Islamic Terrorism

If Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik is symptomatic of religious fundamentalism, we have to pin which part of his rhetoric accounts for it, and how is it different from other secular affirmations of truths. Any attempt to rerun the old narrative of the irrationality of religion, and of Naik’s supporters being blinded by unexamined religious passion, falls flat on its face. Naik’s religion in fact, is an embarrassingly evolved version of how a rational religion was conceived post-Enlightenment, and his justification of punishment and justice in Islam strikingly mimics the operation of the modern secular world. This is also how he has been able to gain legitimacy amidst an audience that sees itself as modern.

Events in the past year, while making Pakistan a frontline ally in the 'War against Terror' have had a dramatic impact on its foreign policy. The changing situation in Afghanistan has had repercussions on the domestic political set-up, with hardline Islamic elements increasingly critical of Musharraf's seeming capitulation on the Afghan as well as Kashmir issues. While the army remains a predominant force in the nation's polity, the unfolding domestic balance of power will very likely have a key impact in redefining Pakistani foreign policy.