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Pakistan
If Pakistan is to preserve all that is good about its country — the generosity and hospitality of its people, the dynamism of its youth — it must face the deterioration of its social and political institutions. Sidestepping easy headlines to identify Pakistan’s true dangers, this volume revisits the major turning points and trends of Pakistani history over the past six decades, focusing on the increasing entrenchment of Pakistan’s army in its political and economic arenas; the complex role of Islam in public life; the tensions between central and local identities and democratic impulses; and the effect of geopolitical influences on domestic policy and development. While Ian Talbot’...
Ahmadi and Christian Socio-Political Responses to Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
The roots of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws can be traced back to the British colonial rule in India, but their harsher clauses were added to the Pakistan Penal Code during a wave of intense Islamization in the 1980s. Everyone in Pakistan is threatened by the misuse of these laws, even Muslims; however a disproportionate number of victims targeted by these laws have come from two minority groups, the Ahmadis and Christians. Dr Qaiser Julius focuses on how these two groups have been affected by Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, their different reactions to these laws, and more specifically, why they are responding differently despite living under the same circumstances. In this well-structured and understandable study, Julius provides a valuable tool for Christians to understand what it means to be a minority in a hostile culture. This thorough analysis presents a way forward for the Christian church in Pakistan, providing hope amidst the discrimination and persecution.
Rethinking Salafism
1. Introduction -- 2. Deconstructing Salafism -- 3. Transnational solidarity of Salafi ʻulama: the politics of Islamism -- 4. Transnational networks of Salafi ʻulama: the debate over the Sunni-Shiʻa divide -- 5. Transnational networks of Salafi ʻulama: haraki/quietist unity in the face of Jihadi Salafism? -- 6. Transnational networks of ʻulama: contesting the social sphere -- 7. Conclusion -- Notes -- Selected Bibliography.
Engaging Pakistan
Engaging Pakistan examines the role of British and American public diplomacy in Pakistan. It focuses on case studies located in two periods (1955–1964 and 2008–2012) during which there was both intense public diplomacy activity and increasing public hostility, particularly towards the United States. Putting forth this juxtaposition of the two periods, the study provides an opportunity for a fine-grain analysis to contribute to wider theoretical and comparative studies of public diplomacy as well as provide valuable empirical material. The author argues that limitations in the effectiveness of public diplomacy arise whenever foreign audiences perceive that a state’s foreign policy actio...
Pakistan's Tactical Nuclear Weapon: Conflict Redux
Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs), often referred to as “battlefield”, “sub-strategic”, or “non-strategic” nuclear weapons, usually have a plutonium core and are typically distinct from strategic nuclear weapons. Therefore, they warrant a separate consideration in the realm of nuclear security. The yield of such weapons is generally lower than that of strategic nuclear weapons and may range from the relatively low 0.1 kiloton to a few kilotons. Pakistan’s quest to acquire tactical nuclear weapons has added a dangerous dimension to the already precarious strategic equation in South Asia. The security discourse in the subcontinent revolves around the perennial apprehension of a con...
Democracy in South Asia
This volume examines the state of democracy in South Asia after the first two decades of the millennium. It shows how the inroads made by democracy that surged through South Asia at the turn of the century stands at the crossroads after two decades. The Taliban regaining strength in Afghanistan, tricky civil-military relations in Pakistan, the political stand-off in Nepal, as well as the undermining of civil rights in other countries point to the deepening challenges to democracy in the region. At the same time the region presents many positives to be taken forward and opportunities to be carried forward. The chapters in the volume map the gains made and challenges faced by every South Asian country, especially since 2000. Going beyond the usual regional powers like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the volume includes detailed analysis of the state of democracy and future trajectories of Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives. The volume will be of great interest to scholars, researchers and students of politics and international relations and South Asian studies.
The Herald
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Risk Management
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Usama Ibn Munqidh
Usama Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188) was a Syrian poet and warrior whose life coincided with some of the most dramatic moments in Islamic history: the invasion of the Turks into the Middle East, the collapse of the Shi'ite political power, and above all, the coming of the Crusades. Often at the frontline of such events whilst on military service representing one of his many Lords, including on occasion the legendary Saladin, Usama was nonethless best-known to his contemporaries as a poet. Covering his exquisite anthologies of Arabic poetry, his witty and well- loved memoirs, and his political adventures, this comprehensive biography examines both the literary works of the famous "Arab- Syrian Gentleman" and the tumultuous life which inspired them. With a guide to further reading, a dynastic family tree and a glossary of the principal characters encountered in the book, it offers an indispensable window into Usmama's life, times and world of thought.
Pakistan's Elite Secret Service
This is an unprecedented study of Pakistan's influential and mysterious intelligence services, based on exclusive inside access to some of the most important Pakistani government officials. Usama Butt describes the history and structure of the organisation and its role in domestic politics and Pakistani foreign policy. He explains the role of the organisation in driving Pakistani's participation in the 'War on Terror', outlining the deep contradictions which flow from this. From the ISI's role in the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Union to its relationship to the US today, this is a unique and fascinating account of Pakistan's complex relationships with outside forces. It will be vital reading for students and academics in International Relations, Security Studies and South-Asian studies.
