Truly Embattled
Pakistan is now finally facing the collective wrath of the fundamentalist Islamists among its rural and far-flung population. Their existence was known, recognized, tolerated, despite the realization they would always represent a challenge and a danger to the aspirations of moderate Islam, to a secular-oriented government wishing to live in peace within its jurisdiction, and with its neighbours.
Pakistan teeters on the edge of disintegration. Much as does Lebanon. Such as is Iraq of this day. It is but one Muslim country for whom the spectre of militant Islamism portends the end of their aspirations toward becoming a free and just society, while still practising their historic faith in Islam. As does Turkey, a sterling model of the possible.
Since the standoff at and eventual destruction of the Red Mosque and its ferocious dissenters by government troops, there has been a collectively-determined insurrection among fanatic, tribal Pakistanis, resulting in one retaliatory attack after another, aimed mostly at the military or its recruits, but taking also the lives of many civilians.
"The bomber blew himself up when evening prayers were in progress... Fourteen bodies have been collected, most of them are mutilated. Pieces of flesh and blood are inside the mosque." Effectively putting the lie to the pious statements of the mullahs that their brand of Islam is one of kind generosity and honourable intent. Obviously seeing nothing amiss in staining the sacred atmosphere of a mosque with bloody carnage.
Fully 270 individuals have died in Pakistan during this half-month of July. The nation is facing a true crisis, one that their president struggled hard to avoid, but in the end was powerless to prevent. The poison of extremism is abroad in the land in a manner more purposeful, direct and determinedly up-front than ever before.
The tribal elders on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan with whom General Pervez Musharraf settled an non-aggression agreement have furiously discarded that detente. They find common cause with the intent of the Taliban whose fundamentalist view of Islam they share. And with the fervent ideology of al-Qaeda determined to re-establish the Islamic caliphate in a triumphant return of Islam to its tribal roots.
But General Musharraf is above all, a practical man who prefers to remain in the land of the living, and to continue to execute his rule over Pakistan. He has stated he will brook no challenges from extremists and perhaps when push comes to shove he will not. Push has taken place and a little bit of shove, but the show isn't over, not yet.
He will negotiate, he will make his peace with the tribal elders, even with the extremists. Allowing them to remain in their strongholds rather than challenge them militarily and risk losing more than he would care to.
Pakistan teeters on the edge of disintegration. Much as does Lebanon. Such as is Iraq of this day. It is but one Muslim country for whom the spectre of militant Islamism portends the end of their aspirations toward becoming a free and just society, while still practising their historic faith in Islam. As does Turkey, a sterling model of the possible.
Since the standoff at and eventual destruction of the Red Mosque and its ferocious dissenters by government troops, there has been a collectively-determined insurrection among fanatic, tribal Pakistanis, resulting in one retaliatory attack after another, aimed mostly at the military or its recruits, but taking also the lives of many civilians.
"The bomber blew himself up when evening prayers were in progress... Fourteen bodies have been collected, most of them are mutilated. Pieces of flesh and blood are inside the mosque." Effectively putting the lie to the pious statements of the mullahs that their brand of Islam is one of kind generosity and honourable intent. Obviously seeing nothing amiss in staining the sacred atmosphere of a mosque with bloody carnage.
Fully 270 individuals have died in Pakistan during this half-month of July. The nation is facing a true crisis, one that their president struggled hard to avoid, but in the end was powerless to prevent. The poison of extremism is abroad in the land in a manner more purposeful, direct and determinedly up-front than ever before.
The tribal elders on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan with whom General Pervez Musharraf settled an non-aggression agreement have furiously discarded that detente. They find common cause with the intent of the Taliban whose fundamentalist view of Islam they share. And with the fervent ideology of al-Qaeda determined to re-establish the Islamic caliphate in a triumphant return of Islam to its tribal roots.
But General Musharraf is above all, a practical man who prefers to remain in the land of the living, and to continue to execute his rule over Pakistan. He has stated he will brook no challenges from extremists and perhaps when push comes to shove he will not. Push has taken place and a little bit of shove, but the show isn't over, not yet.
He will negotiate, he will make his peace with the tribal elders, even with the extremists. Allowing them to remain in their strongholds rather than challenge them militarily and risk losing more than he would care to.
Labels: Human Fallibility, Life's Like That
posted by Pieface | 5:54 PM
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