Religion and Politics in Pakistan and Bangladesh, including Kashmir1. Brief Introduction 1. Brief Introduction to Religion and Politics in Pakistan and Bangladesh Pakistan, formed in 1947 out of Islamic regions of the British colony of India, has over 187 million population with a 1.57% growth rate (July 2011 est). The CIA Factbook lists the country as 95% Muslim (75% Sunni, 20% Shiite); and 5% Christian, Hindu, and others. There is also significant Sufi influence from this tolerant form of Islam brought to South Asia by wandering mystics. Shiites live mostly in urban areas like Karachi, thus giving them disproportionate influence. The Pakistani population is ethnically fragmented, made up of Punjabi, Sindhi, Pastun, Baloch, Mojahir (immigrants from India and descendents), and other groups. Pakistan has four provinces: the populous and traditionally powerful Punjab and Sindh, and the larger and lightly populated North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Balochistan bordering Iran. In addition, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are located to the south of the NWFP along the porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. National unification has been a challenge since 1947, and the major issue concerns the role and type of Islam in that unification. For example, in 1941 the still most influential Islamic theologian Abul ala Maududi (d.1979) founded the religious political party, Jamaat-i-Islami, to challenge the more secular vision of the country's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. English is an official national language and the lingua franca of the elite. The country ranks #125 in the 2010 HDI and a 2.3 in the 2010 CPI. Literacy rate for the 15 and over population is 50%. Shiites like Jinnah and the Bhuttos have been very influential, but Sunnis have increased their clout since General Zia ul-Haq took power in 1977. Zia died mysteriously in a 1988 plane crash. He fostered a more religiously militant vision of the country, which seemed to respond to the rise of political Shiism in Iran and the Soviet extension of power into Afghanistan. Zia thus combined a strong emnity against India, the cooperation of the Army, especially the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Islamists, and support from Saudi Arabia and the United States. Sunni and Shiites had a major national controversy with the Zia government over the collection of the zakat in 1980. Zia backed down. The CIA Factbook lists Bangladesh as 89.5% Muslim, 9.6% Hindu, and .9% other. The population, 98% Bengali, is over 158.5 million (July 2011 est) with a 1.56% population growth rate. The country ranks #129 in the 2010 HDI and 2.4 in the 2009 CPI. Literacy rate for the 15 and over population is 47.9% (2001 census). Pakistan and Bangladesh originally formed the unified country of Pakistan, which received its independence from Great Britain in 1947. The two countries split in 1971 when the West Pakistani army took brutal control of East Pakistan. Refugees flooded India, and the Indian army intervened, enabling Bangladesh to declare its independence. Since then the major challenges to Bangladesh have been to maintain its democracy and fight poverty and corruption. The two leading parties have been the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, both led by women. In January 2007 a state of emergency was declared, but relaxed for elections in early 2009. The current president is Zillur Rahman (since February 2009) and the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed. The military thus ruled Pakistan for twenty-six of the first fifty-three years, while the civilian governments of both Bhuttos, father and daughter, and Sharif justly earned reputations for corruption. In October 1999 General Pervez Musharraf staged a coup against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In April 2002, Musharraf pushed through a national referendum which extended his rule for five years and gave him power to dissolve parliament. In that October, Pakistan held parliamentary elections, but no party won a majority. The first three parties were Musharraf’s Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party, and the United Action Council (in Urdu, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal [MMA], a coalition of six religious parties. Neither Bhutto nor Sharif, living in Dubai and Saudi Arabia respectively, received permission to participate. The U.S. worked for a Musharraf-Bhutto alliance to defeat the religious militants. On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi, throwing Pakistan into complete confusuion. In the February 2008 parliamentary elections, Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party won the most seats with Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N second. Bhutto's widower, Asif Ali Zardari, has been president since September 2008, but the two parties have had a tense relationship. The election result dealt a major blow to President Musharraf and to the policy of the Bush Administration. Recently more foreign insurgents have entered Pakistan and grouped in the North West Frontier Province contiguous to Afghanistan. The government has made intermittant attempts to control these areas. The U.S. killing of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011 greatly raised tensions between Islamabad and Washington. Pakistan and India fought wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971. Pakistan responded to India’s May 11, 1998 nuclear tests with their own nuclear test on May 28. The country’s link to global nuclear proliferation became clear when the architect of the Pakistani bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan, admitted on television that he had sold nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. At partition, the state of Jammu and Kashmir, usually referred to simply as “Kashmir,” became part of India when the Hindu maharajah signed an act of accession for his predominantly Muslim state. Pakistan, on the other hand, argues that the final disposition of Kashmir must be determined by a popular vote. In both 1948 and 1949, India committed itself to a U.N.-sponsored plebiscite if both armies would withdraw. They never did. In October 2002 Kashmiri elections, the Indian National Congress Party and the People’s Democratic Party, led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, constituted the winning coalition. Mr. Sayeed became the new Chief Minister, giving some hope to a negotiated settlement. But many outside fighters have joined the fray, and India and Pakistan fought a seventy-three-day conflict in 1999 when India found that Muslim troops had dug in above a crucial supply line in the Kargil Valley. Relations with India remain difficult. They were cut following a July 11, 2006 terrorist attack on seven commuter trains in Mumbai, but resumed when Presidents Singh and Musharraf met at the Non-Aligned Summit in September. In November 2008 Lashdar-e-Taiba militants attacked Mumbai from the sea and killed more than 160 people. See articles in "d. Pakistani Foreign Policy" below for the current Indo-Pakistani relations. The summer 2010 floods have devastated the country. Indo-Pakistani relations have improved moderately in summer 2011. Hanson (2006) discusses “India and Pakistan: Religious and Secular Nationalism After Fifty Years” (pp. 203-8); and “The Bomb and South Asia” (pp. 208-11). 2. A Short Introductory Course to Religion and Politics in Pakistan and Kashmir Jones provides a fine historical political narrative of the country since Independence. Weaver adds more cultural issues to her political analysis, while Cohen sets the political issues. Fair presents the current state of the madrassah system and its ambiguous relationship to politics and terrorism. Embree analyzes the possibility for religious peacemaking in Kashmir. Jones, Own Bennett. Eye of the Storm (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002). Weaver, Mary Anne. In the Shadow of Jihad and Afghanistan (New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002). Cohen, Stephen P. The Idea of Pakistan. (Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution, 2004). Fair, C. Christine. The Madrassah Challenge: Militancy and Religious Education in Pakistan (Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace Press, 2008). This book locates the madrassah system within the general educational situation and within its political relationships. Fine conclusions to each of the five chapters. Pages 56-60 discuss the five sectarian traditions (maslak) and their relations to politics. The traditions are the reformist Deobandis, folk Barelvis, Ahl-e-Hadith (similarities to Wahhabism), Jamaat-i-Islami, and Shia in general. Embree, Ainslie, “Kashmir: Has Religion a Role in Making Peace?” in Johnston, Douglas, Faith-Based Diplomacy: Trumping Realpolitik (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003), 33-75. 3. Other Key Resource Materials for Religion and Politics in Pakistan and Bangladesh See January-February Asian Survey for annual summaries of politics in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ahmed, Samina, and Cortright, David, ed. Pakistan and the Bomb: Public Opinion and Nuclear Options (Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1998). Cohen, Stephen P. The Pakistan Army (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998). Haqqani, Husain, "Pakistan and the Islamists," Current History (April 2007): 147-52. Huq, Maimuna, “From Piety to Romance: Islam-Oriented Texts in Bangladesh,” in Eickelman, Dale F., and Anderson, Jon W., eds. New Media in the Muslim World, 2nd ed. (Bloomington, IN.: Indiana University Press, 2003). Malik, Jamal. Colonialization of Islam: Dissolution of Traditional Institutions in Pakistan (New Delhi: Manohar Publishers, 1996). Ziring, Lawrence. Pakistan in the Twentieth Century (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997). 4. Recent News Articles on Pakistan and Bangladesh (a. General Politics; b. Politics and Economics; c. Religion and Politics; d. Pakistani Foreign Policy, including Relations with India and Kashmir; e. Bangladesh): a. General Politics “Pakistan’s Bitter Roots, and Modest Hopes,” New York Times, August 15, 1997. Fine summary of first 50 years by John F. Burns. “Musharraf Redraws Constitution, Blocking Promise of Democracy,” New York Times, August 22, 2002. "As Musharraf's Woes Grow, Enter an Old Rival, Again," New York Times, April 6, 2007. Benezir Bhutto seeks to revive her political standing in Pakistan with campaign to return and run for prime minister. "Throngs Attend Speech by Pakistan's Suspended Justice," New York Times, May 7, 2007. Support for Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, suspended chief justice, for challenging government. Musharraf suspended him on March 9. "As Pakistan's Chief Looks Ahead, Army Holds the Cards," New York Times, June 28, 2007. Silence for army, which counts for much in Pakistani politics. Continuing army unease over Chief Justice, North-West Frontier Province, etc. "Taliban Pushing Out of Frontier, Pakistani President Is Warned," New York Times, June 30, 2007. "Pakistan Edgy As Ex-Premier Is Exiled Again," New York Times, September 11, 2007. Nawaz Sharif is turned back at the airport, and returned to Saudi Arabia, even though Supreme Court ordered that he be allowed to return. "The Pakistan Quandary," New York Times, October 21, 2007. Problems for U.S. Policy and the background analysis. "Bhutto's Return Brings Pakistani Politics to a Boil," New York Times, October 30, 2007. Struggle over the role of Benazir Bhutto after her return on October 18. "Bhutto Is Killed, and Pakistan Faces Rage and More Turmoil," New York Times, December 28, 2007. Assassination of Benazir Bhutto and analysis of impact on domestic and international politics. "In Musharraf's Shadow, a New Hope for Pakistan Rises," New York Times, January 7, 2008. Background of Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, new head of Pakistani military. "Pakistani Voters Crush the Party of Musharraf," New York Times, February 19, 2008. Bhutto's and Sharif's parties win big (forecast of 110 and 100 respectively in 272-seat parliament), while both Musharraf's and religious parties lose heavily. Analysis of election. "Pakistanis Reach Political Accord," New York Times, February 22, 2008. After two days negotiations, two winning parties move to isolate Musharraf. For more detailed plan after further negotiations, see "Musharraf Foes Reach An Accord to Cut His Power," New York Times, March 10, 2008. "Moderates Hold Key in Pakistan," New York Times, March 26, 2008. Political analysis on North-West Frontier Province, where regional Pashtun party, the Awami National Party (A.N.P.) defeated the religious parties (see February 14 above). The A.N.P., part of the national governing coalition, stresses Pashtun values, calling for greater regional autonomy. It criticizes the Pakistani intelligence services for being too close to foreign fighters and hardline militants in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Leadership Void Seen in Pakistan," New York Times, June 24, 2008. The battle between Bhutto and Sharif over the reinstatement of judges and other issues weakening the new civilian government. "Amid U.S. Policy Disputes, Qaeda Grows in Pakistan," New York Times, June 30, 2008. History of U.S. policy disputes that have contributed to rebuilding of Al Qaeda along the Afghan border. "Bhutto's Widower, Viewed as Ally by U.S., Wins the Pakistani Presidency Handily," New York Times, September 7, 2008. "Pakistan's Political Rift May Pose Test for Obama," New York Times, February 28, 2009. Discussion of rivalry between President Zardari and ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Current crisis set off by Supreme Court ruling that Nawaz and his brother were barred from elected office. Even Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani described the ruling as damaging to democracy. Zardari also deplored the ruling. Impact on fight against militants. "Racing Time And Taliban To Rebuild In Pakistan," New York Times, October 11, 2009. Villagers have moved back to upper Swat Valley. Reconstruction and current lack of aid. b. Politics and Economics "Much of Pakistan's Progress Is Lost in Its Floodwaters," New York Times, August 27, 2010. Rebuilding likely to take billions and years, impact on politics. See also August 7th article on weak response of government, stronger by militants. c. Religion and Politics “7 Pakistani Christians Killed,” San Jose Mercury News, September 26, 2002. Attack on joint Catholic-Protestant Organization for Justice and Peace, Karachi social service organization. “Pakistani Legislators Approve Islamic Law for Province,” New York Times, June 3, 2003. The Northwest Province assembly, dominated by a six-party religious alliance, voted unanimously to introduce Islamic law. “Religious minority leaders insist on repeal of blasphemy law,” Asia Focus, April 1, 2005. Christian and Hindu leaders meet with Ministry of Minorities Affairs over 1984 blasphemy law. They ask for abolition, but ministry said repeal is not possible now, but ministry is critical of its misuse, for example, in individual disputes. “Staunch Islam and Its Many Foes (Including Apathy),” New York Times, August 3, 2005. Debate over Northwest Province proposed “hisba” [accountability] law that would set up “mohtasib” (ombundsman) in each county to ensure Islamic values. In Pakistan, Islamic law already regulates marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. “A Top Shiite Leader in Pakistan Dies in a Suicide Bombing,” New York Times, July 15, 2006. Allama Hassan Turabi assassinated, days after criticizing the U.S. and Israel at a rally organized by Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), the coalition of Islamic parties that did well in the last parliamentary elections. Some blamed U.S. agents. Professor Ghafoor Ahmed, leader of the strongest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, blamed lax government security. While Sunni-Shiite relations are generally good, there have been incidents like the bombing of Sunni worshipers at Nishtar Park in Karachi in April, killing 45. “At Border, Signs of Pakistani Role In Taliban Surge: Link to Religious Parties,” New York Times, January 21, 2007. Role of Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence, plus jihadist fervor for Afghan suicide bombers. "Islamic Militants in Pakistan Bomb Targets Close to Home," New York Times, March 14, 2007. Fears of growing "Talibanization" in Pakistan proper. "Battle Ends at Pakistani Mosque, but Musharraf's Troubles Persist," New York Times, July 12, 2007. Analysis of fallout from government special forces taking Red Mosque, in which 60 died. The rebellion's leader, Abdur Rashid Ghazi, held out in the basement of the women's seminary before being killed. Much commentary of the nature of this group in the two months before. "Militants Draw New Front Line Inside Pakistan," New York Times, November 2, 2007. Rise of religious militancy in Swat Region, led by Mauklana Fazlullah of the pro-Taliban Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi [the Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Laws]. Fazlullah has opposed girls' schools and polio vaccinations. Soldiers have suffered attacks and suicide bombings. "Next-Gen Taliban," New York Times Magazine (January 6, 2008): 48-53. Article by Nicholas Schmidle on generational split among supporters of Islamic law in Pakistan. "In Tribal Pakistan, Religious Parties are Foundering," New York Times, February 14, 2008. Political problems of religious parties in running North-West Frontier Province since 2002. "Pakistani Voters Crush the Party of Musharraf," New York Times, February 19, 2008. Bhutto's and Sharif's parties win big (forecast of 110 and 100 respectively in 272-seat parliament), while both Musharraf's and religious parties lose heavily. Analysis of election. "Pakistanis Reach Political Accord," New York Times, February 22, 2008. After two days negotiations, two winning parties move to isolate Musharraf. For more detailed plan after further negotiations, see "Musharraf Foes Reach An Accord to Cut His Power," New York Times, March 10, 2008. "Moderates Hold Key in Pakistan," New York Times, March 26, 2008. Political analysis on North-West Frontier Province, where regional Pashtun party, the Awami National Party (A.N.P.) defeated the religious parties (see February 14 above). The A.N.P., part of the national governing coalition, stresses Pashtun values, calling for greater regional autonomy. It criticizes the Pakistani intelligence services for being too close to foreign fighters and hardline militants in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Christians hope for change under new Punjab minister," Asia Focus, June 20, 2008. Shahbaz Sharif became Chief Minister of Punjab, the most populous of the country's four provinces, on June 9. In an June 11 interview, Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore expressed hope for education for all children and equality for religious minorities. Eighty percent of Pakistani Christians live in Punjab. "Power Rising, Taliban Besiege Pakistani Shiites," New York Times, July 26, 2008. Taliban back Sunnis against Shiites in Parachinar, city in Kurram area, in this strategic FATA zone which juts into Afghanistan. Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani encourages all Pakistani Shiites to help their bretheran. Mortar fire between mosques, Shiite refugees in Peshawar. "Freed, Pakistani Cleric Returns to Scene of Siege, His Hard-Line Message Intact," New York Times, April 18, 2009. Maulana Abdul Aziz returns to Red Mosque in Islamabad. Supreme Court has granted him bail. Part of government attempt to stop suicide bombing and to lower violence by working with militants, e.g., President Zardari imposed Islamic law in restive northwestern region of Swat in exchange for cease fire. This period ended when government forces launched a large scale offensive in Swat. "Where the Mullahs Are the Upper Crust," New York Times, August 2, 2009. High socio-economic status of mullahs in the Punjab. "Even the [religiously] preachers, among the sternly traditional known as Deobandis, have stuck to a bland, nonconfrontational [political] line." But not all are nonviolent, e.g., Sipah-e-Sohaba, an ultraorthodox Sunni political party whose military wing believes Shiites to be apostates. "Hate Engulfs Christians in Pakistan," New York Times, August 3, 2009. More than 100 Christian houses burned and looted by mob of 20,000, the third anti-Christian mob violence in past four weeks. False rumor that Christians defiled the Koran was spread by local preachers who filed blasphemy charge. Role of Sunni militant Sipah-e-Sohaba. Christians blocked roads and refused to bury dead until the filing of a criminal case, which the authorities did. "Militant Network Is Intact Long After Mumbai Siege," New York Times, September 30, 2009. Current situation of Lashkar-e-Taiba, including connections to Pakistani security establishment. "Two Suicide Bombers Strike a Sufi Shrine in Pakistant," New York Times, July 2, 2010. 37 killed and 175 injured in bombing of Data Ganj Baksh [Giver of Treasures] shrrine named after Persian-speaking mystic Ali bin Usman al-Hajveri who came to Lahore in the 11th century. Shrine stands for Lahore as cultural capital and for tolerant Islam. "Sectarian Clashes and New Fears Surge in a City in Pakistan's Heartland," New York Times, August 8, 2010. Attacks on Christians and Ahmadis in Faisalabad. Sunni militant Sipah-e-Sahaba largely focuses on domestic, Lashkar-e-Taiba on foreign conflicts. "Pakistan Faces A Divide Of Age On Muslim Law," New York Times, January 11, 2011. Assassination of Punjab governor who opposed blashphemy law shows split between younger Zia generation," including association of lawyers, and older more secular opinion. "Cabinet Minister Slain In Pakistan; Had Fought Bias," New York Times, March 3, 2011. Assassination of Shahbar Bhatti, 41, Catholic Minister of Minorities, over blashphemy law. On March 23, President Zardari vows to fight extremism. Pakistani Foreign Policy, including Relations with India and Kashmir “Cricket Match Ends With Hope for South Asia,” New York Times, April 18, 2005. After final match of month long series, Pakistan’s Musharraf and India’s Singh meet in New Delhi. Pakistan won cricket series, 4-2. “Pakistan, India hopeful after talks,” San Jose Mercury News, April 18, 2005. Meeting produces positive signs. “Pakistan’s Help in Averting a Terror Attack Is a Double-Edged Sword,” New York Times, August 12, 2006. Follows Pakistan’s help of Britain in discovering plot to blow up foreign planes. Article details the six major British attacks either consumated or attempted in the last three years with some link to Pakistan. The political delicacy of Musharraf’s position. “India’s Prime Minister Scolds Pakistan Over Terrorism,” New York Times, July 15, 2006. Three days after Mumbai train bombing that killed 181, wounded over 700. Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, active in Kashmir, suspected. “Death Sentence in Terror Attack Puts India on Trial,” New York Times, October 10, 2006. Kashmiri Muhammad Afzal condemned to death for December 2001 attack on Indian parliament. The debate over whether to execute him. "Indian Army and Police Implicated in Kashmir Killings," New York Times, February 6, 2007. Five Indian soldiers charged with killings in Kashmir. "Old Foes Join in Anger as Train Bombing's Toll Rises to 66," New York Times, February 20, 2007. Both governments strongly condemn train boming on the Attari Express from Delhi to Lahore. "The Art of Resistance: Report from Kashmir," by Samuel W. DuPont in Commonweal (May 22, 2008): 13-15. Report from perspective of Kashmiri autonomy on the experience of the village Wathoora, which specializes in Bhand Pather traditional theatre. "We have nothing to do with Indian Muslims or Pakistani Muslims--Kashmiri Muslims are a different race," says one villager. "Land Transfer to Hindu Site Inflames Kashmir's Muslims," New York Times, June 28, 2008. Protestors clash with police for fifth day over the transfer of 99 acres of land to the Hindu Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. The Chief Minister of the state promised that there would be no construction on the transferred land and that he would meet with local political parties to address the grievances. "Pakistan Is Said To Be Attracting More Insurgents," New York Times, July 10, 2008. Links between Pakistani security forces, tribal areas, foreign fighters in era when Iraq has become more difficult for Al Qaeda. Inside Pakistan the most prominent group is the Tehrik-e-Taliban, an umbrella group, led by Baitullah Mehsud, who is accused by the government of the Bhutto assassination and suicide bombings on both sides of the porous Pakistani-Afghan border. Mehsud eventually killed. "Kashmir Rumbles, Rattling Old Rivals," New York Times, August 22, 2008. Dispute over 99-acre piece of land stokes conflict between Muslim separatists and Hindu nationalists. Land had been used for decades by Hindu pilgrims on way to Himalayan shrine called Amarnath. In "prefabricated structures" for pilgrims were authorized, setting off Muslim protests. Protests enraged Hindus in India, and both pilgrims and tourists have disappeared, hurting the entire economy. "Pakistani Militants Said To Admit India Siege Role," New York Times, January 1, 2009. Pakistani authorities have obtained confessions from Lashkar-e-Taiba, uncomfortable evidence because Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence helped create, finance, and train anti-Indian group in the 1980s. "Hints of Cooperation Put Leaders of Pakistan and India on the Defensive at Home," New York Times, August 5, 2009. Zardari and Singh meet in Russia and in Egypt, but local opponents attack any lessening of tension. "2 Killings Stoke Kashmiri Rage At Indian Force," New York Times, August 16, 2009. Rape and murder of two Kashmiri women fosters rage at 500,000 Indian security forces. Mehbooba Mufti, leader of major opposition party, "Maybe at some point in time when the militants were in the thousands it made sense to have so many soldiers here, but at thei point they are not helping in any way. Their mire presence has become a source of friction." Indian government disagrees, saying insurgency is down precisely because of forces. "India and Pakistan Fail To Restart Negotiations," New York Times, September 28, 2009. Foreign ministers meet at United Nations, but India says insufficient progress on hunting those responsible for Mumbai attacks. Both governments under popular pressure. "A Youth's Death in Kashmir Renews a Familiar Pattern of Crisis," New York Times, July 12, 2010. Murder of student Tufail Ahmad Mattoo sets off crisis that brings in Indian Army to restore order. Despite relative success of 2008 election, some sections of society remain adamantly separatist. "Water Dispute Raises Tension Between India and Pakistan," New York Times, July 21, 2010. India building dams on upper Indus, legal under 50-year-old treaty which assigns 80% of Indus system water to Pakistan, but great concern to Pakistani farmers. India could deny at crucial junctures making agriculture impossible. Pakistan soon to become "water scarse" country under U.N. definition. Jamaat-u-Dawa, the charity wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has focused its propaganda on water question after riding Kashmir for so long. "Indian Forces Face Broader Revolt in Kashmir," New York Times, August 13, 2010. After three summers of protest (and lost time), Kashmir situation has degenerated as India faces broad-based movement, not the insurgency earlier dealt with. Secret negotiations of 2007 came close, but Musharraf fall and 2008 Mumbai event. Emotional speech by PM Singh. e. Bangladesh “Bangladesh Blast Kills 1 and Hurts 30,” New York Times, December 2, 2005. Suicide attacks on judiciary by those seeking to replace secular law, e.g., Jamaat ul-Mujjahedeen Bangladesh (Bangladesh Assembly of Holy Warriors). “Justice demanded for 2001 church bombing after reported confession,” Asia Focus, June 16, 2006. A June 3, 2001 blast during Pentecost Sunday Mass killed 10 and injured 26 others. According to the country’s two national dallies, the leader of a banned Islamic militant groups had admitted the bombing in Baniarchor. “Nobel Comes Just in Time for Troubled Bangladesh,” New York Times, October 20, 2006. Contrast between Nobel Prize for Mohammed Yunus and current political chaos, with followers of the country’s two most powerful women, Khaleda Zia and Sheik Hasina Wazed, struggling for power in early 2007 elections. Corruption, Islamist groups, military role, etc. "In Bangladesh, State of Emergency and Election Delay," New York Times, January 12, 2007. President Iajuddin Ahmed declares state of emergency, stating it would be impossible to hold scheduled elections on January 22. He then resigned as the head of the caretaker government entrusted to run the vote. An alliance of political parties had threatened to boycott the election. "A Nobel Prizewinner's Hat Alters the Political Ring in Bangladesh," New York Times, February 19, 2007. Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, will challenge the two major national politicians, Sheik Hasina Wajed of the Awami League and Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. "Bangladesh Miliatary Government Holds 40 in Graft Sweep," New York Times, March 14, 2007. Caretaker government of Fakhruddin Ahmed, supported by military, arrests principals from two leading political parties, including Tarique Rahman, the son of the last prime minister, Khaleda Zia. Comments by foreign affairs adviser (effectively foreign minister) Ahmed Chowdhury. "Nearly 12,000 Are Arrested In Roundup In Bangladesh," New York Times, June 5, 2008. Army-backed government keeps control of society by prosecuting corruption among both major parties. Elections held at the beginning of 2009. "Bangladeshi Premier Faces a Grim Crucible With Notes of Defiance," New York Times, March 14, 2009. Premier Sheikh Hasina faces fallout from savage mutiny by border guards and army's criticism of initial weakness of government response. 74 people were killed, mostly army officers. "As Labor Costs Rise in China, Textile Jobs Shift Elsewhere," New York Times, July 17, 2010. Texile manufacturing buildup in Bangladesh, doubled from 2004 to 2009, making it the third largest global exporter of clothing, after China and Turkey. Advantage in low wages, although they are rising amidst some protest. Disadvantage 55% literacy rate (compare 92% China) and lack of dependable energy. "After 40 Years, Bangladesh Confronts the Atrociities of Its Fight for Independence," New York Times, March 6, 2011. Government, enjoying period of relative stability and prosperity, proposes trials for crimes committed during fight for Independence. Many of those who would be charged belong to the political opposition to current Premier Sheik Hasina Wazed of the Awami League. Acknowledgement: To a fine paper by Senior Alessio Cei in 2007 illustrating the ethnic and geographical impacts on the relations between the military and the religious militants. August 16, 2011. |
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