my research, which includes a few books and numerous taxicab confessionals with Pakistani drivers in the beltway area. Most Pakistani families dream that their male children become officers in Pakistan's Army, a hint that they view the army as a step up the social hierarchy. Any bitterness they express toward it is not because of its policies or political endorsements, it is because of caste issues. Finally, the idea that Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), is still a force to be reckoned with is odd given that he has no support from the army, one of the major power bases in Pakistan. In fact, Rashid states that the army has "enormous mistrust" of both parties. In sum, I disagree with Rashid's argument that, "most Pakistanis see the coalition government as the country's last chance for democracy, and want it to work." I think the average Pakistani wants something new, perhaps a new party. All in all, they want a change.
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