Adil Najam
After an intense, and sometimes tense, debate in Parliament, Asif Ali Zardari’s government has now promulgated the ‘Nizam-e-Adl’ regulation in Swat. The deal is now official. In this ATP Poll, we would like to ask you if you think that this deal will still be standing in 3 month’s time and, whether it would or not, who (government or Taliban) would be stronger?
There are, of course, other questions related to the Nizam i Adl deal. For example, will this spur more demands from other areas for similar regulations? Will this actally bring peace and justice to Malakand? What form of Shariah will actually be implemented? What effect will this deal have on the ruling coalition itself?
These, and other questions may not be part of the Poll – which focusses only on whether the deal will last 3 months and who will emerge stronger out of this at the 3-month mark. However, we hope that readers will discuss these – and any other – larger questions about just what the implications of this Nizam-i-Adl deal will be on Swat and all over Pakistan.
The logic of those supporting this deal is that it will bring stability so lets make a deal with the devil. But deals with devils never work.
THe results are interesting. 70% believe that no matter what happens it is Taliban who become strengthened. That is already clear.
Hah! I am in the meager 6% (so far) who say:
‘The deal will have failed by then. The government would emerge stronger.’
May be I am perpetually optimistic.
It does not matter if it works or not. Swat is already lost. Surrendered for all practical purposes.
Ironically, there are some parallels here between the violent Maoists movement in India and the Taliban militants in Pakistan, in spite of their diametrically opposed ideologies. Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of neglected tribal people and landless farmers, as are the Taliban in FATA and NWFP. Both movements have killed dozens of people, including security personnel, in the last few weeks. Both movements control wide swathes of territory in their respective countries.
http://www.riazhaq.com/2009/04/taliban-target-paki stans-landed-elite.html