Is Pakistan the Most Dangerous Nation in the World?

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.

Views: 227

Comment by Riaz Haq on October 26, 2007 at 8:55pm
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.
Comment by Zain Zia on November 6, 2007 at 11:48am
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.
Comment by Sobia Anjum on August 21, 2020 at 11:33pm

very informative post thanks for sharing 

Punjab News

Comment

You need to be a member of PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network to add comments!

Join PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network

Pre-Paid Legal


Twitter Feed

    follow me on Twitter

    Sponsored Links

    South Asia Investor Review
    Investor Information Blog

    Haq's Musings
    Riaz Haq's Current Affairs Blog

    Please Bookmark This Page!




    Blog Posts

    Pakistani Student Enrollment in US Universities Hits All Time High

    Pakistani student enrollment in America's institutions of higher learning rose 16% last year, outpacing the record 12% growth in the number of international students hosted by the country. This puts Pakistan among eight sources in the top 20 countries with the largest increases in US enrollment. India saw the biggest increase at 35%, followed by Ghana 32%, Bangladesh and…

    Continue

    Posted by Riaz Haq on April 1, 2024 at 5:00pm

    Agriculture, Caste, Religion and Happiness in South Asia

    Pakistan's agriculture sector GDP grew at a rate of 5.2% in the October-December 2023 quarter, according to the government figures. This is a rare bright spot in the overall national economy that showed just 1% growth during the quarter. Strong performance of the farm sector gives the much needed boost for about …

    Continue

    Posted by Riaz Haq on March 29, 2024 at 8:00pm

    © 2024   Created by Riaz Haq.   Powered by

    Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service