Relevant Publications and Documentaries

AoA Ashraf,

we were discussing your blog and the new discussion you want to introduce there, resisting the prevalent "nationalist, security mindset' that is not only making people insular and isolationist through fear mongering but also pitting muslim against muslim.

Here are a couple of articles by reputable scholars that I thought, if you haven't already read them, may provide fruit for thought.

Best - NS

Ayesha Siddiqa, 

http://www.twq.com/11winter/index.cfm?id=426

Sadia Toor (longish, but v. interesting specially re Pakistani's own racism towards pushtuns, and the same-as-US argument of pakistani liberals against 'taliban' that they are/will threaten our 'way of life' (our own hypocrisies revealed)

http://revolutionaryfrontlines.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/war-of-terror-in-pakistan-interview-with-sadia-toor/

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Wa-laikumussalaam, excellent sources, 

also the BBC documentary is very important, it offers evidence for the link between army and militants:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSinK-dVrig

These sources are important as the common idea that weaves throughout these publications is analysis of the situation, they have accurately concluded on what the problem is, and Siddiqua has even pointed out a solution: 'to introduce an alternative narrative'...

Now the question is the method of implementation. How will this alternative narrative be introduced at the massive scale as well as with the rapid speed that is required ? The answer is given in the teachings of the Prophet (SAW).

Will discuss this in detail, Insha-Allah...

[Ashraf]

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I think we also need to delink the state with Islam i.e. remove references to Islam in the constitution, laws, etc. as the rhetoric of Islam has been used to exploit and increase corruption e.g. we all know the zakaat hardly goes to the needy.  The harm this hypocrisy is no doubt doing to us is incalculable not just in God's eyes but to the mind/soul of all of us. What a relief it will be to banish all reference to state Islam, including state patronage of all Islamic groups, militant and sufi alike. Well, this needs more discussion...  even though I don't keep roza, I quite like the ihtaraam of Ramzan with the food shops shut...  not sure if its a law, or personal piety that keeps them shut. (if its meaningful and not offensive).

best - N