Monthly Archives: August 2008

And now, Zardari for president

Posted on August 28, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“ALWAYS incredible, Pakistan’s governing coalition sundered on Monday August 25th when its second biggest component, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) walked out. Nawaz Sharif, the PML(N)’s leader, objected, among other things, to Asif Zardari, who leads the coalition’s main member, … Continue reading →

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The algebra of legacy

Posted on August 20, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“NOW that he’s gone, his legacy will be debated. As the hysteria subsides and the political pantomime of heroes and villains takes a brief hiatus, the question many will have is: what did Musharraf mean for Pakistan? The answer: it … Continue reading →

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What next?

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“After his speech, Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf met with his former friends and benefactors, took a salute of honour and quickly repaired to his official abode in Rawalpindi in an unflagged car. The likelihood is that he will stay here … Continue reading →

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Battle lines in Kabul

Posted on August 9, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“There is wide acclaim today among Indian strategic analysts and diplomatic editors that New Delhi has scored a major diplomatic victory in Afghanistan and that its “influence” in Kabul has “peaked”. This victory has come on the back of Washington’s … Continue reading →

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The impeachable Mr. Musharraf

Posted on August 7, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“We have good news for democracy.” Thus spake Zardari, as he announced the ruling coalition’s decision to impeach President Musharraf. Let the games begin. Four questions emerge immediately: 1. Will the President invoke Article 58-2(B) of the constitution and dissolve … Continue reading →

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Clawing back the public space

Posted on August 6, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

“Every so often an optimist pipes up, “Pakistan isn’t all that bad.” It is. Forget politics, militancy and the economy for a moment; this is still a wretched place. By any measure, by any test Pakistan fails to provide its … Continue reading →

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A lack of South Asian Cooperation

Posted on August 1, 2008 by Asif Saeed Memon

THERE may be some awkward pauses this week in Colombo, where South Asia’s leaders are due to meet to discuss, among other shared concerns, terrorism. It is not that they will be unprepared. Terrorism, with food security and energy, was … Continue reading →

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