Tamashbeen

I saw this picture and wondered how petrol prices in Pakistan compare to what they are in rest of the world.

As I searched for an answer I realized that (a) ATP had done a post on the same question back in 2006 and (b) it was not very easy to find information on how petrol prices in different parts of the world compare.

So, I thought maybe I should ask readers what the prices of petrol are where they are. Are we in Pakistan paying too much, or too little, for petrol – in real terms and also in comparative cost of living terms? Odd as it may seem, while petrol prices are higher, they may still be cheaper in comparison to rise in world prices than many other places. But I need more data on this before I figure that out. Any answers?

Adil Najam

Back in August 2006 and then again in July 2009 we conducted ATP Polls on the question: “Who did the most good for Pakistan?” We had structured the question carefully to focus on the good that these leaders did (all leaders do bad things as well as good, some more and some less, and in August 2009 we also did a poll on “who did the most harm?” which we may well repeat soon). It seems this is a good time to do a third installment of the same question to see how the opinions of our readers have evolved.

In 2006 we had not included Gen. Musharraf since he was still in power. In 2009 we did include Gen. Musharraf but not Asif Zardari; again, on the principle of only including past leaders in teh question. So, what do you think?

Karen Ansara

(Editor’s Note: Much has already been written on the Greg Morenson saga, but little on what the reaction is from those who donated to his Institute. In this post, Karen Ansara – a Boston-based philanthropist, a passionate advocate of international giving, a moving spirit being the New England International Donors (NEID), and a donor to Mortenson – reflects on her own encounters with Greg Mortenson and her reflections on the recent controversy).

Alpinists are risk takers. So are founders.

Some alpinists – like some founders – take extreme risks and “go it alone.” Others know that a trusted partner or team enhance your chance of success and survival. A good partner on your rope, like a strong board member, provides not only support but essential checks and balances. The partner may be the one to tell you it is time to retreat from the climb.

My husband, Jim, who spent many years mountain climbing, first met Greg Mortenson in the late 1990’s through the American Alpine Club, of which Jim was a board member and then Vice President. That was before Three Cups of Tea was written. That was before Greg became world-famous. Jim was impressed with the selflessness of Greg’s work as founder of the Central Asia Institute (CAI). “We really should pay attention. We should support his work,” Jim said, and for some time Greg’s postcard of dusty girl students in colorful headscarves hung on Jim’s bulletin board.