Vali Nasr, author of ”Forces of Fortune – the rise of the new Muslim Middle Class and what it will mean for our our world” said,
“The truth is that that the West’s best ally against fundamentalism and extremism in Pakistan is not, and never was, that country’s incorrigibly double-dealing military and intelligence establishment, but rather civil society and pro-democracy forces that Musharraf fought to suppress”.
“Civil society activism that the lawyer’s movement has been leading draws professionals, merchants, students, and political activists of all persuasions, as well as common folk. There is ample evidence that what is true of the rising middle class elsewhere in the Middle East is true of Pakistan as well: that given the chance to pursue business growth without stifling government control, a capitalist flourising will follow, and a thriving middle class will serve as the impetus for moderation and democracy”. …Religious or secular, the growing Pakistani middle class has been overwhelmingly pro-democracy and pro-free enterprise.”
How correct is Nasr in his assessment of Pakistan’s ‘fight back’ against the forces of fundamentalism; should we put our faith in Pakistan’s military or emerging Middle Class?
Or has corruption made Pakistan an unteneble reality?
The following posts collated should prove insightful – simply click on them to read;
Pakistan’s failing state is too weak to tackle the Taliban
The racists and the-islamist in khaki
Pakistan’s army is using rumours where it once used force
US Aid to Pakistan – US Taxpayers have funded Pakistani Corruption
The Pakistani Godfather: The Inter-Services Intelligence and the Afghan Taliban 1994-2010
