Paradoxes of Pakistani Politics by Imtiaz Alam

Imtiaz Alam

A somewhat bumpy democratic transition continues to create uncertainties that allow desperate elements to disrupt the constitutional path to stabilisation. There are ideological, political, strategic and institutional paradoxes that distort political processes and make the state look like a ‘failing state’ – often described so in terms of failures of governance.

will he 'make America great again?

Imtiaz Alam

Defying all predictions, all norms of decency, Washington’s establishment and the forces of ‘status quo’, and by running a racist, xenophobic, misogynist and anti-immigration/globalisation viciously populist campaign, a maverick populist outsider Donald Trump won the US elections.

Has the world again changed? Will he ‘Make America Great

Breakdown or Creak-down written by Imtiaz Alam

Imtiaz Alam

The deadly attack on the Police Training College, Quetta again calls for national introspection and revision of flaws in our security paradigms and systems as an angry (‘wutburger’ or enraged citizen in German) Imran Khan persists on his threat to lockdown the capital. Breakdown or crackdown is the question being asked in the capital amid national mourning

Memogate II in an unenviable environment written by Imtiaz Alam

Imtiaz Alam

The timing of Dawn-story-gate, more aptly Memogate II, could not have been worse for a vulnerable democratic setup.     India is on a diplomatic offensive to castigate Pakistan as the “mothership of terrorism”. Imran Khan is bent upon breaking down the constitutional order by forcing a shutdown of the capital. The Supreme Court is proceeding with the Panama leaks case involving the prime minister’s children.