Welcome to the Jungle
Pakistan is getting inundated in its own blood. The ongoing conflict in the country reflects at how there is no rule of law and that the country is now following the laws of the jungle. Benazir's assassination does not come as a shock to me. Yes, she was corrupt; yes, she was coming back as part of a larger American design; and yes, she was giving some horrific statement vis-a-vis Pakistan's internal security. Yet, I do not condone her murder! I denounce her killing and would like to throw caution to all those who may be saying to themselves "good riddance".
I have said it before, this is not the way civilized countries settle scores with one another. Bugti's assassination by the state (and it is quite clear who took out Benazir) was a clear indication of what extent the present dispensation was going to go to get their way. All those who supported Bugti's assassination must be thinking twice now. If you are still saying "good riddance" then I guess you have to wait till one such brutality hits closer to your own homes.
The "establishment" was never easy with Benazir coming back and it took a sinking Musharraf and American diktats for a marriage of convenience between the 2. The honeymoon had to end somewhere and it came to a tragic end with the brutal murder of Benazir. Had she not been killed, this unholy alliance of BB and Mushy would still come crumbling down after elections in a similarly dramatic fashion (perhaps even worse).
There is no doubt that Benazir's death comes as a setback for the US. There also is no doubt that all America has now in Pakistan to further its ludicrous cause of the "war on terror" is Musharraf. No prizes for guessing who is the winner in this tug-of-war. The question now that begs is: Does America have the patience to support an increasingly ambitious "establishment" (headed by Musharraf) that is now biting the hands that feed it? If this wasn't the last straw then I think we are certainly very close to it. The following few months will be very interesting (although all this is very tragic indeed).
The elections in Pakistan becomes very important now. I personally feel the elections need to be boycotted for many reasons. My number 1 reason was for the independence of Judiciary, which stands defunct at the ambitious hands of the present government. Today, my primary reason for boycotting these elections is because if the results of these elections turn against what the "establishment" wants it to be then we will see some seriously horrific consequences. With the way Musharraf (and remember he is just a face - there is a ruling "establishment" that has been holding everyone captive since the 50's) is clinging onto power do we really think he will easily digest results that are contrary to what he wants?
Let's not forget how the "establishment" reacted the last time an election went against them in the 70's. God have Mercy on us!
Addendum: Just as I almost hit the bed after posting this, I came across this news item from Reuters. This could be an insight into a possible motive for her assassination. As you may recall, the US Congress was already pretty ticked off at the misuse of US aid to Pakistan in the "war on terror".
I have said it before, this is not the way civilized countries settle scores with one another. Bugti's assassination by the state (and it is quite clear who took out Benazir) was a clear indication of what extent the present dispensation was going to go to get their way. All those who supported Bugti's assassination must be thinking twice now. If you are still saying "good riddance" then I guess you have to wait till one such brutality hits closer to your own homes.
The "establishment" was never easy with Benazir coming back and it took a sinking Musharraf and American diktats for a marriage of convenience between the 2. The honeymoon had to end somewhere and it came to a tragic end with the brutal murder of Benazir. Had she not been killed, this unholy alliance of BB and Mushy would still come crumbling down after elections in a similarly dramatic fashion (perhaps even worse).
There is no doubt that Benazir's death comes as a setback for the US. There also is no doubt that all America has now in Pakistan to further its ludicrous cause of the "war on terror" is Musharraf. No prizes for guessing who is the winner in this tug-of-war. The question now that begs is: Does America have the patience to support an increasingly ambitious "establishment" (headed by Musharraf) that is now biting the hands that feed it? If this wasn't the last straw then I think we are certainly very close to it. The following few months will be very interesting (although all this is very tragic indeed).
The elections in Pakistan becomes very important now. I personally feel the elections need to be boycotted for many reasons. My number 1 reason was for the independence of Judiciary, which stands defunct at the ambitious hands of the present government. Today, my primary reason for boycotting these elections is because if the results of these elections turn against what the "establishment" wants it to be then we will see some seriously horrific consequences. With the way Musharraf (and remember he is just a face - there is a ruling "establishment" that has been holding everyone captive since the 50's) is clinging onto power do we really think he will easily digest results that are contrary to what he wants?
Let's not forget how the "establishment" reacted the last time an election went against them in the 70's. God have Mercy on us!
Addendum: Just as I almost hit the bed after posting this, I came across this news item from Reuters. This could be an insight into a possible motive for her assassination. As you may recall, the US Congress was already pretty ticked off at the misuse of US aid to Pakistan in the "war on terror".
posted by al-republican at 9:10 AM
53 Comments:
I was just wondering why is it that when a common man is killed, its a mere murder, but if the same thing happens to a politician, its an assassination. Sometimes, even murders are planned.
Why does our heart get soft for famous people and not for a common man who probably didn't even get the chance to reach the hospital when he was shot at? I'm not talking about just politicians, even actors and sportsmen.
Seriously speaking, my heart mostly inclines to the "good riddance" theory. It may sound cruel, but probably not, if we look back how the duo earned the "Mr. and Mrs. 10%" title.
When negligence, hypocracy, cold heartedness climb such heights as this, its baseless to assume that politicians will die a *natural death from cancer*. *whispers* They are 'bound' to be assassinated!
History of past nations and leaders has been evident and its been so distinct as if it has been following a perfect code.
There is no doubt that it hurts when you know that a mother of 3 children + wife got shot at. Especially when the media too is trying to bring about the essence of sympathy of the assassination of a big politician. Why aren't we able to bring about that same sympathy for those who murdered (or assassinated) by Mr. 10%?
Without doubt, in an ideal environment such events and assassinations occur would not occur; but aren't these politicians too responsible for bringing about this ideal environment? Which proves I am right if I say that BB was thee cause of her own death.
The only way we SHOULD have forgotten and overlooked BB's corruption would have been her non-corruption (which we never experienced). Something that would prove us her sense of responsibility and committment towarads the nation. I'm sorry, her death will NOT let me overlook her corruption.
I met a few people who comment on BB's death. "Aaisa hona nahin chahiye thaa", when asked why, none of them had an answer. They would say, "3 bachon ki maa thee" and "aurat zaat hai" and "kiya woh musalman nahin?"
Ask them for a legit reason why it shouldn't have happened? They just probably don't want women or famous people to die anymore!
Civilized countries don't settle scores in this manner - all countries have scores that need to be settled, civilized countries just have state sponspored events (terrorism) that settles them and we settle them the Pakhtoon style. The pathan attitude "you-kill-my-brother-I-kill-yours" is probably our Paki fate. Frankly, this pathani attitude does seem alot more democratic too!
I'd like to add that some say, bad politicians bring about a bad nation. I think a bad nation deserves a bad politician.
The attitude or true colors of a nation is revealed when it is in distress. Eg: N. Carolina hit by hurricane Katrina and public looted banks, stores, murdered etc.
Thats exactly what we got to see in Pakistan.
I just don't know how to end this text:P.
Khurram-
I feel you are basing a lot of your assessments on patently flawed assumptions. Let me explain:
Firstly, you say that those who live by the sword should die by the sword. OK, fine. Benazir and ilk have preponderant probability of dying from unnatural causes. But, are you telling us that good men/women have not died in unnatural ways? According to this logic the Sayyid ash-Shuhada, Hazrat Hamza (RA) also "deserved" that kind of death? Or perhaps even Imam Hussain or Sayyiduna Umar or Sayyiduna Uthman et al? I am not trying to draw parallels (far from it) I am only trying to show you the gaping loopholes in your stance.
How about American presidents who have been at the forefront of murdering unsuspecting innocents? Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Korea? Why did they all die NATURAL deaths? Why didn't they face the same annhilation that they spread on God's Earth? I think your stance on this is emotional rather than objective. As Muslims who believe in the Final Day of Reckoning we should not be basing our opinions on such disparities.
Don't forget what I said about the "good riddance" theory, Khurram. Benazir and Bugti were corrupt, but we have courts of law and other state machinery to take care of these things. This is not a jungle (or a twisted "pathani attitude" of kill-kill) where there is no due process. Don't forget that one of the biggest fitnah of our ummah - Imam Ali and Hazrat Mu'aweyah fighting Siffin - was over the fact that Imam Ali wanted to punish the murderers of Sayyiduna Uthman by DUE PROCESS whereas Hazrat Mu`aweyah was of the view that let us just kill them all and crush this rebellion. As great a political tactician as Hazrat Mu`aweyah (RA) was, I think history proved Imam Ali (RA) right on this one.
Finally, why were you upset when Lal Masjid and Maulana Rasheed were brutally murdered by the same dispensation that has murdered Benazir today? The perpetrators were the same. You think they care who is liberal and who is a muttaqi? No! They kill anyone who dare challenges their writ. They judge everyone by that yardstick.
The problem with Muslims today is that we support violence so long as the person dying falls in our "bad books". We SHOULD NOT support this kind of extra-judicial killing because it knows no end. Let us prosecute our criminals and give them a chance to defend themselves in a court of law. If they are found guilty we can punish them. This is how civilized people do it, bhaijaan.
ok guys, heres a view from the OTHER SIDE:
I am Indian, Muslim and AMERICAN.
What I want to point out to you guys – maybe you have not noticed because you are from Pakistan, but for the first time I have felt a genuine/sincere hope and heartfelt sadness from Indians towards Pakistan (including Hindus). This is interesting since no one really cared about Benazir when she was alive, but when she died she created a lot of fans. I think this is because she genuinely is a hero (regardless of her political agenda). It now appears that she had a hunch she would die, yet carried on the beacon of Democracy in Pakistan. That is a brave thing to do.
Like I mentioned below to Shahab yesterday, this is the time for the COMMON MIDDLE CLASS to unite – and for Pakistan not to be so leader centric.
This incident although tragic and sad can /could have really been the turning point of the Pakistan.
But it might not happen because things are all going to bloody how they were.
But its also the Pakistani people’s fault. They don’t want to struggle. They should have been out on the streets – all of them and especially the middle class. They should have been protesting (non violently) causing the whole country to come to a hault. The conscience of the nation should have woken up AT LEAST on this occasion and every professional, whether he is a doctor, lawyer, engineer, student, shopkeeper should have stopped going to work and staging civil unrest – not stopping UNTIL Mush is out of power, a stronger constitution is imposed and powers of military are taken. I am sure some from the military would have also thrown their arms and joined – saying ENOUGH is ENOUGH!
And politicians? They should have forgotten that you need LEADERS to lead. Why not form a coalition of Imran khan, Nawaz Sharif, Bhutto family, and whoever wants to join the bandwagon to do GOOD for the country? Why cant Pakistanis do a team effort job man? Why always I AM THE LEADER AND YOU LITTLE PEASANTS FOLLOW ME?!
Im telling you man, if this time Pakistan doesn’t wake up and STILL returns to its shitty present – there is no hope for them. And have you noticed something? The world, including India, really CARES that Pakistan do well for itself. I mean take it from me – I am an Indian – but I genuinely was upset/ shocked at BB’s assassination and really want it to get back. I noticed this sentiment echoed in all of Indians, hindus or not, leaders and media. People really care that Pakistan gets its act together because it cant go lower than this!
let me predict - whoever will say whatever here will say so in a predictable way because pakistanis are hardwired to hate or like from the time of their birth based on where they or their parents are born or if they were migrants.
so predictably mr khurram doesnt like PPP.
when can you guys ever get a fresh breath of air and look at things objectively??
AD:
Thanks for your input. I agree that every man in Pakistan should stand up and press for the removal of Musharraf. I am glad you are saying this now when not too long ago you thought he was the best thing that happened since sliced bread.
However, the reality of the situation is that it seems everyone (except for MQM and PML-Q) want Musharraf out. In fact, a lot of people inside PML-Q are feeling uneasy too. But, they all can't agree on a single way to beat the present dispensation out.
The lay man sees Benazir's closest aides wanting to take part in the elections, which will quite automatically legitimize Musharraf's presidency. We are told that the PPP plans to beat Muharraf at his own game. That they will SWEEP the elections and then SWEEP Mushy out of power. Let's see if they will come true on these promises.
In a way, if you look at it, the leadership of PPP is doing just as you suggest, AD. This is their way of "peaceful demonstration". Rally people out to vote them into power. But, we dont hear them talking about kicking out Musharraf, do we? So they are going to end up becoming part of the system as has always happened.
It's a sad state of affairs and as you can see no one is faulting the system. The PPP could have really started some serious agitation and forced Mushy out of the scene. They choose to do it in a different way.
Let's see what happens.
BTW, AD, there are parties who have decided to boycott the elections and start mass agitation till Musharraf (and with him his clowns) is knocked out. They had started this movement even before Benazir's assassination. These parties are all under one platform called "All Parties Democratic Movement" (APDM). Imran Khan, Qazi Hussain et al are part of it.
The sad part if that these parties don't have the support at the grassroots as PPP and PML-N have (who have both decided to contest the elections). Now these 2 parties are using Benazir's death as a marketing tool to get themselves into power. Nawaz Sharif has been yo-yoing between APDM and elections and that is proof enough for me that he has too much to lose (in terms of his shot at glory) to be thinking along principled lines.
PPP is WASTING an opportunity. They are the largest party in the country and could have easily galvanized everyone to come out on the streets and bring everthing to a "grinding halt" as you suggest.
Don't forget that Pakistan has a very small middle class and it is the poor who have what it takes to turn the tide against Musharraf. Unfortunately, poor people only do what their leaders tell them to do. And at the moment, PML-N and PPP are telling them to remain calm so that they can have elections and then to turn out and vote for them to bring a change.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raje'oon
Many of us vehemently opposed her stance and what she stood for. But today is not the day to bring up her politics. Today is the day to mourn the tragic death of a daughter of our land. Her politics, can be discussed tomorrow.
As she is laid to rest, we remember her for galvanizing an entire generation of Pakistani girls, for projecting an image of a confident and articulate Muslim woman on world stage, and for exemplifying perseverance in the face of many personal tragedies.
She had a difficult and tragic life. May she finally find the peace. Ameen.
nicely said tamed cyinc.
*al republican, I was devastated when I heard the news. When I got home, I turned to the TV, and your blog, yet no immediate post from you. My condolences.
the post above "galvanizing an entire generation of Pakistani girls"
Is that the laugh of the century?
Which law supports your claim?
Hi i*maginate:
Yes, it was shocking indeed. I stopped myself from posting because I wanted the dust to settle and put a few things into perspective before commenting.
As you saw, how she actually did was confirmed 2-3 days after her sad death. So I was just waiting for the facts.
That thing about galvanizing Pakistani girls, you will be surprised to know that Tamed Cynic is actually a vehement opponent of the PPP's political views (as it was under Benazir). And quite clearly I hold such an opinion too (as my previous posts will show).
However, the woman's death did come as a shock. And it is sad that our country is descending into chaos.
I would like to add that as much as people may have disliked her, her corruption and her regime-the resultant affect of her assassination is nothing but strife and anarchy. Whoever resolves to use these kinds tactics against even the likes of Benazir is not representative of Islamic thought or action-we can hearken this back to 9/11 as well. There is no excuse to incite hatred and violence - much worse to be involved in the cause of the death of so many muslims and destruction of property. I say this since there were quite a few (religious) people who rejoiced at the death of this public figure-but they didnt take into account the effect of this act and the resultant chaos which ensued. I MUST add here-that the killing of Ms Bhutto seems to be more politically motivated than out of hatred for her stance, corruption or policies.
-TT
19.
i*maginate:
I am debating that number with my connected friends in Pakistani politics! These guys happen to be Bhutto's too, hehe.
Very nice guys, I tell you. Perhaps you should marry one of them!
No thanks LOL - a lil too young for moi :P
& plus...I wouldn't wanna have a father-in-law with the number "10" associated with him lool ;-)
Shadi Mubarak ho!
SHADI MABROOK!!!
Shadi Mabrootulations Mr Al!!
All of us are expecting ladoo, halwa, gulab jaman and hmmm ;-)
Mabrook and alf congrats!!!
Awww mashallah mabrook. :) May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala bless your marriage with love and happiness. Ameen.
Hehe thank you everyone for your very kind words and prayers :)
I really want to blog about my first week of married life experience, but I am hardly finding any time! And when I do have time I feel too lazy :(
In that case Mrs. Al-republican should be updating the blog!
Al, no prayers from me but lots of congratulations to your shadi! Welcome to the club.
I just hope the missus can put up with you.
Like we do, despite all.
Haha Nick! You are a funny guy!
Thanks for the good wishes!
new bost :) new bost :) Mr Al
nick, if you're not up for prayers, how about me & you get married?
i*maginate, I cannot have more than one wife, but AL CAN! winkwink
I have this picture conjured up in my mind. Al republican in his ankle length pyjamas and kurta, wispy beard and skull cap trawling MOE with his four bibhis in tow and seven kids, plus two Indonesian (good Muslim naturally!) maids in light green uniforms - having parked the GMC Tahoe fifteen seater in the disabled parking bay.
Al you are soo predictable!
gawsh, seems like a year since I last posted that proposal to you, nick.
can you please revert to your old nick - no need to take the defensive against an improvising gaylord who also claimed the same blogger ID!
romantican owning a GMC? Hmm... Seems he's too kind and noble to own such a deadly automobile.
Romantican would own no less than a BM X5 with his lurvely wife in the drivers seat...Tahoes are for gaylords like my ex (called nick) who is a real prick. That's GMCs for ya.
Errrrmmm - are we ever going to LEAVE the Jungle? Yalla Mr Al - new bost, new bost :)
Am sure the itch is intense with Nick these days - he's dying for a debate & more hahahaha!
Hahaha I know Rosh! Nick is all charged up after his long break and just is itching to start his vitriolic tirades all over again!
Dude, Nick, you are picturing me WAY too religious. I am not even CLOSE to that description! And, man, my friend just bought a BMW 7 series and the guy earns the same as me... sigh!
I am going to listen to the little voice inside of me (aka the wife) and not cave into the temptation!
I was reading up on how i*maginate is looking for advice on a prospective spouse with Rosh and the others. I came through an article on marriage recently and I was telling the wife how I should put it up here. In fact, I should do it right now!
I hope it helps all you single folks! And Nick, I don't think I am cut out for more than one wife! Although I think if I kill you I will be hoping for "72 virgins" in the Hereafter :P
Al,
As for the car - any fancy car - GO FOR IT!
I am telling you that after a few years of marriage and kids the wife's resistance to car indulgence only grows. Unless it's a sporty number for herself. That's different apparently. Apparently a wife "deserves that" after being married for a few years to a stingy husband.
The other day I was almost about to hit the 'confirm payment' button for a 1973 DS (Sex on wheels!!) from 'French classics' when the missus charged in and started yelling about school fees and new shoes (for the small ones, AND her!!) - so I gave up.
For now. I'll be back for a 1970 Porsche 911 RS 2.2!!
Indulge yourself - AND the wife by all means - until you get the rugrats. After that it's too late.
---------
As for i*maginate asking Rosh for marriage advice - that's like the proverbial one-eyed leading the blind....Ha!
ha Al - no more posts on being single and staying married, trust me, I've had enough and beyond :) My broblem, marriage is a commitment with "no return" policy - and so far, I've had a return policy on most things in life, anyway am sure I'll get there... :)
Re: fancy car, phuleazze don't listen to nicky, you know he's trouble :) A car is just a car, you & your family's financial future is most important.
hahaha! Nick - let the "blind" believe & live a little :)
OK.
First, Al-romantican is tied up.
Rosh, already nearly tied up.
Nicky, a one-woman husband.
That leaves me with me, me & me. How entertaining.
As for cars, don't even talk about it, you hitched-up dudes.
I like a German roaring engine that screams all night long. An Indian TATA or a sub-standard BMW just doesn't cut it.
Nor do US engines, for that matter. Sorry for NY folks out there ;-)
i*maginate:
You are not alone; what about all your "cakes"?
Your cakes lurv you and I suspect you lurv some of them too!
Join the club soon (to make it more discreet: Get married!)
Al,
Even YOU are most welcome at my brand new, zionist, decadent western blog!!
my blog
Seems like someone is making some real time investment!
Hmmm - perhaps I must never post on January the 1st! For I may never blog again :)
*hint hint - nudge nudge*
Haha - al-romantican. You'll be glad to know, I'm getting to know 'eligible' and real men and seriously looking out for marriage material.
Already met one guy and dumped him because all he wanted was a 'contract' if you know what I mean. I didn't know what that meant until I ran it by a few friends, who told me to tell him I know someone who wants his sister for a 'contract'. lol!
I have two other guys on my list whom I'm currently checking out - and it's mutual hehe. Not to worry, nothing 'immoral' going on with them - that's my policy with serious guys.
So...it's finally going well. Yipee!
How's married life treating you? Well, I hope.
See u soon x
This comment has been removed by the author.
Weeeeeeeeee MISS YOU AL!!
Shoo hada? Enough with the romance walla. This is precisely why am anti-marriage hehehe :)
rosh babe, you know what? Am thankful for al-r for starting/continuing his blog in the first place.
I know we all luv him but you know what it's like with blogging.
Let's send him a virtual biryani or something (he doesn't like gulab jumuns, does he haha) but let's assume he's getting nice meals @ home with his new life ;-)
If A-r takes time in getting back, I'd say he was a decent soul on blogworld and looking forward to if and when he gets back.
We def miss him. When you get married, dear rosh, same goes out to you. What virtual dishes do you like? ;-)
i* - bebe, ya should know, Moi live/breathe Shwarmahs and good 'ol sheeh Kbebabs and a neat Falooda to wash it all down from good 'ol JAL - yum yum slurp!
lol u and al-romantican very much highly respected bloggers on my blogathon - I would do no less than cater a royal meal for the both of you.
Peace out, and wishing u loads of lurve and happiness from the bottom of my heart x
haha - thanks i*, guess from my travels, I've tasted just about every cuisine there is, and just about now I crave the simple homey stuff most, not just for the buds but also for the soul :) Am in Mexico city and everything here is Tequilaville.
*rosh, I would love to visit Mexico! Tacos n all!!
rosh, you should write a book. Please consider it. I don't think any comment/post of yours goes amiss. Try it. Please, do try it. You seem to have the professional drive.
I am about to nominate you for www.gosmelltheflowers.com --- there r some rules I have to read b4n nominating! Go check it out, I think u r the perfect flower, and al romantican if he would show up online :P
ciao all lovely bloggers...
What a great idea: Let's continue Al's blog without him.
i* - am flattered (and flattened) sheesh thanks girl :) Between travels and making rich gluttons richer, am not sure if I can do anything else? Appreciate the thought, shall keep in mind :)
hahaha! Nick - mate c'mon, perhaps, neither i* nor I, can bring forth the heat/passion you crave to debate on difference of opinions :) Your debate with Al, not just enlightens, but brings forth valid sense from both perspectives - quite entertaining as well :)
Hey!
I am missing out on all the fun!! On my OWN blog!!
Listen, I have checked out my own blog after a looooong time and I just dont know if I can ever push myself into this. The hours in the day have become too few...
The wife leaves for Canada soon and I will follow her in 2 weeks time, so I might get time to have a new post. I hope I can type with my fingers crossed!
imaginate: it's good to know you are settling down! I wish you all the best :)
Allo Al - you relocating to Canada? Man it sure is a loss for UAE :( Wish ya the best - and no pressure, like i* said - we are thankful you did chose to blog for a while. It's always been a pleasure reading your blog and your comments in various debates.
Good luck with the move - hope all else is well at home & work.
The hours in the day have become too few...
not to talk about the hours of the night which must be busy now...
hahaha! Nicky :)
Hahaha Nick, you evil man!
Rosh, I am not relocating to Canada. I am only going there for a 2-week trip and will be coming back with the wife.
Just a chance to meet my in-laws and her other family members there.
Cheers!
Al, -meeting the in-laws?- good luck with that!
This can be a nervewrecking experience as I should know, but I'm sure you'll handle it well.
Here are some tips, Al:
Smile, and don't open your mouth.
Time for some ludoo, Al. It's a substitute for g. jamun lool
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