-
Did Obama Declare War On Pakistan?
Speaking to a hall full of cadets at the US Military Academy of West Point, President Barack Obama almost seemed like he might be declaring war on Pakistan. Every time he mentioned Afghanistan, Pakistan preceded mention. Sitting at the back benches of the hall at one point I almost jumped out of my chair when…
-
Remembering Student Activism by Malik Rashid
ews of student-protest at University of California against budget-cuts and fee-hike took my mind wandering into the early 70s when passionate indulgence in student-activism defined my existence, in Karachi, Pakistan. Be it rising bus-fares, appalling work conditions for primary and secondary school teachers or police brutality, students flocked the streets in protest. Cyclostyling and distributing…
-
Is Pakistan Army Anti-America? Not really….
When I advocate reform in Pakistan’s power structure or express hope that democracy will soon hold sway in Pakistan, my critics often label me an ‘American agent.’ Many young Pakistanis also opine that questioning ISI’s role is tantamount to compromising the country’s sovereignty. Taking a look back at Pakistan’s history, however, exposes the hypocrisy of…
-
India Getting Nervous Over Pakistan-China Ties
In the latest display of regional belligerence India’s Defense Minister A.K. Antony today (Friday, November 27, 2009) expressed serious concern over growing military ties between China and Pakistan are a serious concern to India. Interestingly, this reaction came a year later: China and Pakistan had signed a military cooperation pact last year. Mr. Antony was…
-
India-Pakistan Dialogue
There is indeed much to reflect upon from this recent action packed week: high-powered speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, The Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting, and India-Pakistan bilateral talks are just few of the highlights. But what caught my attention the most, was a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi which…
-
Between US and Local Masters By Malik Rashid
Between US and local masters, Pakistanis are experiencing a plurality of sovereign. Trust me, it is a relief to go from one man’s rule into democracy. With bi-polarity at the top, the process becomes interesting. According to stories, the almighty power of Pakistan’s military over its people is being curtailed and shared by the US…