Is Pakistan the Most Dangerous Nation in the World?

[Riaz Haq]

The cover of the Oct 29, 2007 issue of Newsweek has a picture of bearded, young, angry Pakistanis with their fists punching the air. The caption says: The Most Dangerous Nation in the World Isn't Iraq. It's Pakistan.

The crux of the argument it offers is captured in a quote from Bruce Riedel, former senior director for South Asia on the US National Security Council. Here's the quote: "If you were to look for where Al Qaeda is going to find its bomb, it's right in their backyard- in Pakistan."

If you are curious to find out more, here's a link to the Newsweek story: http://www.newsweek.com/id/57485

Needless to say that our greatest threats come from within our own Pakistani society, but we also face potential threats of preemptive action from the international community (including our neighbors such as China and India) fearing for their own security.

This Newsweek story, in my view, represents only the tip of the iceberg of growing concern in the West and our own neighborhood about developments in Pakistan. It's in our best interest to pay attention and do our part to stem the rising tide of religious fanaticism as manifested by the scourge of suicide bombings killing large numbers of our fellow Muslim Pakistanis.

[Riaz Haq]

Amir,
I do not agree with the contents and the presentation in Newsweek. But it is representative of the general perception about Pakistan in the World, particularly the West. Unfortunately, perceptions do matter and it is in our best interest in pay attention and do what we can to change them. The best way to change perceptions is to ostracize the fanatics who either support the suicide bombings or fail to condemn them. Otherwise, we face a very difficult future at home and abroad with us Pakistanis being the main victims.

[Zain Zia]

I personaly feel that the contents of this story are not that far from facts. In fact they are true. But when i talk to my family in Karachi and Islamabad they portray the whole thing as negative portryal of Pakistan and see a conspiracy. In my opinion those who deny this problem can be compared to the French elite just before the revolution in 1789.

The other day i was watching Geo News with my 7 year old son. They were showing the terrorists in Swat. One of the terrorists was brandishing a sword while covering his face with a black hood. Upon seeing him my Son had a lot of questions about Pakistan which were fairly disturbing. Now this is the reaction of an American kid, albeit with Pakistani heritage. So you can imagine what an average westren viewer would feel about the country after being exposed to such images.

I think it is time for us to wake to this harsh reality as finally after 60 years of being misgoverened, the 90% of the poor of the country have finally revolted against the feudal mindset of the elites.

[Sobia Anjum]

very informative post thanks for sharing 

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