From the Islamic Republic of Iran to secular republics in the Arab world or Indonesia, from monarchies in the Arab world, Malaysia, Nigeria (where monarchies rule over provinces), and Brunei, to democracies in Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, Muslim states include great diversity in politics and the workings of governments.
One thing which is purely common in these states is Islam, not only as a faith but also as a source of identity and an important factor in social relations and politics. The next thing which is more common amongst them is an impurity in the form of democratic dictators or dictatorial democrats who work are mostly dishonest and corrupt, extremely lacking in self-confidence for decision making and work for their vested interests.
It is by and large believed in most of the world that political upheaval in Arab world is a well designed act by the Americans and is a continuation of pick and chose theory adopted by Americans since long. Even before the fall of communism, this theory has indeed worked miracles for them at least in our part of the world.
The main reason for this unprecedented success is deplorable economic condition of the people of Pakistan which paved their way for this deadly power game for changing leadership. A country where bare minimum essentials of life like Roti Kapra aur Makaan can become a wining agenda for a political victory.
This environment has also played a pivotal role in depleting the potentials of Pakistan for grooming leadership on their own that can speak their language and work for their interest.
Situation in the Arab world is different from here, at least in terms of individual and state economy. That is the main reason why most of the people in Muslim world think that turbulent political environment of the Arab world cannot be a case of collective change in Arabs.
JAWAD RAZA KHAN
Karachi
