The 30th anniversary of Khomeini's return to Iran should be something we all take the time to reflect upon. From thinking about what the role of the US--and the West generally--has been in Persia, (supporting the Shah; hosting Khomeini...), to what the Iranian model and experience says about what the possibilities are in Pakistan, to what neo-purist interpretations of Islam have meant for the world at large today, the list is endless.
Here's a flashback from a BBC journalist:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolpda/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7861000/7861357.stm
[First published at http://blog.iFaqeer.com]
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Pakistan! Pakistan!
I could care less about Pakistan!
I hate to put it like this, Gustavo, but this isn't your personal blog. By all means, please either start and lead discussions about other topics (Iran, in this case, maybe? Neo-Purist Shia or Neo-Purist Sunni ascendance amongst American Muslims? in Nigeria? Malaysia?) or start your own blog where people can't pick topics you're allergic to.
I guess I forgot my adab.
I"m not allergic to Pakistan or Pakistanis, I have Pakistani friends, I just choose to avoid political discussions about Pakistan with them, unless we agree on a topic.
I never mention Pushtun nationalism to them.
ah, but you don't need to do either with me: apologize or avoid Pushtun nationalism. Just listen to what I am saying and let's have a conversation. There's much to discuss in that neck o' the woods--from Central Asia to Bangladesh. Asoka, much touted, as an "Indian Emperor" and his ilk ruled from your grandfather's neck o' the woods and had half their empires in what is now Central Asia. We share a lot. Including frustration with how that part of the world is run--at a social level, at national levels and between nations.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have much in common.
We share a common culture and history, we share much in terms of our experiences.
Both countries even during the pre-Islamic period were one and the same.
The Greco-Roman Buddhas of Gandhara from Pakistan and Afghanistan, are reminders of Indic civilization and Hellenistic influences.
Yes, Afghanistan is the frontier of South Asia, influenced by the Middle East and Central Asia, but still retaining a very South Asian character.