Where have Pakistan’s America experts gone?

[VCheng]

I think south Asians are a confused and emotional lot, we think and work in a different way compared to them. I dint think we see things in a straight forward manner and these are my observations and I could be wrong.

All generalizations are wrong, including this one.

 

[Last Hope]

Pakistan has made too many enemies already.

The reason is Pakistan's geographical position which has political influence (interest) and the geographical assets which has $$$ interest. Another reason is religious mindset of common people which posses a threat to everyone and anyone who go against their religion. (Take an example of recent US movie which targets Muslims). For this reason, everyone wishes to either be close to Pakistan or far away for same reasons (not be vulnerable to hatred).

The best in interest of Pakistan is to not make enemies, nor allies. United States is good as neither being an ally or enemy. Casual trade is what should be interest of both. Not getting too close in terms of military or economy is the bet for short time in my opinion.

 

[airmarshal]

If the interest of Pakistan is dear to you. Its important you begin to accept that only a society that is just, that respects merit and laws are applied equally to all, will create an internal strength that is the hallmark of almost all developed western nations.

Its this internal strength that reflects in their dealings with the outside world. In the times of the Islamic state, when the khulfa-e-rasshedeen ruled it, the institute of kazi was the strongest one. When there is justice in society, it helps to develop it.

In Pakistan, we have no institution, no rule of law and thus no internal strength and cohesion. But we dont hesitate for a moment to compare ourselves with America. I dont mean we are bad, we just dont have the maturity to build a nation.

We have leaders who cant think beyond themselves, but then its very painful to see educated people favoring such leaders who cant do justice and who are tired and had been tried before.

Punjab CM

 

[VCheng]

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In Pakistan, we have no institution, no rule of law and thus no internal strength and cohesion. But we dont hesitate for a moment to compare ourselves with America. I dont mean we are bad, we just dont have the maturity to build a nation.

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Not even after 65 years, almost two-thirds of a century? If not by now, then when does the maturity develop, if at all?

 

[blain2]

Not even after 65 years, almost two-thirds of a century? If not by now, then when does the maturity develop, if at all?

We are on the slow path and this is primarily due to our abysmal literacy rates. Keep in mind that countries such as France and Britain have fought a Hundred Years war in their long histories and even in the last century, they fought in the extremely damaging and violent World wars which set them back significantly. The British even had instability within the UK until the whole Ireland mess was put to rest in the 1990s.

It will take Pakistan another 4-5 decades to set things straight. I am not a believer in "agar aik achaa leader mil jayay" philosophy. We need sustained direction to set things right.

 

[VCheng]

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It will take Pakistan another 4-5 decades to set things straight. I am not a believer in "agar aik achaa leader mil jayay" philosophy. We need sustained direction to set things right.

I can only wish and pray that international geopolitics allows Pakistan the luxury of another 50 years of time to get its house in order.

You are correct in saying that one leader by himself/herself cannot do much unless a sizable proportion of the nation is with him in vision and action in a sustained manner.

 

[airmarshal]

Not even after 65 years, almost two-thirds of a century? If not by now, then when does the maturity develop, if at all?

Well here is the thing. Despite what the detractors say about Pakistan, its still is a new country. However, this is not an excuse and it does not take away our failings from us. Nations who got freedom with us have progressed steadily on path of economic prosperity and we are still grappling with those issues. So its important to have a clear economic vision. There are countries around the world which are politically unstable but have economic stability and the only reason that comes to my mind is that economy has been separated from politics.

We have leaders like Altaf Hussain who rule a city like Karachi and have no qualms in giving out calls for strike on petty issues. It hurts to have 'leaders' like him. But we will learn. Its going to be hard way!

 

[TVVELVEMO$]

A profile of a Pakistani with some expertise regarding United States:

he has a grasp on the working of US Government. he knows that it has three tiers. Federal, State & Local (county government Or Town government). For Pakistan, the US Federal government is most crucial. The Federal System has three branches. Executive, Legislative & Judicial. All are equally empowered by the US constitution yet have clearly defined roles which minimise one branch appropriating too much power versus the other two. President (POTUS) is the head of the Executive Branch. The legislative branch in Bicameral with House of Representatives and US Senate. The Speaker of the House & President of the Senate (which is always US Vice President) are leaders of this Branch; however currently the house has a Republican Majority (opposition) and so the House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) can be loosely considered the Leader of this branch of US government. Thirdly, US Supreme Court is the Apex court in the US Federal Court System. Chief Justice John G. Roberts is the Leader of third & key branch of the US federal government. His views and Republican leaning are 'transparent' to all and he is NOT considered a saint who would behave like one as is the expectation in Islamabad; however he is expected to be judicious, competent in US Constitution and act above petty personal whims as in recusing himself from cases regarding himself and his immediate family. (enough said)

The Pakistani expert would also know the nuances between power centers within each branch. The Executive Branch has the White House, Pentagon, State Department which deal with Pakistan separately. he would know how to communicate with each separately yet realize that they do act in a concerted fashion to further US interests in the region Pakistan is situated in.

Within the legislative branch there are two political parties (Republican [Elephant] & Democrat [donkey] ). Each has its leadership structure within the elected members. The majority party controls key committees e.g Foreign Affairs, Appropriations (budget), Ways and Means. Most money bills are primarily dealt by the House rather than the senate. Togther the two houses are known as United States Capitol (or Capitol Hill). Membership of each committee is based on a formula of seniority among the elected members and how long they have served in the chamber and NOT on nepotism. Some positions are polled. These members are not under the control of the Executive.

The Pakistani expert would also know who are the power brokers in the "Beltway". That includes lobbyists, diplomats, wealthy donors, journalists, thinktank types, policy wonks, Academics, Industry leaders, BUT rarely any religious leaders with hordes of armed gangs acting as their 'entourage'. Here no one has the power to send screaming, law-breaking, bearded angry young men out to spill blood and destroy public property to make a 'holy' point. **CAVEAT EMPTOR: Do NOT construe this to be in any way a slight on the Prophet of Islam. Or a defence of free speech for those who abuse it . We can discuss that issue later.

The expert would also have a good grasp of the Press & Media that deals with Pakistan, Foreign Affairs, Afghan War, Middle East & China. he would be on first name basis with some of the people in this category, say Charlie Rose, Charles Joseph "Joe" Scarborough, Anderson Cooper & Katie Couric. The list is not exhaustive and does not include charlatans of Zahid Hamid variety.

The expert would also require a working knowledge of College & Pro Football; as well as Basket ball & Baseball. Words like Grid Iron, Quaterback, fourth quarter, Hail Mary pass, curve ball, knuckleball, should be obvious. Talking cricket will not count a hill of beans in DC.

Some friends on Wall Street and Hedge Fund types can be of help as are big movers as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Warren Edward Buffett. A second tier would be of people like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie-Pitt and Oprah who espouse International causes.

Finally a Pakistani expert would know the key difference in US v Pakistan. In US "suits" make policy and "fatigues" implement them abroad, whereas in Pakistan "Khakis" make policy and the "shalwars" are dragged kicking and screaming into implementing them. However, Khakis can never befriend US "suits" and expect to be treated with equality Or respect- a lesson Pakistani Khakis seem not to have learned yet.

More later.......