Maleeha Lodhi
29.2K posts
@LodhiMaleeha
Served as Pakistan's Ambassador at the UN in New York and Amb to US and UK. Writer and former editor
Thousands gathered in Rawalakot before marching towards Muzaffarabad as protests over governance and electoral reforms continued ahead of regional elections. More than 45 people have been killed and hundreds injured since the unrest began in June.
Very well articulated as always @LodhiMaleeha The question is whether coercion has delivered what the state’s managers want. Has the opposition been eliminated by banning rallies, jailing activists, and blocking its path? Clearly not. dawn.com/news/2018681
This is a timely and thought-provoking piece by @LodhiMaleeha saiba. It succinctly captures Pakistan's enduring security dilemma and the high costs of a security-centric state on economic development, democratic governance, and social progress. An important contribution to a debate that deserves serious attention.
Op-Ed: "Over the decades evolving security dilemmas pushed Pakistan to become a security state, prioritising defence over economic development, social services, democracy and other policy concerns. Despite the trade-off, it still struggles to secure itself. From hot borders to insurgencies at home, the arc of Pakistan’s security threats continues to widen." dawn.com/news/2016898
Sorry to hear about the passing away of a distinguished academic, who I am to know over the years. RIP
I write in @FT that Iran’s leaders suspected that the MoU was a temporary retreat by the US, intended to relieve pressure on the global economy and prepare for another round of war. Iran’s current rulers believe that any display of restraint will only invite further American pressure. To deter the US, and to compel it to negotiate in earnest for an end to the war and a broader nuclear deal that would give Tehran the security and economic relief it craves, they believe Iran has to be aggressive and escalate the conflict beyond what the US is prepared to countenance. The one point of leverage Iran is not prepared to part with is its claim to the Strait of Hormuz and its ability to control access to it. Losing dominance in the strait would leave Iran without any leverage in future negotiations. Iran’s leaders have decided that retaining control of the strait is essential to securing future wins at the negotiating table and ensuring that the US implements the deal rather than walking away from it. ft.com/content/22fdb2…
I am deeply saddened to learn of John Esposito's passing. He was not only a towering figure in his field who has left an indelible mark on the study of Islam in the modern world. He was a great mentor. I learned much from him as I worked with him on my doctoral dissertation and then early in my career as an academic. He was compassionate and erudite and had the courage of his convictions. May he rest in peace. His legacy will live long in his many students and his remarkable scholarly production.
