Pakistan's Slow-Motion Coup

Pakistan's civilian government, led by the Pakistan People's Party, has long been an irritant to the country's generals. President Asif Ali Zardari runs a corrupt and inept administration and has been far too willing to cozy up to Washington. Husain Haqqani, until November 2011, was Pakistan's controversial envoy to the United States. He has been a thorn in the side of General Headquarters since publishing his book Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military in 2005 while at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. However, the Pakistani Army swallowed its contempt for the government and such representatives as Haqqani because the generals had very little choice in the matter -- at least, that is, until now.

One reason is that, after nearly a decade of living under Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistanis are wary of military rule. The Army, too, has suffered a series of beatings to its reputation after nearly a decade of unpopular military cooperation with the United States and even more unpopular operations on Pakistan's soil. The Army knows that another military government would be a tough sell.

Another reason is that, while the Army made much of the sanguinary NATO strike that killed 24 soldiers in November, both it and the ISI -- Pakistan's most notorious intelligence agency -- are still smoldering over the humiliating facts that Osama Bin Laden enjoyed sanctuary in a cantonment town a short distance from the premier Pakistan Military Academy and that the United States could conduct a unilateral raid to kill and extract him before the Army even had a clue. Thus, the Army has been forced to work behind the scenes and through other institutions, such as the judiciary, to keep this government on his heels.

Third, no matter how detestable Zardari, Inc. may be to the men in khaki, they have had no real alternative until now. The primary rival to Zardari and his PPP is former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his political fiefdom, the Pakistan Muslim League. The Army is scarcely more able to stomach a Sharif return to power after he sacked one Army chief (Gen. Jehangir Karamat) and tried to sack another (Musharraf). Karamat, a true democrat, retired without resistance; however, when Sharif tried to oust Musharraf, the Army rolled in and toppled his government.

But the Army's luck is changing along with that of Imran Khan, whose political fortunes have shifted in recent months. For years, the lothario cricket star turned politician could barely win his own seat. However, with what Pakistanis suspect is support from the military and ISI, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has successfully wooed numerous turncoat politicians and their swollen vote banks. Khan has asked politicians who are now joining PTI to vacate their current elected seats in the parliament both as a means of ensuring that they do not reverse course but also as a ploy to bring about fresh elections earlier than 2013, when general polls are to be held. So far, PTI does not have the numbers needed to bring down the government, but politics in Pakistan is about coalitions and vote banks. This is a long shot, but not impossible with ever more self-interested politicians from other parties flocking his way.

Khan holds views that align well with those of the Army. He has roused the sentiments of Pakistan's masses by calling for a restructuring -- if not outright cessation -- of military cooperation with Washington. He supports the Afghan Taliban, believes that Pakistan's armed forces should not be operating against Pakistani militants, and espouses a strong -- if absurdly pandering and unrealistic -- position on corruption. His views on sharia and blasphemy are chameleon-like. He is anything to anyone.

Not only does the Army have a palatable political alternative to either the PPP or PML-N -- it now has a mechanism to bring about the downfall of this government: Pakistan's interventionist Supreme Court. The current chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, has long loathed Zardari because the latter opposed his reinstatement following his dismissal by then President Musharraf. The Supreme Court also rubbished a constitutional amendment -- the "National Reconciliation Ordinance" (NRO) -- that dropped various criminal charges against Zardari and his wife, Benazir Bhutto, along with other PPP members.

123NEXT

Save big when you subscribe to FP.

KBC

7:28 PM ET

January 5, 2012

What is Better

For Pakistan, it seems as if there are two choices. Islamization and Military rule.
The weak democracy in Pakistan is falling prey to growing Islamization of Pakistan. Even the so called secular parties are not taking stand against Islamists for the want of vote banks.

On the other side, as in Musharraf era, Pakistan army could take some action if Islamists become overtly strong. Musharraf attacked the Lal Masjid in Pakistan when things got out of control. It would be very hard for the democratic government to take action.

I would prefer the coming back of military rule in Pakistan. The 'Lothario' Pathan is slowly becoming the last hope of Pakistan. He doesn't have the requisite political acumen if not experience to carry forward Pakistan. I read about him in an Indian magazine outlook India. Well I find the magazine pathetic. Never read such pathetic magazines.

YUSEF101

11:01 AM ET

January 6, 2012

Foreign Policy magazine acting as properganda arm of Pentagon ?

Interesting, a domestic issue in pakistan attracting american interference ? america should release bradley manning.

The Judiciary in Pakistan is free, the last Military Govt tried to control it and musheraff was kicked out and forced to a public climb down . The point is if an ambassador and ceremonial president plot with the Americans to unconditionally with out parliament change the army top brass its illegal. The US was trying a 1953 iran style coup.

Civilian control of the army does not mean Party Political control of the Army. If the Judiciary finds the govt breaking the law, from too many senators in the cabinet to not pursuing corruption charges in swiss courts, then the Supreme Court has the power to force changes

Obama can say what ever, but he does not rule Pakistan, the people of Pakistan do. not the Westernized Elite liberal extremists of Pakistan

I disagree with KBC

Even with such unpopularity for the current Pakistani Ruling Party, with record inflation and unemployment.
All political parties are committed to democracy. The "Islamist" parties in Pakistan are also committed to democracy. For the past 30 years they have tried to be the 3rd party in Pakistan. But they have struggled to get beyond 8%

and when a 3rd Block did come to Pakistan, in the form of Imran Khan, he is a Liberal, a democrat . Someone who sees solutions conflict through political negotiations not war . He wants to to promote a more progressive taxation system and depoliticise the police. Which at the moment favours the ruling party

What ever you read about pakistan, in indian magazines is always false. Indian editors are under immense pressure from their readers to maintain a hawkish stance

RATEE

1:29 PM ET

Islamists never ever get even 5% of the votes

For your information since Pakistan's inception Islamist parties never ever get even 5% votes please verify facts before writing over here.

The correct position would be that the liberal parties should not fear the Islamist as they only have gun power nothing else.

BGFNDPA98FSA

7:43 PM ET

very good web: ===

very good web: === http://www.plzzshop.com

The website wholesale for many kinds of fashion shoes, like the nike, jordan, prada, also including the jeans, shirts, bags, hat and the decorations.

All the products are free shipping, and the the price is competitive, and also can accept the paypal payment., After the payment, can ship within short time.

We will give you a discount

WE ACCEPT PYAPAL PAYMENT

YOU MUST NOT MISS IT!!!

=== http://www.plzzshop.com

thank you!!!

Believe you will love it.

We have good reputation, fashion products,

come here quickly== http://www.plzzshop.com

Opportunity knocks but once

MAIWAND

9:38 AM ET

January 7, 2012

Islamization and Militarization

@KBC,
Islamization and militarization are the two faces of the same Pakistani coin!! Islamization has long been the most effective weapon of Pakistani military. It came into its action since General Zia rule who laid the foundation of this evil Political Military Pakistani Islam that then led to the mess we all can see inside Pakistan and in the region. What we see in today's Pakistan in the form of religious hatred, violence and genocide , is all but gift of Pakistani military to its own people. Islamic parties and organisations are the proxy forces working for Pakistani Army. You cant separate the two from each other.These are the two aspects of the same identity.
Read Haqqani's Book ( Pakistan- Between Mosque and military) It is this evil alliance of Pakistani Military and Mosque which constitutes the bulwark of modern extremism we see every where. It is a real threat to Pakistan, region and world. The world should not ignore it as it jeopardises our own existence. Lastly, if Pakistan ever disintegrated, it will be due to this alliance.Watch the space.......................

MAHMUDGHAZNAVI

9:25 AM ET

January 8, 2012

Here is what Abdul Kalam Azad predicted before creation of Pakis

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: The Man Who Knew The Future Of Pakistan Before Its Creation
THE MAN WHO KNEW THE FUTURE
by Shorish Kashmiri, Matbooat Chattan, Lahore
http://newageislam.org/NewAgeIslamWarOnTerror_1.aspx?ArticleID=2139
April 1946
Q: Maulana, what is wrong if Pakistan becomes a reality? After all, “Islam” is being used to pursue and protect the unity of the community.
A: You are using the name of Islam for a cause that is not right by Islamic standards. Muslim history bears testimony to many such enormities. In the battle of Jamal [fought between Imam Ali and Hadrat Aisha, widow of the Holy Prophet] Qurans were displayed on lances. Was that right? In Karbala the family members of the Holy Prophet were martyred by those Muslims who claimed companionship of the Prophet. Was that right? Hajjaj was a Muslim general and he subjected the holy mosque at Makka to brutal attack. Was that right? No sacred words can justify or sanctify a false motive.
If Pakistan was right for Muslims then I would have supported it. But I see clearly the dangers inherent in the demand. I do not expect people to follow me, but it is not possible for me to go against the call of my conscience. People generally submit either to coercion or to the lessons of their experience. Muslims will not hear anything against Pakistan unless they experience it. Today they can call white black, but they will not give up Pakistan. The only way it can be stopped now is either for the government not to concede it or for Mr Jinnah himself — if he agrees to some new proposal.
Now as I gather from the attitude of my own colleagues in the working committee, the division of India appears to be certain. But I must warn that the evil consequences of partition will not affect India alone, Pakistan will be equally haunted by them. The partition will be based on the religion of the population and not based on any natural barrier like mountain, desert or river. A line will be drawn; it is difficult to say how durable it would be.
We must remember that an entity conceived in hatred will last only as long as that hatred lasts. This hatred will overwhelm the relations between India and Pakistan. In this situation it will not be possible for India and Pakistan to become friends and live amicably unless some catastrophic event takes place. The politics of partition itself will act as a barrier between the two countries. It will not be possible for Pakistan to accommodate all the Muslims of India, a task beyond her territorial capability. On the other hand, it will not be possible for the Hindus to stay especially in West Pakistan. They will be thrown out or leave on their own. This will have its repercussions in India and the Indian Muslims will have three options before them:
1. They become victims of loot and brutalities and migrate to Pakistan; but how many Muslims can find shelter there?
2. They become subject to murder and other excesses. A substantial number of Muslims will pass through this ordeal until the bitter memories of partition are forgotten and the generation that had lived through it completes its natural term.
3. A good number of Muslims, haunted by poverty, political wilderness and regional depredation decide to renounce Islam.
The prominent Muslims who are supporters of Muslim League will leave for Pakistan. The wealthy Muslims will take over the industry and business and monopolise the economy of Pakistan. But more than 30 million Muslims will be left behind in India. What promise Pakistan holds for them? The situation that will arise after the expulsion of Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan will be still more dangerous for them. Pakistan itself will be afflicted by many serious problems. The greatest danger will come from international powers who will seek to control the new country, and with the passage of time this control will become tight. India will have no problem with this outside interference as it will sense danger and hostility from Pakistan.
The other important point that has escaped Mr Jinnah’s attention is Bengal. He does not know that Bengal disdains outside leadership and rejects it sooner or later. During World War II, Mr Fazlul Haq revolted against Jinnah and was thrown out of the Muslim League. Mr H.S. Suhrawardy does not hold Jinnah in high esteem. Why only Muslim League, look at the history of Congress. The revolt of Subhas Chandra Bose is known to all. Gandhiji was not happy with the presidentship of Bose and turned the tide against him by going on a fast unto death at Rajkot. Subhas Bose rose against Gandhiji and disassociated himself from the Congress. The environment of Bengal is such that it disfavours leadership from outside and rises in revolt when it senses danger to its rights and interests.
The confidence of East Pakistan will not erode as long as Jinnah and Liaquat Ali are alive. But after them any small incident will create resentment and disaffection. I feel that it will not be possible for East Pakistan to stay with West Pakistan for any considerable period of time. There is nothing common between the two regions except that they call themselves Muslims. But the fact of being Muslim has never created durable political unity anywhere in the world. The Arab world is before us; they subscribe to a common religion, a common civilisation and culture and speak a common language. In fact they acknowledge even territorial unity. But there is no political unity among them. Their systems of government are different and they are often engaged in mutual recrimination and hostility. On the other hand, the language, customs and way of life of East Pakistan are totally different from West Pakistan. The moment the creative warmth of Pakistan cools down, the contradictions will emerge and will acquire assertive overtones. These will be fuelled by the clash of interests of international powers and consequently both wings will separate. After the separation of East Pakistan, whenever it happens, West Pakistan will become the battleground of regional contradictions and disputes. The assertion of sub-national identities of Punjab, Sind, Frontier and Balochistan will open the doors for outside interference. It will not be long before the international powers use the diverse elements of Pakistani political leadership to break the country on the lines of Balkan and Arab states. Maybe at that stage we will ask ourselves, what have we gained and what have we lost.
The real issue is economic development and progress, it certainly is not religion. Muslim business leaders have doubts about their own ability and competitive spirit. They are so used to official patronage and favours that they fear new freedom and liberty. They advocate the two-nation theory to conceal their fears and want to have a Muslim state where they have the monopoly to control the economy without any competition from competent rivals. It will be interesting to watch how long they can keep this deception alive.
I feel that right from its inception, Pakistan will face some very serious problems:
1. The incompetent political leadership will pave the way for military dictatorship as it has happened in many Muslim countries.
2. The heavy burden of foreign debt.
3. Absence of friendly relationship with neighbours and the possibility of armed conflict.
4. Internal unrest and regional conflicts.
5. The loot of national wealth by the neo-rich and industrialists of Pakistan.
6. The apprehension of class war as a result of exploitation by the neo-rich.
7. The dissatisfaction and alienation of the youth from religion and the collapse of the theory of Pakistan.
8. The conspiracies of the international powers to control Pakistan.
In this situation, the stability of Pakistan will be under strain and the Muslim countries will be in no position to provide any worthwhile help. The assistance from other sources will not come without strings and it will force both ideological and territorial compromises.

KHANJEE

10:52 AM ET

Useless Debate

Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad was a representative of Predominantly Hindu Congress. Was an Indian stooge.
Pakistan is a reality! Misquoting, rather twisting, history is of no use. Better accept the reality and let Pakistan live peacefully. You can't change the neighbours. Instead of cursing, let's live peacefully for a good future of our next generations.

ABDUL KARIM HADAMI

10:56 AM ET

Obama can't do anything

KBC - I get what you're saying but I think you're oversimplifying the issue quite a lot with your comment. If only it were that black and white!

On the whole, I doubt Obama will do anything in Pakistan. Firstly, I believe that the Osama bin Laden killing in Pakistan itself is a fabrication created by the US as a marketing vehicle for Obama who direly needed an increase in his popularity ratings. Certainly, an analysis of US military intervention will show that America has gone to war for much less than political stability in a region - the fact that they haven't intervened already gives a strong indication about their priority of Pakistan as any form of threat.

Abdul

BAMAVEN

9:04 PM ET

pakistan's slow motion coup

Why Oh! Why does US deal with this wretched country? Every news item about Pakistan seems to reinforce once perception that the whole country is filled with crooks and charlatans! Doing with Pakistan is worse than knowingly dropping off a school bus full of innocent children in a den of pedophiles. Enough is enough. NO COUNTRY in the world is that strategically important that you cannot turn your back on for the next 100 years.

11:03 AM ET

its on purpose

if you relly on the american media to develop perception about foreign countries just LOL

Pakistan is in a strategic location, one to 25 largest economies in the world, as key player in the middle east and Central Asia . And was an Asian Tiger in the 60s and 80s . As well as early 2000s

Pakistan and the US have been on the same side of most wars in the past 100 years

WW2,Cold War, Afghan Soviet War, First Gulf War

11:04 AM ET

Hardly...

How about China as such a country. Try turning your back on them and see how far you get.

I do agree with your sentiment about Pakistan though - can't see them making any sort of positive contribution to world news in 2012 unfortunately. Negative contributions on the other hand, I see great potential.

9:06 PM ET

Correction:

I meant " DEALING with Pakistan is worse than knowingly dropping off a school bus full of innocent children in a den of pedophiles"
I apologize for the typing error.

C. NANDKISHORE

7:16 AM ET

US Can't ignore Pakistan

Sorry Mr. Bamaven. US cannot ignore Pakistan. This is the country on earth that produces terrorists and sends them to Kashmir, Mumbai, Xinjiang in China, Philippines, Chechnya, Britain and of course New York. You cannot ignore Pakistan because it hides the most wanted OBL in its cantonment. And you cannot ignore Pakistan because it sell nuclear secrets to Libya, Iran and North Korea. You cannot ignore Pakistan because it teaches every kid right from the cradle to hate the US.

11:07 AM ET

C. NANDKISHORE, very ignorant comment

when American drones kill innocent civilians, and america kills pakistani troops, interferes in pakistan political process, that will develop hatred of america.

you know nothing of the world, if you continue to hold this view children are brought up to hate america lol . America was the most popular country in the muslim world after the soviet war.

But america walked away from pakistan in 1992, and didnt help pakistan deal with 2 million afghan refugees or an indo-russian backed civil war in afghanistan

as for terrorist/freedom fighters...the political problem are in china and india, where terrorist hide is not Pakistans problem.

as for OBL, pakistan was sharing information on the compound until april, and even raided in 2005. but the CIA misled the ISI , saying the compound was of the no intrest...the US govt purposley wants to give the impression the ISI was complicit to hide its own failure...the US has more advanced technology and pursued leads given to it by the ISI

11:17 AM ET

Bamaven and Nandkishore

Typical Indian mindset! Your deep obsession of Pakistan only manifests your prejudiced approach and bias towards this country. FP should apply some filter to block the hatred which our Indian pseudo intellectuals spread using this prestigious forum.
Instead of logic, hate, arrogance, false sense of pride and use of unparliamentary language remain their agenda.
Everyone knows what is going on in India- the "so - called" biggest democracy of the world. The way you treat the minorities like Sikhs, Parsies and Muslims in India is no secret. In fact, as per your own Commission's findings, Muslims are the worst in education, economic and social dimensions in the Country. You still doubt the loyalties of the proud Sikhs. No Muslim, even as secular and iconic people like Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar, can buy property in Mumbai.
You burn the Christians in their churches and the Muslim MPs in their houses in Gujrat and while aboard the trains.
Why do you forget almost 100,000 unarmed youth, murdered by your brave armed forces in Kashmir for their crime of demanding the right of self - determination which you agreed in UNSC to accord them? What about the thousands of women raped by Indian smart Army in Kashmir? What about the hundreds of Sikhs killed in Punjab for demanding Khalistan?
What about the mass graves in Kashmir in which your Police and Army dump 100s freedom fighters.
History is full of India's lofty feats like above! Please have an introspection.
Recommend, accept the reality of Pakistan and let it live peacefully.

FLD

2:02 PM ET

Kahmir?

I think there is freedom movement going on in kashmir and what i know indian security forces are fighting against their own citizens killing childrens, old and rapping women, not even listening to the UN ecurity council resolution passed which promises their Kashmiri's right of self determination. There are several freedom movements going on in India which clearly shows that their citizens are not happy with indian existence as state. I am sure C. NANDKISHORE and Bamaven will talk about indian oppression and exporting terrorism in Pakistan also.

Firmenlogo Design

6:45 AM ET

Kashmir

Dear Mr. FLD. There were two million tourists to Kashmir in 2011. You too are welcome to visit Kashmir. Its a beautiful place. You can mingle with all the Kashmiris you want and then you can verify whatever wrong notions you have about Kashmir.

Kashmir Situation - Mr. NandkishoreTypical

If the situation in Indian - Oocupied Kashmir is as good as our friend NandkishoreTypicalGood is trying to depict; then why international media is banned to visit the Valley and report the FACTs on ground. Rule of tyrany and subjugation can usher in temporary peace, but lasting peace lies in granting right of self - determination to the Kashmiris; promised by India in UNSC. Please stop misleading the world and end your illegal occupation of Kashmir like a responsible and aspiring nation.

HNIAZI001

9:57 PM ET

Poor research

As usual the drawing room journalism at its best. Absurd Islamophobia propaganda and not even close to reality when it comes to Imran Khan. The fact that you stated he is everything to everyone reflects your complete ignorance of his struggle of 16 years. He rejected offer of Pervez Musharraf for Prime Minister then, why would he polish army boots now?

Your bias journalism just can't wake up to the fact that people all around the world don't give a damn about western values and life style and this so called jihad has its root in politics (US support of dictators in the Middle East) and has nothing to do with Islam. But you sell it because that is how you control the ignorant masses in the west, by spreading fear bombs, just like you sold Nazis, Communism, and now Islam... the list goes on.

Please please do abandon the relationship with Pakistan as that is far better off for Pakistanis than your killer support.

Shame on you and the editor of this forum to allow such junk published.

1:37 AM ET

Absolutely Unfair Analysis

Cristine Fair has not at all been "Fair" in her analysis of the prevailing political situation in Pakistan. generally, manifesting good understanding of the security dynamics of Pakistan - US Relations, this time she is way on the path of lack of objectivity and truth.
Mr. Hussain Haqani was widely known by Pakistan as"US Ambassador in Pakistan's Foreign Office - on duty in D.C.)." She has been extremely unfair to Pakistan's institutions, including the Supreme Court, where the case is sub-judice. Pakistani nation wants the truth to be revealed by the Court. It is in Mr. Haqani's own inerest to get his reputation cleared off the stigmas, if he is not involved in any shady undertaking.
If democracy has not been able to fortify its roots in Pakistan, then, besides others, US shares major responsibilty for the phenomenon. No one else knows it better than Christine, i'm sure.
Everyone in Pakistan knows that there will never be a coup in Pakistan in future., neither is Army keen for any adventurism on any account. Nevertheless, as vital national security organ, it remains concerned about the develpments having potential to negatively impinge upon the State's security and soverignty. No one should object to that. The rumors must stop now. Prepospetrous propaganda aimed at maligning the armed forces of Pakistan and Pakistani nation in general, since they are not toeing the American line now, must also stop.

6:41 AM ET

Zardari - Same fate as Bhutto

First about Imran Khan. He was that captain of the Pakistan team who regularly used a bottle cap to tarnish the cricket ball so that it will swing. Stopped only when caught. 100% Pakistani. Do a wrong thing regularly, as hiding OBL in their cantonment or mushrooming terrorist Taliban. When caught first fake ignorance, second deny it and third blame others for it.
And the SC: How much we were fooled. All these judges were the ones who approved Musharaf's regime. Two years ago one thought they changed with time. But no. they remained the same. Consider what they are probing into? A supposed copy of an unsigned letter sent by a known shady character. ( The joke is they haven't even seen the original unsigned copy.) A 9 member bench. (Is this a constitutional matter?). All arrive at the same conclusion. (Ever heard even a 3 member bench having the same opinion). Pity Zardari. He will go his father in law's way. (Who was accused for the death of an unknown person somewhere and hanged.)

SANATALHA122

9:18 AM ET

Good work

PAKISTANI TROOPS AWARDED UN MEDALS IN LIBERIA

ISLAMABAD, Dec 7 (APP): In recognition of their meritorious services towards humanitarian assistance and maintenance of law and order situation in Liberia, Pakistani troops were presented UN medals at a colorful ceremony held at Tubmanburg. According to a message received here on Friday, the prestigious event was organized by the Pakistani contingent with professional zeal and traditional fervor.

The simple but impressive ceremony included parade by smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army and drive past cultural floats representing culture of Pakistan.

Senior Representatives of the Secretary General (SRSG) Mr Alan Doss graced the occasion as the chief guest. Both the Deputy Senior Representatives of the Secretary General (DSRG), Force Commander (FC), Deputy Force Commander (DFC), senior UNMIL officials, Staff Officers from Force Headquarters (FHQ), officials of Bomi County, notables of the area, diplomats and government functionaries were amongst the distinguished guests.

A smartly turned out parade and well executed drill attracted the audience who were spontaneous in applauding the efforts put in by all ranks for this impressive ceremony. The guest of honour expressed deep satisfaction over the commitment and hard work put in by Pakistani contingent in meeting the challenges in the most befitting manner.

Highlighting Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping efforts, the Pakistan Contingent Commander Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz said,“Pakistan’s dedication to peace is manifested by its record participation in the United Nations peacekeeping efforts.

The participation of Pakistan armed forces in United Nations Missions has been global and dates back to 1960. Till date more than 50,000 officers and men of Pakistan Army have rendered services in 38 different missions around the world. Even today, Pakistan is the largest troops contributing country with over 10,000 troops in Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Burundi, Western Sahara, Georgia, Kosovo, East Timor, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and here in Liberia, he added.

After the address and presenting of general salute, the chief guest and other dignitaries adorned UN medals to the participants. All spectators appreciated the outstanding standard of drill, especially the demonstration by Special Services Group, band and the cultural floats prepared for the occasion portraying the rich culture of Pakistan and Liberia.

Pakistan contingent’s initiative of awarding the appreciation certificates to UNMIL Regional Section Heads to recognize their services for promoting harmony and good working relations amongst the military and civilian component of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was highly appreciated by all. PAKISTANI TROOPS AWARDED UN MEDALS IN LIBERIA

Thanks

phen375 | genf20 plus reviews

JAMESPYTHON

12:00 PM ET

Great idea. i think this is

Great idea. i think this is best way what i can do !!

POOLA

10:00 AM ET

Misleading

Either author of this article is ill-informed or intend to mislead the readers.

Particularly she should watch Imran Khan interviews to learn his position on War of Terror / Taliban. These days the US is exactly doing what he has been advocating for last 10 years.

Most Pakistanis think the Supreme Courts has been too lenient towards current govt. Given the level of corruption and clear violations of constitutions, this govt would have been blasted much earlier by SC of Pakistan.

Dear author, please read more about Pakistan or maybe fix your bias.

POLAR BEAR

12:13 PM ET

Miss( Un)fair has got it wrong again.

Miss fair has as usual got it wrong and is halucinating about something doesnt exist.

First of all opposition went to supereme not the generals. Army simply submitted affidavit affirming the existence of memo and requested the court to investigate the issue. So the question is what is wrong with it?Infact it belies the impression that generals donot submit to law. They have played their hand beautifully and govt has responded by mocking and accusing the court. I think it is not rocket science to figure who is on the wrong side of the law.

Two, if Zardaris really want to put military in its place then he could do it without writing a childish memo to Adm Mullen. He as president have a pre-rogative to reomve the services chief. If military had launched a coup then even the opposition would have rallied behind zardari. But instead of using a constitutional route he took a mafia style approach and only ended up shooting himself the foot.

Three, Justice Iftikhar is not the one who is heading the commission.Therefore the question him being personal in matter is absurd. Above all if govt is innocent the it should welcome the investigation rather than wrangle both court and the military.

The sad reality is that Zardari and his caligula of corrupt are raising heckles about the coup to look like victims and hoping may be US will buy into it and intervene.

However these facts donot matter to MS UNFAIR as she is all too happy to beat up on Pakistan and its generals. In the process she is asking US to squander whatever good will she has left on saving a corrupt govt from mythical coup.

PEREUBU2000

12:58 PM ET

Assign another writer to this area of the world

While Memogate plays out, and Ms.Fair does an adequate if simplistic and misleading job of parsing the details on it, she shows a real contempt for Pakistanis and Pakistan in the article. Accusing Zaradari of being corrupt is like accusing him of being Sunni - corruption is the name of the game in South Asia politics. However, he was never convicted of any charges when he was in jail before, for eight years, when Mrs. Bhutto was still alive. Ms. Fair fails to acknowledge that since Benazhir was first elected, corruption charges against her and Zardari have always been the military and Islamisist's favorite method of pulling down the Prime Ministers as elected representatives, and undermining the role of open and free elections. I'm surprised that Ms. Fair didn't just call him Mr. 10%. And she is really uninformed on Mr. Khan's political views - calling him a "lothario" simply because he used to be a playboy is a reall sophmoric, undergrad "feminist" move - doesn't FP have another writer who could cover Pakistan rather than Ms. Fair?

MASSAGEM

2:25 PM ET

Complicated

Its a complicated situation, they live in a hive, seems like at any time this situation blows up.

Massagem
Massagista

OMARALI50

3:47 PM ET

Excellent. Finally an

Excellent. Finally an American analyst who actually has an idea about what is going on ....

MARTY MARTEL

4:07 PM ET

Pakistani military owns Pakistani State

Ms. Fair has to know that Washington has never been able to stop a military coup in Pakistan and never will.

Ms. Fair also has to know that Pakistani military literally owns Pakistani State and is allowing current façade of democracy to exist only because that is the only way that West including US will continue the aid gravy train to bankrupt but duplicitous Pakistan.

9:31 AM ET

Finally, it's Marty Martel - Another Indian Strategist!

Indian "Hate Pakistan Club" was missing remarks of Marty Martel on this issue. Baseless propaganda, lack of logic and prejudice remain the hallmarks of his analysis.
Myopic and erroneous strategic calculus, getting emotionally swayed away by writers like Christine Fair and then passing sweeping statements a out Pakistan manifest the level of strategic understanding and maturity of our Indian Commentators.
Pakistani military owns its country as much as do the Armies of US or India own their countries. Why do our Indian friends forget the fact that Indian hegemonistic policies in the region are responsible for making Pakistan a "security - state" since its inception. There is a strong logic in this conclusion, if you have mental prowess to discern it clearly. However, I'm afraid that biased minds lack the cognitive capacity to fathom this simple argument.
Do not try to ride the American bandwagon to castigate Pakistan. Don't forget Pakistan and US relations are more robust than your comprehension and can positively change at short notice.

JIVATMANX

12:08 PM ET

Indian Hegemonistic

Indian Hegemonistic policies?

I thought it was common knowledge that Pakistan provoked (and lost) every war they've been in. And derailed every peace process they entered.

PITAFI

7:51 PM ET

An angry piece

The facts and phenomena mentioned are correct. But what really strikes one on the first reading is the adjectives used and some hyperbole. Such use of emotions is most out of the ordinary coming from the Foreign Policy magazine and Ms Fair both.

9:24 AM ET

Pakistan's Playboy Democracy!!!!!!!!

Before understanding the complex scenario engulfing today's Pakistan, the region and the world, one must understand Pakistan as a historical phenomenon in the region that came out into existence as a result of divide and rule policy of British rulers based on religious hatred. Pakistan is a product of politcally well orchestrated British Imperial plans of early twentieth century.
Pakistan is a fake state which is driven by sectarianism and Islamic violence to survive.It has no real historic geopolitical identity which would have evolved over centruries.It rather carries a stamp of extreme version of a religion on its face and it has to promote that relevant extremisn in order to survive. In other words, Pakistan is struggling for find an excuse for survival as its based on a non-survivabale phenomenon. Democracy cant be played well in such a socio-politcal quagmire of extreme idealogies. So now is the turn of this Playboy democracy of Imran Khan who, once, was a famous playboy of inner London circle!! We wish him good luck.

9:58 AM ET

Maiwand

Preposterous and absurd manipulation of history of creation of Pakistan; reflective of a prejudiced, myopic and sick mindset.
Muslims ruled entire India for centuries - a fact. You should be thankful to the "imperialist British" whose East India Company brought the Muslim rule in India to an end. Else, you would still be the subjects of Muslims.
Pakistan earned its independence owing to strength of its leadership and huge sacrifices - not in a plate, as you are trying to project as part of your propaganda against Pakistan. Raison d'être of Pakistan and its national ideology as well as identity are much stronger than India.
Pakistan is not a fake state; in fact India is. See the facts. How many states of India are infected with chronic insurgency as of today? How strong is the Hindu extremism all over the country? How nicely and kindly does India treat its minorities; fraudulent claims of secularism notwithstanding? How brutally you kill thousands of youth in Kashmir? How much humane your armed forces are towards women in Kashmir? What kind of squeezing you do of your small neighbours?
Pakistan is a thorn in your throat for your own doings. Please carry out an objective introspection; mud - slinging will not help anyone.

12:24 PM ET

Religious minorities in

Religious minorities in India? In a very good state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_India#Religious_demographics

The Muslims population has actually increased 30% in 10 years due in part to immigration.

Minorities in Pakistan? In a pathetic state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_Pakistan

"Today, the Hindu population of Pakistan is in great peril. On average, 25-35 reports of kidnapping of young Hindu girls on religious grounds are filed in Pakistan. Only 26 out of the 428 temples are functional now. The last crematorium of Sindh was broken down in Rawalpindi on 19 July, 2010 to make homes for the locals."

That is, they will probably be extinct in a few years. But I'm guessing you already knew this.

1:43 PM ET

Wikipedia is not facts

Facts are facts. Wikipedia is work of Indian computer wizards; another tool for propaganda for Pakistan.
India's record of dealing with minorities is known worldwide. I agree; it is really magnificent. Treatment meted to Sikhs in 1980s and 1990s and to Muslims in Kashmir and Gujrat and desecrating the living Christians in churches are just some of the examples of this excellent record.

12:23 PM ET

Mr khanJee

I am sorry to say that you have mistaken me for some Indian or Hindu which I am not. I am a turk and follower of Ataturk Idealogy.I hate religious extremism and any regime in the world based on it as it is anti-human. This applies to Pakistan as well.

1:11 PM ET

Hard to accept that you are not Indian, because of the tone, tenor and style of your castigating Pakistan. If you are a Brother Turk; my apologies. I am personally a great admirer of Ata Turk, like other Pakistanis and consider Turkey our great friend, and strongly hate any form of extremism or fundamentalism.
While condemning religious extremism, do remember what are Hinduaata, Shiv Senna and Bajrang Dal upto in India and condemn it as strongly as you do religious extremism elsewhere.

HARRY KHAN

12:50 PM ET

Foreign Policy Memogate

Any Pakistani journalist can tell that this article is not written by C. CHRISTINE FAIR. My God, what a nasty war is going on between the two countries and their agents. This is clearly the work of Haqqani & Co who doesn’t spare a moment to ridicule the army and armed forces of Pakistan. These terms and terminologies have used on different occasions in the Pakistani media and someone has succeeded in publishing it in the name of C. CHRISTINE FAIR , just to make it look more authentic. To me this article is another memgate one needs to investigate!

VCHALETS

9:26 AM ET

C Christine Brings Up Good Points

It will be hard for them to achieve cooperation from their allies much less their non allies if they do stick with military rule regime. Perhaps when C Christne mentions in the title of slow motion this just means they are slow in development of the end game. Indeed this would be correct term to cover it. With all the turmoil over there however one can't blame them for having any type of military rule. Sometimes I know these countries are up to date with technology but I can't help thinking they are living retrostyle in their ways of thinking.

SMITHUK

11:45 AM ET

Now as I gather from the

Now as I gather from the attitude of my own colleagues in the working committee, the division of India appears to be certain. But I must warn that the evil consequences of partition will not affect India alone, Pakistan will be equally haunted by them.

PROF MANZOOR AWAN

12:41 PM ET

January 10, 2012

Please Let Pakistan Alone

Outsiders, especially the Americans, would be well advised to mind their own business, and stop backing the current corrupt politicians. If left to deal with their internal problems, Pakistanis will rise tot he occasion and do well.

NAEEM AKHTER

6:03 PM ET

Democracy and Pakistan

In my opinion all these problems are because the modern democracy dos not suit Pakistan unless the vast majority of people are educated as they are in modern civilized western countries. I believe for Pakistan the best system is the chinese political system.

OCEANSAPART

10:16 AM ET

January 14, 2012

Democracy in Pakistan

The most important election in a democracy is the Primary election. Unless you have a system in which everyone has an equal chance to become a party leader, it's difficult to have democratic institutions. The problem is not democracy; it's the nomination system which is the crux of the problem, here in the US as well as in Pakistan.

AUTO PEçAS

6:37 AM ET

January 12, 2012

Slow motion coup

Every news item about Pakistan seems to reinforce once perception that the whole country is filled with crooks and charlatans! Doing with Pakistan is worse than knowingly dropping off a school bus full of innocent children in a den of pedophiles. Enough is enough.... aeronaves saude do corpo

POLITICOLOGY

3:09 PM ET

Fast - Motion Coup

And what if the title becomes
Fast - Motion Coup ?

Paripovic Ediz

12:34 AM ET

C. Christine (being) Unfair

As usual, Christine Fair’s article is biased and mischievous in many different ways. To side with the ruling Pakistan’s People’s Party (PPP), which she thinks is friendly towards the US, she totally ignored other aspects of the “memo,” which in any country would be considered treasonous, if found to be authentic.

The alleged memo sought American help in putting pressure on Pakistan’s army that it should remain under the control of the civilian government. But Pakistani army has not given any indication in the past few years that it does not accept Pakistan’s democratic setup. Ms. Fair failed to provide a shred of evidence that the army is planning a “slow-motion” coup or a fast acting one. Since the army was the subject of the memo, it is involved in the investigations; otherwise, what other justification would it have to get itself involved in this controversy? On the contrary, the army has been bending over backwards to make a point that it does NOT want to take over.

Ms. Fair also lied when she stated that Imran Khan “supports the Afghan Taliban.” He does not. He does favor a negotiated settlement, in which the US is already engaged in but that’s a far cry from showing support for the Taliban.

Parts of the article are simply incoherent. [Hard to believe that this woman teaches at Georgetown]. She called Imran Khan campaign to end corruption “absurdly pandering and unrealistic.” Why is that so, Ms. Fair? Or should we call you, Ms. Unfair?

Then Ms. Repeats the PPP propaganda, again without anything to back it up. She stated that Pakistan’s army “plant(s) stories in the press and manipulate(s) the legal system.” How? Ms. Fair provided no details.

The most ludicrous part of the entire article was calling the Pakistani press “jingoistic.” If there is any press which is jingoistic, it’s the US press. In comparison, Pakistan’ press is extremely docile and has never called for a war or violent overthrow of the government.

Ms. Fair also made a fool of herself recently on CSPAN. At the forum, "The Future of Pakistan," Ms. Fair tried to suggest that the Brelvis in Pakistan had nothing to do with the murder of Punjab’s governor Salman Taseer and somehow wahabis were involved When one of Pakistan’s most well known journalists, Shahid Masood, who was sitting among the audience, stood up and pointed out in the question-answer session that the killer’s name is Qadri, which means that he is a “Barelvi” [bellonging to a sufi sect] not a Deobandi [wahabi], Ms. Fair started acting like a 10-year-old by making faces, and angrily stated, “false, false, ‘batwas’ [nonsense]. This goes to show that this woman is nothing but a charlatan and knows very little about Pakistan. Georgetown will do itself a favor and dismiss this “professor” and hire somebody who knows what he or she is talking about.

Foreign Policy Magazine

Inside National Security

Islamabad’s generals are out to destroy Pakistani democracy. Obama should try to stop them.

BY C. CHRISTINE FAIR | JANUARY 5, 2012

(49)