Adil Najam
The military is never really out of the news in Pakistan. Nor is it ever far from the center of Pakistan politics. But recent event have brought the question of where the Pakistan military is headed into even sharper relief than usual.
There is much speculation – maybe too much speculation – on where the Pakistan military is headed in the coming days and weeks.
There are some who argue that following the attack on the GHQ the military will act even more swiftly on extremists in Pakistan – whether in the Waziristan region or in Southern Punjab. Others feel that the furore created by the Kerry-Lugar Bill has so poisoned the civil-military relationship in Pakistan that even the immediate future of Pakistan’s political displacements may (again) be in doubt. Yet others would argue that while the tensions are all real, the military is in that phase that comes after each prolonged period of military rule when it prefers to remain in the political background while it consolidates its public image.
My own current sense is that there may be some truth in all three scenarios. Possibly in a combination of the three. Of course, there could be other directions in the mix too. What do you think? Where is the Pakistan military headed in the next many days? And what does that mean about where Pakistan is headed?
can someone name me one agency that does not have a bad name one way or another?
US? Russia? UK? China? India? Israel?
I agree with Aamir Ali on this one.
Aamir Ali. And THAT is your argument for keeping the ISI. That you want Pakistani institutions to be institutions of bad repute!
Wow, with that level of “intelligence” maybe you should also join the ISI!
If the ISI has a bad reputation with politicians internally, and with foreign govt externally, I would say the agency is doing its job. I don’t want an ISI or an Army which is much loved by foreign govt and internal mischief-makers.
I think Haroon raises a valid point.
Why do we need ISI.
We already have a separate unit for military intelligence – MI. We also have civil intelligence. The purpose of ISI is only to interfere in Pakistan politics and bring about coups. It really have no bearing on foreign intelligence.
Given how bad its reputation is IN Pakistan as well as outside, it may be better to dismantle it altogether.
I dont understand the comments that are anti Mr 10%.
Dont get me wrong, I hate him. I hate each and every party in Pakistan. None are worthy of any praise.
However, I think the situation he inherited, he has done better than expected. Not perfect but given the standard of our politicians, he is not the worst of them. Surprisingly.