Repercussions of Nuclearization

re : BG

If looking at the big piture is oversimplification then so be it.

i agree with your thesis. just look at where we are a few months after the explosions: nawaz sharif presents us with the novel idea of islamization in the form of the 15th ammendment. an absurd, tragic repetition of history that has numbed some of us into thinking that no more damage can be done. but, unfortunately, more damage has been done and will be done if this ammendment passes.

re afrasiyab
i guess ultimately its a question of power. and to the extent there are power differentials between the genders (and i choose not to use the sexes), there will be different effects on the genders. reducing everything to class differences doesnt over simplifies issues somewhat.

I do see your point but the real struggle is between the haves and the have-nots. Its not between the sexes, the conservatives or the liberals or any other groups. Those are just smopke screens, nothing more. Hope you see where I am comming from on this. Nicely written by the way.

Saba:

You say, ``obviously, what constitutes (territorial) security for a state does not necessarily reflect the concerns of all the state`s citizen.`` Extend and elaborate and one can see more clearly the impact of these me-first policies.

It is a matter of great puzzlement for those of us outside of Pakistan-- when will things bottom out? Each year, every major blunder later, we think perhaps.............The standard of living, for lack of better terminology, of an average Pakistani has been nosediving. Introduce abscence of law and order, germination of gun/drug culture (we will dispense our own justice), abscence of social services and amenities, and a heavily concentrated dose of grossly misinterpreted Islam to fill the vacuum. (As an aside-----``Pakistanis have an inane capacity to be fooled in the name of Islam.``---Babar circa 1982--Crescent, on Zia`s policies).

Saba bibi the problems are too many, too overwhelming. Where does one begin?

Here in the west we get an inkling when things are bad the (Pakistani) Army starts making calls, probing names. Through the grapevines you learn that this government`s days are numbered.

Some sort of technocratic government will take over in the interim and then the new tamasha will start all over again.

Given the magnitude of the problems, dearth of 100% sincerity to clean up the mess of past tamaashas, and relationships developed over the past 40 years between the Army and the feudal/industrial/beauracratic lords (read lack of desire to change the status-quo) one can see why saner elements within the Army are arguing for not taking over the powers directly. Somebody whispered in my ears to watch out for the role of the junior army officers. They think differently. Even if they think differently the problems they will face are the same.

Nuclearistaion. at worst may perpetuate the inequalities that your refer to. But the greater enemy is the political set up. We must look at the ways of wiping the slate clean. A fresh, cautious, planned start with clearly laid out, achievable yearly objectives.

Would like to learn more about SDPI.

regards