We are not a failed state (II)

KARACHI: This is with reference to Madiha Kark’s “We are not a failed state’’ (July 2). It is important to note that the term, failed state, has no literal meaning. A liberal democracy or an ill-liberal democracy cannot be categorised as a failed state. Rather it can be said to go through ‘deep political crises’. For the west (namely stronger democracies), a failed state can be where democracy has failed or has not worked.

It does not matter how many surveys or articles are written, in political science, Pakistan can never be declared a failed state as long as it has a democratic setup, however faulty that may be. Nevertheless, Pakistan is a semi-failed state as it has legitimacy problems.

However, Ms Kark’s rant about America is a display of her own emotions. It carries no analysis, makes very little sense and I wonder how things like this are published — no pun intended. America is a very strong democracy, an example of one the best man made systems. If Ms Kark cares to go through the US constitution and the system checks and balances in the country she will see the flaws in her argument.

We have accepted American dictation, how is it that anyone who lives under this system and accepts it has the right to curse America?

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2010.