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Pakistan: Between Mosque And Military | 
 enlarge | Author: Husain Haqqani
Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
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Rating:  24 reviews
Sales Rank: 105461
Media: Paperback
Pages: 395
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 8.7 x 5.8 x 1.2
ISBN: 0870032143
Dewey Decimal Number: 322.509549
EAN: 9780870032141
ASIN: 0870032143
Publication Date: July 2005
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Product Description
Among U.S. allies in the war against terrorism, Pakistan cannot be easily characterized as either friend or foe. Nuclear-armed Pakistan is an important center of radical Islamic ideas and groups. Since 9/11, the selective cooperation of president General Pervez Musharraf in sharing intelligence with the United States and apprehending al Qaeda members has led to the assumption that Pakistan might be ready to give up its longstanding ties with radical Islam. But Pakistan s status as an Islamic ideological state is closely linked with the Pakistani elite s worldview and the praetorian ambitions of its military. This book analyzes the origins of the relationships between Islamist groups and Pakistan s military, and explores the nation s quest for identity and security. Tracing how the military has sought U.S. support by making itself useful for concerns of the moment--while continuing to strengthen the mosque-military alliance within Pakistan--Haqqani offers an alternative view of political developments since the country s independence in 1947.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 AN OUTSTANDING AND PENETRATING HISTORY WRITTEN BY A WELL QUALIFIED INSIDER March 10, 2006
WAYNE YUNGHANS (USA)
26 out of 30 found this review helpful
When I began this book, my knowledge of Pakistan was the sum total of various sound bites, short conversations with Pakistani co-workers and articles I had read. This resulted in a vague and conflicted perception. Such is no longer the case. The time spent reading Haqqani's book has acquainted me well with the personalities, issues, history and indeed the phenomenon which is Pakistan.
This outstanding work provides the kind historical analysis only available from someone who was there to live the history of which he speaks. As an advisor to three of Pakistan's prime ministers, an acquaintance or personal friend of several influential generals, and as Pakistan's ambassador to Sri Lanka, the author writes with authority from first hand knowledge. He provides a close-in view of the personalities, relationships and complicated intrigue behind many of the events which comprise the story which is the history of Pakistan.
Concerning political intrigue: I think it's fair to say that since its inception, Pakistan has taken that phenomenon to a new level. The interplay and opposition between the military (whose aim is always to control the government), the civilian government (who at times dares pursue ends unsanctioned by the former entity) and the islamist extremists (whom the former seeks to manipulate to help them control the latter) results in a pervasive and ongoing tension. The media is correct to speak of Pakistani politics as "shadow games". Indeed, much goes on in the shadows, behind the scenes where none are supposed to see. The military - and intelligence service (the ISI) exercise an amazing ability to manipulate events, perceptions and ultimately the sentiments of the masses in order to further their own agenda. While reading the book, I expected the level of shenanigans to eventually subside into a fairly smooth running government... Although on the surface, Pakistan has had such periods, the background intrigue never ceases.
The author is amazing in the level of detail he is able to provide. His long personal involvement with the players and institutions of which he speaks, as well as his learning, enable him to present a cogent and engaging account of a complicated subject which - in other hands - could easily be cumbersome and a burden to read. Instead, I found my interest never at a wane. The book reads like a good novel - except it's true. Once again my personal perspective is vindicated: why read fiction when so much of human history is "stranger yet"..!! For those who wish to understand the phenomenon which is Pakistan, I heartily recommend this book.
I liked it February 28, 2006
V. B. Rao (USA)
17 out of 24 found this review helpful
I think Indian intellectuals should read this book... There are some perspectives explained in length that are essential to understanding the Pakistani position...especially the times and events of the Paritition... of how Pakistan came into being - a very insecure and resource-starved young nation. Indians so often fail to appreciate this fact.
An able discussion of the topic by an Author who is obviously well versed in his subject.
A Well-researched Book June 5, 2006
Aamir R. Hashmi (Toronto, Canada)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
This is a well researched book and offers a new perspective on Pakistan's history and politics. Haqqani's main thesis is that the Islamists and the military in Pakistan have always found it beneficial to cooperate with each other. The main reason for this relationships dates back to the creation of Pakistan when the circumstances forced the early leaders of Pakistan to adopt a tripod strategy. The pillars of that strategy were Islam, hatred against India and reliance on American aid. Haqqani argues that this strategy has not changed over time. In conclusion, he asks the American policy makers to stop assisting the military in Pakistan and help Pakistan move from an ideological state run by the mullah-military alliance to a functional one run by the people of Pakistan.
The major weakness of the book lies in its conclusion. It appeals to the American policy makers to do some thing to solve Pakistan's problems. It is the same mistake that Pakistan's military dictators have always made and that the two exiled Pakistani leaders (Mr Nawaz Sharif and Ms Benazir Bhutto) are making now. Rather than appealing to the people of Pakistan to rise up to the occasion and to understand that if Pakistan becomes a democratic, liberal and progressive state they are the ones to directly benefit, Haqqani seeks the solution in the Capitol Hill and the White House.
The problem is that a majority of Pakistanis is still not fully convinced that a truly democratic Pakistan will serve their interests better than the one run by mullah-military alliance. However, it is for this very reason that scholars like Haqqani should come forward and tell the people of Pakistan what is good and what is harmful for them. The scholars should educate ordinary Pakistanis and show them what the propaganda machinery in Pakistan is not letting them see. In the same vein, it will be a good idea to publish an Urdu translation of this book and make it available at a low price in Pakistan so that more Pakistanis can read and benefit from Haqqani's research.
 Hypocrisy February 20, 2006
Imran I. Ali (TOLEDO, OH United States)
14 out of 31 found this review helpful
Mr. Haqqani has dubious credentials as he has served in a number of very corrupt governments in Pakistan's problematic history. Although I agree with some of his views overall he has vested interests that do not allow him to be a honest contributor to Pakisan tumultous history.
Poorest Nuclear-armed Country in the world July 19, 2005
Analytica
11 out of 15 found this review helpful
Most international writers pay attention to Pakistan because it has nuclear weapons and because it has fought so many wars with India. Mr. Haqqani's 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' connects the dots between Pakistan's military power, its hostility towards India, it's lack of democracy and its enormous (and rising) poverty. The author documents all his assertions. He also points out how US relations with Pakistan's military have been detrimental to both Pakistan and the United States.
This book is better written and more revealing than Hassan Abbas' 'Pakistan's Drift Into Extremism'. Its arguments are more impressive than Stephen Cohen's 'The Idea of Pakistan'. Great for students of South Asian history and politics as well as those trying to understand American policy.
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