The Duel Pakistan On The Flight Path Of American Power (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Tariq Ali is an outspoken critic of all things political in Pakistan. I agree with his viewpoints on the future of the region. In this book, he's a bit jumpy but focused enough to provide a realistic point of view in the history and politics of Pakistan.This book was published in 2007. Pakistan is a country where things drastically change every week, so it would not be much help in understanding post Musharaf era. I recommend this to anyone who wants to get an unbiased view into Pakistan. The ideas presented here are easy to follow and thoughtful. It seems at times Ali presents himself as an outside observer looking in, but he is himself from a privileged family with deep connections to the upper class of Pakistan. I say this not to discredit his ideas in this book, but to highlight the fact that he has the courage and audacity to evaluate the upper class.The book is more of a testament to the realities of Pakistan, and unveiling of media bias in the West and the illusions of Pakistani media. An excellent read for anyone interested in Pakistan. Alternate history of Pakistan. Must read for all bred by Pakistani governmental historical propaganda. Starts of well with good insight into the reasons why Pakistan was created. I liked the bits about Muslim League own history, as a feudal based conservative party created to garner relations with their British masters. I also enjoyed the piece on the way how the colonialists used to brand certain nationalities like the Pathans for their own nefarious purposes. How an image of a warrior and a always vengeful Pathan was pushed almost becoming the sine qua non of his profile; thereby justifying all punitive actions against them. I was able to link the two together; the Muslim League's reliance on the British/Americans and the sticking to the colonialist definitions of the locals [like Pathans] even after the partition because of their own weakness in community based politics in Pakistan, both East and the West. The other strong odour from the book was nationalism; Pakistani nationalism was born after its creation while the Indian started way back in 1885. The Pakistani version before 1947 was based on partition from the Hindus instead. I think we have never successfully been able to separate the two successfully; nationalism and our hatred for the Hindu majority.
What do You think about The Duel Pakistan On The Flight Path Of American Power (2000)?
OK, i never read the book. Just scanned it in Barnes and Noble and was seriously unimpressed..
—Shaifali
New. Luzerne system doesn't have it (yet?), and Albright's catalog is down right now.
—Gerardo
Well written sad story of how Pakistan came to be how and what it is.
—mike
