The photo to the left shows stormy clouds gathering over Islamabad on December 16, 2008.
Today, which is just six days later from when this photo was taken, I believe there is another storm brewing in Islamabad on its political and foreign relations front. Not withstanding the conspiracy theories still circling around in Pakistan, there is growing consensus in the rest of the world that Pak-based elements were behind Mumbai attacks. Gordon Brown served a notice to Pakistan during his visit and it seems that the U.S. agrees. Moreover the steps Pakistan has taken so far haven’t been very convincing. India has called a meeting of its envoys throughout the world to discuss next steps. The last time such a meeting was called was before the 1971 war. This has led the U.S to send Adm. Mullen back to Pakistan for a second time in as many weeks. Meanwhile Pakistan high commission in India has confirmed that it has received a letter from Ajmal Kasab.
Here is an article from Dawn and the Washington Post Editorial on this very issue:
(i) The daily Dawn
(ii) The Washington Post
The last time Pakistan was so isolated diplomatically against India was during the aftermath of Kargil.
In another development Pakistan Airforce suspended commercial flights in major Pakistani cities today and did a low altitude fly-by as part of their increased vigil.
One can only hope that our leaders especially the security establishment can comprehend the gravity of the situation and take steps in the right direction.
Photo Credits: Title photo is courtesy of Abid Zia at Associated Press of Pakistan.
@ Indian
Aheemmm, I was trying to help your case infact. I meant I didnt beleive the western propoganda that Manmohan almost launched an attack on Pakistan and the great USA stopped them from doing so.
This is all a “Topi Drama” for both the governments.
They get to make political points and the media gets to make lots of graphics. The ordinary Indians and Pakistanis suffer agaian.
I am an Indian and have a small question. On one hand, Pakistan government is saying that they are ready to face war, if it is imposed on them. So, Pakistan can face an army which is bigger, sophisticated and advanced. Fine.
So, I beleive that there is no “capability” issue as far as Pakistani army is concerned.
Why then, are they not able to uproot the militant forces which are creating havoc by suicidal attacks in Pakistan?
So, is it an “Attitude” issue? Do they not want to curb the extremists? The reason I see (pardon me if wrong) is – either the government has no authority over military or there is a mass support to the extremists (the elected government dont want to oppose masses)
Is it capability issue or Attitude issue? Or combination of both?
You r right Babar, CNN, NY Times, Washington Post , Wall St. Journal etc etc. are all crap.
Only reliable source is perhaps Zaid Hamid or may b the Pakistani Army. Just read the following study by two Pakistani researchers:
http://www.sdpi.org/whats_new/reporton/State%20of% 20Curr&TextBooks.pdf
I do not beleive anything reported by CNN, NY Times, Washington Post , Wall St. Journal etc etc. period.