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| India-Pakistan |
| Badly kept secrets |
| 2016-04-08 |
| [DAWN] POLITICAL pundits everywhere are having a field day with the Panama Papers, which have brought to light the murky business dealings of a wide cross section of the world’s elites. The usual Pakistani suspects find their names on the list, and are now scrambling to prove their innocence; our sitting prime minister foremost among them. The stakes are high — the resignation of the prime minister of Iceland leaves no room for doubt. Yet in contrast with countries like Iceland, the land of the pure is tainted with so-called corruption scandals on an almost daily basis. The credibility of mainstream politicians is so poor that another exposé only confirms what we already know, rather than signifying a decisive shift in what passes for public opinion. Chances are, then, that Nawaz Sharif & co will weather this latest storm, even while the chattering classes will heap more scorn on politics and lament the ‘failure’ of democracy. Of course, the Panama Papers will be frontline news for some days yet, because it is the sort of issue upon which our sensation-seeking corporate media thrives. Meanwhile, other stories will continue to be reported in a much less critical manner, as if it is only politicians and democracy that deserve to be subject to editorial comment. |
| Posted by:Fred |
#1  Yet quite aside from the legitimacy that the establishment draws from external supporters, the absence of critical comment speaks to the lack of independence — and courage — of the Pakistani intelligentsia. I do not wish to dismiss the many brave men and women who do take up issues that are generally considered taboo."Considered Taboo" here as well? Retired DIA Director Mike Flynn might enthusiastically agree. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2016-04-08 02:54 |