Adil Najam
Today, former US Secretary of State possibly the best know living US military general, Colin Powell, endorsed Barack Obama. His decision was probably not a surprise, although it is clearly another blow to the Republicans. But what is important is not his endorsement, but what he said in making the endorsement. Take a listen to the entire thing, but especially to the portion after minutes 4:28 onwards when he talks about the charges about whether Barack Obama is a Muslim or not, and if so what does that mean.
This is really not about my liking Barack Obama (I do). This is not about my generally respecting Colin Powell (I do). This is not about my having grave concerns about many mistakes that Colin Powell has made, especially while Secretary of State (he did). This is not about me being a Muslim (I am). All of the above is important, but irrelevant to the reason why this clip is important and why what Powell says minute 4.28 onwards is absolutely important. Important to Pakistanis and to Pakistani Muslims, but far far more important to all Americans. Indeed, important to all students and practitioners of politics, everywhere.
To stand for principle, and to state that principle clearly even when it is something that is not popular is what statesmanship really is. What we saw today was not just an endorsement. It was statesmanship. So let us cherish this moment of statesmanship, because it is not often that one witnesses this very often in politics anywhere. Not in America and certainly not in America.
I fear that we will get a barrage of comments about America and American politics in response to this post. That is too be expected. And so be it. But I hope that at least some of you will think, and think hard, about what this makes you think about Pakistan and Pakistani politics. What if there was an Obama-like political star in Pakistan today? What if that politician’s father was, say, a Christian or Sikh or Hindu, with a corresponding middle name from those religions? What would be the tenor of the political conversation around this issue then in Pakistan? And who would have been the Colin Powell to have stood up and say what was said today?
I do not know what might have happened in such a case. I would like to believe that the hysteria and bigotry that some in the US have been exhibiting would not be seen in Pakistan. I would like to believe that. But, quite frankly, I find it very hard to do so. And so, today, I think about exactly this. Even as I celebrate not just what Colin Powell has done, but what he has said and how he has said it.
Editorial Note: We have had and will continue to have a very firm rule in the editorial policy of this blog. This is a blog on Pakistan. Here we discuss ALL Things Pakistan, and ALL we discuss is things about Pakistan. We have followed this rule very very stringently, and this post notwithstanding, we intend to continue doing so. Pakistanis have interests in many things - for example, in Indian films, in Russian politics, in various religions including the many that many Pakistanis follow - but this is not a blog about these things. It is a blog about Pakistan. This above all is the principle that has guided our choice of posts. Today may seem like an exception. We do not believe it really is, but even if it is, it is going to be exactly that - an exception, and not a rule. If it is an exception, then it is one that we believe is very well worth making.
If Maccaine will be president of America or if Obama,it makes no difference for Pakistan 0r for Muslims,because any on will come he will have to follow the country’s laid down policy based on it’s best interest,as they made policies 100 years prier for imlimentation for next 1oo years.Pakistan ’s age is only 61 years. As said America became set after 200 years of it’s existance.We should hope and pray our beloved country also set soon and take part on front line of the countries as strong,literate,well diciplined,totally islamic,to do it’s goal for which it was demanded and came on the Map of the world after unprecedental sacrifices.
Adil don’t forget the full name of Pakistan its “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” i agree when u say that no one will like non-Muslim president or prime minister of Pakistan (that includes me too). But tell me in which other country they have separate parliament seats for minorities that are less than 5%. The non Muslims in Pakistan get official public holiday for there religious festivals, I don’t think that happens in any other country of the world, I realized this fact when I was celebrating Eid in Bermuda. And best of all, they are represented on our flag as well (the white color) and all this for minority that’s not more then 5% or 10%. I appreciate what Colin Powell said but I would like to see some practical implementation of that but any ways its really hearting to see that some top politician actually think that way.
Adil, I haven’t had a chance to view the ‘Meet the press’ interview. But I would like to comment on one your statements:
“What if there was an Obama-like political star in Pakistan today? What if that politician’s father was, say, a Christian or Sikh or Hindu, with a corresponding middle name from those religions? What would be the tenor of the political conversation around this issue then in Pakistan?”
I think, it would be very hard, if not impossible for some one from a Christian, Sikh or Hindu religion to stand up in the politics of our country AND gather enough support.
Reason being, Pakistan exists on the basis of religious ideology (how far that is implemented/followed is separate discussion). While it is not the same in the U.S.
In the U.S. anyone from any background is free to stand and challenge on a level playing field. How much support she/she gets is another question but this -out-of-the-ordinary situation is more welcome in the U.S. then it is in Pakistan.
Of course, each has its goods and bads.
Eidee Man, thanks for pointing out the typo in Barack Obama’s spelling… now I realize why the Maula Jatt post comes up in “related post” to each of the Omaba posts I write. I guess you can’t ever take the “baRak” out of a Lahori. My apologies.
Sorry for double posting - just received an email from a very learned friend that the readers of ATP may find interesting and a bit deflating.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/floyd/floyd84.html
I am still however impressed by CP’s latest statement and endorsement…
He was impressive, statesman like and cordial as well. His reference to a Muslim soldier who gave his life for his country will go a long way against the stereotypical right wing propaganda.
This also shows the importance of secular pluralism in this intertwined world.
I cant see the clip as we dont have access at work. In regards to Pakistan. I couldn’t care less what religion our PM or President was as long as he/she does a good job. I dont agree with the overly Islamic part of our constitution where only a Muslim Male can be President.
I feel all Pakistanis are equal and should be given equal rights.
I don’t like the Ingsoc tone (ref: Orwell 1984) of the editorial board of Pakistaniat…