Pakistan News

Adil Najam

I am in Islamabad for a short trip right now and all that anyone can talk about is the new Prime Minister and his new cabinet. Indeed, the place is abuzz with talk of the “new” politics of Pakistan. But, in typical Islamabad style, mixed with the unending cynicism about just how “new” this newness might be. One hears (or sees on TV) very little of Gen. Musharraf right now but the place is also abuzz about the “new” Asif Ali Zardari and he “new” Nawaz Sharif.

This is Pakistan, so there is no dearth at all of varied opinions on all of the above. Does the new cabinet represent a spirit of experience and reconciliation? Or is it old wine in new bottles? Will the chumminess between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari last? Or is it simply a common enemy that brings them together? Will Gen. Musharraf leave himself? Or will he be made to leave? If so, by whom? What is the meaning of the unanimous vote of confidence for Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani? Just how revolutionary is his plan for his first 100 days? These are some of the many - too many - questions that abound. The conversations go on and on and on. Much of what one hears is rumor, gossip, and even slander. There is more sloganeering than analysis. Maybe even a denial of the gravity of the multiple crises the country faces. Sometimes I wonder if we are a bit too interested in politics!

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