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Post by Islamic Revival on Oct 6, 2004 0:17:42 GMT -5
As-salam alaikum,
I would recommend two of the books I read related to Pakistan to help understand the processes that go on there and the influences and pressures in society.
1. Pakistan - Eye of the Storm
by Owen Bennet Jones
I read this recently and found it to be very comprehensive. It's very readable since he doesn't just start the book from Pakistan's independence and work up to the present day, but he has written independent chapters dealing with all issues facing Pakistan. I found the last 2 chapters to be particularly interesting on Democracy and The Army.
2. My Feudal Lord
by Tehmina Durrani
This is the autobiography of a woman who marries one of the most powerful politicians in Pakistan (at the time) and it gives an insight into the world of Feudals, shows their mentality and gives an idea into the immense hold they have on people. Very easy to read.
wa salam.
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Post by maruf on Oct 6, 2004 0:38:53 GMT -5
In an ideal world you could send them to me by fax or something, so I could check them out now.
I will have to get these books if you recommend them so strongly.
I have some books on Pakistan as well. One book in fact mentions that the British use to actually call Indians "black persons." Harsh!
I would need to get you the name of it later, if you do not have it.
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Post by Bint Mohammed on Oct 12, 2004 16:34:31 GMT -5
I just read 'My feudal lord' ..it was interesting. Why did she have to go thru all that? I personally dont believe her story, seems like propoganda.
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Post by Islamic Revival on Oct 13, 2004 0:54:38 GMT -5
I just read 'My feudal lord' ..it was interesting. Why did she have to go thru all that? I personally dont believe her story, seems like propoganda. As-salam alaikum, I thought the story was very believable. Of course, since it was an autobiography, Tehmina Durrani did her best to bring out the best in herself and evoke sympathy for herself, even when she was clearly in the wrong. I can imagine there was some degree of exaggeration (she is quite dramatic throughout), but people like Mustafa Khar do exist. You asked why she would go through all that. One reason could be because of the reason why she married him, after cheating on her first husband. Secondly, the life of a divorcee in Pakistan is a very socially difficult one, and thirdly because of family pressure (or lack of family support). There could be other reasons like his money, his status. Why did you think it was propaganda? for what purpose? Incidentally, you'll find information on Mustafa Khar if you search the internet. His son Bilal Khar was well-known (he was an MNA in Pakistan) for throwing acid in the face of a girl, disfiguring her forever. I also found it interesting because it shows the huge social and financial gap between the rich and the poor in Pakistan. Tehmina Durrani's family was very rich and extremely westernised. She talks openly of alcohol being available in the house and at parties. And these are the types of people that lead Pakistan (I would imagine the ruling elite in other Muslim countries are the same). The book also shows how manipulative Pakistani politicians are, and how they put their own interests above others, and definitely above the nations. Yes, I know we know all that already, but it's always useful to read it in black and white. Mustafa Khar plotted with India to attack Pakistan just so that they could reduce the size of the Army in Pakistan - which is always a force in politics (and has been traditionally against the PPP). Unfortunately, so many years after the book came out, Mustafa Khar (and I think even his son Bilal) are still active in Pakistani politics,they are still Members of the National Assembly (MNA) and still command a lot of power in their own circles. |
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Post by maruf on Oct 13, 2004 10:43:31 GMT -5
Seems like a vey interesting book, maybe I will order it if you guys do not give away the ending!
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Post by maruf on Nov 1, 2004 12:31:34 GMT -5
Islamic revival wrote:
I would recommend two of the books I read related to Pakistan to help understand the processes that go on there and the influences and pressures in society.
1. Pakistan - Eye of the Storm
by Owen Bennet Jones
I read this recently and found it to be very comprehensive. It's very readable since he doesn't just start the book from Pakistan's independence and work up to the present day, but he has written independent chapters dealing with all issues facing Pakistan. I found the last 2 chapters to be particularly interesting on Democracy and The Army.
My comments:
I recently ordered the book and will insha Allah make comments/questions when I get a chance.
jazaka Allahukhayr!
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Post by Islamic Revival on Nov 1, 2004 13:16:36 GMT -5
I hope you find it's worth it - inshAllah!
There was another interesting book written on Pakistan, not so much from a historical perspective, but an analysis of the different factions in society from a western journalist's perspective. I forget the name, but will inshAllah hunt around and post here if I find it. I read it a few years ago and found it to be an interesting read.
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Post by Islamic Revival on Dec 22, 2004 9:28:41 GMT -5
Islamic revival wrote: 1. Pakistan - Eye of the Storm by Owen Bennet Jones My comments: I recently ordered the book and will insha Allah make comments/questions when I get a chance. jazaka Allahukhayr! Salam, Did you start reading this book? Did you find it any good? Another book I remember reading years ago on Pakistan from an outsider's perspective was 'Breaking the Curfew' by Emma Duncan. I had forgotten all about it until I saw it sitting on one of the shelves of a bookshop. |
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Post by maruf on Feb 6, 2005 7:58:00 GMT -5
I might have to pick up 'Breaking the Curfew' if it is any good.
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Post by maruf on Jun 21, 2005 1:25:31 GMT -5
Islamic revival wrote:
1. Pakistan - Eye of the Storm
by Owen Bennet Jones
My comments:
I recently ordered the book and will insha Allah make comments/questions when I get a chance.
jazaka Allahukhayr!
Islamic revival wrote:
Salam,
Did you start reading this book? Did you find it any good?
My response:
I finally got around to trying to read this while reading a host of other things. Here are two interesting quotes from the book:
"One of Pakistan's greatest political thinkers, Dr. Eqbal Ahmed, used to liken the relationship between the United States and Pakistan to that of an errant husband and this mistress. When in mood, the United States would overwhelm Pakistan with loving attention and generous gifs. But the tempestuous relationship was never steady. And when Washington's ardour cooled it would abandon its South Asian partner without a thought.
and another quote
"Most Pakistanis do not want to live in a theocracy: they want their country to be moderate, modern, tolerant and stable."What do you think of that last quote?
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