COMMENT: Fallibility and democracy —Ahmad Ali Khalid Many Pakistani commentators have spoken on the absence of a charismatic figure that can bring about change; however, this is a mistaken analysis. Yes, charismatic authority can be a source of inspiration, but also of corruption and unchecked power The issue of fallibility has been a source of great inspiration and discussion throughout literature and the arts. It is a sobering examination of the human condition, about the fragility and vulnerability of human beings in their thoughts or actions. In the political context (disregarding philosophy and epistemology), however, in the works of great … Continue reading Fallibility and democracy

WASHINGTON DIARY: Deficit of democratic forces —Dr Manzur Ejaz In societies like Pakistan where the ruling elite is still largely drawn from the feudal class and the middle class is smaller, weaker, and has been infested with conservative social traditions, democratic periods have been conducive to narrow-mindedness Somehow, many of us happen to believe that democracy leads to openness, enlightenment and freedom of expression. However, historical experience shows that the necessary link between democracy and enlightenment is rather shaky. If one examines the actions of Pakistan’s parliamentary committees regarding the enlightened lifestyle or freedom of expression, it becomes clear that … Continue reading Deficit of democratic forces

Iraq’s last Sabeans take sad New Year dip in Tigris dawn.com Mandean faithful, known in Arabic as Sabean, take part in the ‘great feast’ or the Mandaean new year rituals in Baghdad on July 19, 2010. The Sabeans, originally from southern and southeastern Iraq, say their religion is pre-Christian even though they revere John the Baptist. They speak a distinct language, Mandean, and their religious books are written in Sabaen script. Some 100,000 live in Iraq and they are officially recognized as a separate religion. – AFP Photo World British MP fuels debate on Islamic veil British MP fuels debate … Continue reading Sabeans – Iraq

VIEW: It is only calm, not peace —Daud Khattak The army did a tremendous job and won the hearts and minds of the people of Swat by routing the Taliban, but they need to leave the valley if they are confident the militants have been eliminated and peace has returned to the valley The 20-day much-trumpeted celebrations came to an end in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking the return of ‘peace’ to the scenic valley, once converted into a hellhole by the so-called custodians of Islam, thanks to the military’s May 2009 Operation Rah-e-Rast. It was heartening to see locals and … Continue reading Swat: It is only calm, not peace

VIEW: Marriage by choice —Mashal Sahir In our community, people who tie the knot according to their will are considered to have gone against their family’s honour. The union is seen as an act of disrespect towards the elders ‘Marriage’ is a very simple and clear concept. By definition, it is a voluntary union of two people that binds them together for a lifetime. How does this straightforward notion raise so many issues in our society? Recently, the Punjab government added eight new clauses to the nikahnama. The administration made it obligatory for the parents/guardians of both the bride and … Continue reading Marriage by choice

COMMENT: An unfettered media —Aliya Anjum In Pakistan, after the draconian control of the Zia years, a free media is a new phenomenon and, as of now, this unfettered media is threatening to become a bull in a china shop In the Hollywood flick ‘Spiderman’, the protagonist receives an advice from his uncle: “With great power comes great responsibility.” The Press Freedom Index (PFI) of 2009 prepared by Reporters without Borders has ranked Denmark at the top spot, which is not surprising given the international outrage that followed its sacrilegious cartoons. The freedom of the media is a double-edged sword … Continue reading In Pakistan a free media is a new phenomenon

DEVELOPMENT: International reluctance to aid Pakistan —Syed Mohammad Ali Speculations concerning the misuse of aid remain a serious concern, which may explain the reluctance of international donors to be more generous. There are signs of suspicions within the US too The overall circumstances in Pakistan are far from rosy. Besides lingering structural problems and persistent mismanagement, the current global economic downturn and the war against terror are all taking their toll on every sphere of our national life. The situation is being made worse still by the inability of pledged international help for Pakistan to fully materialise. Economic growth has … Continue reading Speculations concerning the misuse of aid remain a serious concern