The media in Pakistan has recently been dominated by current political issues such as those concerning the dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of the chief justice, the actions of president...
Letter from South Asia
In recent weeks, the story of a Buddhist monk member of parliament of Sri Lanka importing and selling a Mercedes Benz has provided much entertainment in a war-weary country. But beyond its spectacle...
Despite its protestations, the army is expanding its control in Bangladesh. The administration, which owes its existence to the defence forces, is emasculating the political parties and the hope is...
As the bullying military regime slowly unravels in Pakistan, the courageous ones are those that tenaciously insist on order in the place of disorder. The regime's weakness reveals, paradoxically, the...
The largely unexpected public response to the dismissal of the chief justice by Musharraf has significantly changed the political situation in the country. With the politicisation of the issue, the...
Sri Lanka's conflict has now reached a stage beyond a settlement through power-sharing. The little interest that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has shown in negotiated regional autonomy a few...
If the increasing protests against his regime are any indication, Musharraf's days as Pakistan's president appear numbered. The transition to democracy has to be carefully managed, with elements of...
Amidst the threat of chaos and a bloodbath on the streets of Bangladesh, the army backing for a new caretaker government was welcomed. However, questions are now being asked about some of the...
Military rule in Pakistan has had long spells because the army has learnt how to be repressive and yet accommodative, target only the marginalised and minority groups, buy off support from political...
Pakistani society prefers to silence any discussion about caste-based discrimination and oppression in the public domain even though such marginalisation is widespread in many parts of the country.
The political situation in Bangladesh on the eve of elections is at an impasse, with rival political alliances unable to agree on pre-election arrangements. That such a situation is inimical to...
With the refusal of both the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to relent on the question of allowing humanitarian aid to Jaffna, the civil war has reached a new and protracted stage. Despite the...
There is no need or reason for Pakistanis to want democracy. The military has seldom had to face opposition in coming to power.
Musharraf and his generals are determined to stay in power. They will protect the source of their power (the army); they will accommodate those they must (the Americans); and they will pander to the...
The killing of Akbar Bugti, the rebellious tribal chief and leader of the Baloch nationalist Jamhoori Watan Party by state security forces in his mountain hideout marks an important watershed in the...
