Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one.

– A.J.Liebling

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in peoples’ minds.

—Samuel Adams.

Today I have realized that the White House administration is way more smarter than what we can possibly imagine.

The problem with Iran is that there is no problem. Its been blown out of proportion so that the world diverts its attention from the other problem: Iraq. And from the other problem: Afganistan. And from the other problem: Osama.

What a beautiful diversion.

The foot is the only part of human anatomy, which does not expand with age or exessive consumption. At least it does not expand as much as the rest of the body. Therefore the shoe size is a constant that women can rely on. That’s why they buy so many shoes compared to dresses.

Do we follow the messenger of God?
Or do we follow those who tell about the messenger of God.
Because those who tell us about him, are not him.

Do we follow the recitations?
or do we follow the translations?
Because the translations are not exact.

How can Pakistan be an Islamic country if 99.9% of the people cannot and do not understand the Book in its native form? We follow the message about The Message. Instead we should be following The Message directly.

What if the Russians had won the Afghan war. Here are the implications that could have been:

1. There would be no Taliban. Hence, no subsequent terrorism.
2. The U.S. would have automatically won later on, because the USSR would have imploded.
3. The Afghans would have automatically won later on. Because they’d be independent again.
4. There would be a lot of Afghan-Russian families in Afghanistan.
5. The gas pipeline deal between the US and Turkmenistan would have gone through without a hitch.
6. Pakistan would have made a lot of money in pipeline transit fees.
7. Afghan President would not have gone live on TV and blamed us for their woes.
8. Vodka would be dirt cheap in Pakistan.
9. I wouldn’t be writing this.

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. - C.S. Lewis.

In General Zia’s time, you could feel the oppression in the air. You could literally cut it with a knife. Zia’s Islam was supposed to be good for us. I still remember his bidding for Islam during the December 19 referendum. Most people were encouraged to cast multiple votes. As a 16 year old, I myself voted for him thrice.

Zia’s Islam has permanently damaged two generations - who are now in their 40s and 50s. Some of them are the Pakistani version of John Rambo. Looking for an enemy, which doesn’t exist. They don’t realize that they are the enemy. Some of them are, what I call the “lost sheep of the general’s jaws.” They have no idea that times have changed. Pakistan is not in the 80s anymore. And then there are some, who have evolved into an existence of nonstop partying. They are just making up for the youth they never got. You can see them on the streets of Lahore. 50 year old men, trying to party like 20 year olds.

In his time, a citizen’s life was either a blind faith in his ideology, or nothing. But now its different. Its more like a cross roads. You can turn right and join the Righteous. You can turn left and join the condemned, or you can keep going on the road to somewhere.

Personally I don’t have much against him. I have seen him once. There was something about his personality. His aura extended 15 feet around him. His gaze was neutral. He walked like a ruler, and I admired all of that.

I wish him well wherever he is. And if he is in heaven and Elizabeth Taylor is sitting in his lap, more power to him. I am sure he will convert her into his haram, and do to her what he did to his country.

And for the last time: (until I change my mind)

Pakistan ka matlab kia
General Zia General Zia

The Permanent Temptation of Life is to Confuse Dreams with Reality…. But the Permanent Defeat of Life comes when you give up Dreams for Reality….

- James A. Michener

I wonder how it will be sitting on a terrace hotel right in front of the Blue Mosque.