The appointment of former minister Sherry Rehman as the country’s ambassador to the US is a welcome step even though the resignation of the well-connected Husain Haqqani who, by all accounts, was very good at representing Pakistan in the US, is lamented by many on this point alone, (leaving aside the controversy that led to his resignation). Ms Rehman, who resigned her post as federal information minister in 2009, due to differences of opinion with the president on imposing restrictions on the media, a principled stand, and who was one of the more vocal politicians who bravely condemned the assassination of the late Punjab Governor, Salmaan Taseer, is a much-admired figure both at home and abroad. She is articulate and is expected to be well-received in the US capital.
The expectation is that Ms Rehman will stick to her beliefs and not be dictated to or cowed as she negotiates with the powers that be in Washington. Her personal credibility may go a long way towards assuaging those who may criticise the appointment of a politician to what is arguably’s the country’s most important diplomatic assignment. Moreover, that she is a civilian may have laid rest to fears that the military wanted to dictate who would replace Husain Haqqani. Her appointment may well lend Pakistan’s future agreements with the US much-needed weight, especially given the fact that Haqqani was often criticised by some as being pro-America — memogate being seen by the pro-establishment brigade in this light.
Lost in all this, however, is the fact that we are not yet certain that Haqqani himself or the government was behind the memos in the first place. Even if, for the sake of argument, we accept that he was behind the memo, a bit of nuance is in order. It is perfectly acceptable for those of a liberal bent to be disgusted by the former ambassador’s willingness to seek the help of a foreign power for a purely internal matter, without being tarred as stooges of the establishment. On the flip side, talk of coups and trials was unwarranted, and something spurred not by Haqqani’s actions but by the already-held beliefs of those pushing the argument. This is where the media as a whole could have played a constructive role, ramping down the sensationalism for a change and concentrating instead on reliable reporting.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2011.
COMMENTS (4)
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Ths is a real master stroke by the civilian government to all the opponents of a democratic govt & sherry rehman is the right person at the prevailing circumstances in Pakistan
The fact remains that even IF ambassador Haqqani was involved in the memo he is merely a skilled artisan. Aneurin Bevan is quoted as having said "If we complain about the tune there is no reason to attack the monkey when the organ grinder is present". In this case an ill judged attack on the organ grinder and even the monkey will damage the state.
Sherry Rehman has a reputation for integrity but she lacks Haqqani's gifts and skills. She might also have a more difficult relationship with Hina Rabbani and the foreign secretary as her superiors, let us pray that the team will work well for Pakistan
Could not agree more; a truly worthy replacement.
Even after this debacle, I'm sure Ambassador Haqqani can look after his interests, thank you very much. He is a quintessential self centered self promotor likes of whom are very rare. Imagine sombody starting his career as a religious student union leader, joins the Pro-military right wing establishment, conspires against the PPP government of Baynazeer Bhutto and finally emerges as the most trusted lieutenant of Bhutto's Husband, Zardari! In biology it is called metamorphosis His change of idealogy and masters is remarkable. If it suits him, he could soon emerge as a darling of the military establishment. I don't think 'conscience' or loyalty is a word he would recognise,except when it is to his advantage.