Wrong Conclusion with respect to Pakistan

Submitted by Singha (India), May 8, 2007 at 21:54

The positioning in Karachi against Lal Masjid is mere posturing. While these so called moderate muslims demand for imposition of the Shariat, they oppose the means adopted by the radicals. That is all. Many times intellectuals see what they want to see rather than seeing reality as it is. Dr. Pipes could be falling victim to the above syndrome.

The bottom line is that the 'civil society' of Pakistan just doesn't have what it takes to confront and defeat the Islamists. True, Pakistani 'civil society' has some exceptionally brave and committed people with the courage of conviction to stand up against the onslaught of the mullahs. But their numbers are infinitesimal and their influence marginal.

Million man marches in the subcontinent have much meaning. For most causes, it is easy to generate vocal crowds. Courage based on conviction to take on Islamism is non-existant. No one will dare to criticize those sections in Quran that call for killing non-Muslims. Of course much more potent crowds can always be mobilised in favor of Islam, against Danish cartoons etc.

Compared to the 'civil society, the Islamists are better organised, are more committed to their beliefs, and have little to lose. Tilting the balance further in favour of the Islamists is the fact that they have the arms, ammunition and training to force their point of view on the people and their storm-troopers are even willing to take on the State, if required.

The storm in Pakistan will wreak havoc not just in Indian subcontient but around the world, which still has its eyes tightly shut to the silent islamist revolution sweeping through Pakistan.

More than Iran, along with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan presents us with the Clear and Present Danger.

Singha

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