ID :
166092
Sun, 03/06/2011 - 10:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/166092
The shortlink copeid
ME movements, a revolt against dictators: Pakistani analyst
Islamabad, March 5, IRNA – A Pakistani analyst on Saturday said that prolonged dictatorial rules have prompted massive anti government movements in North Africa and Middle East.
Talking to IRNA, Zahid Hussain said people are tired of dictators and movements in Muslim countries have shown that people want their freedom back.
“It is a revolt against dictators”, he added.
The events that began with the self-immolation of a Tunisian man in mid-December have morphed into a transnational movement that has, to date, felled two pillars of the old Arab order — Hosni Mubarak and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
Other pro-democracy uprisings have also flourished in Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and Jordan, as more Arab countries are expected to witness similar popular revolts.
Zahid Hussain, expressing his views, said that people of these countries want freedom of expression. “Oppression and injustice are the main reasons for these movements”, he believed.
The intellectual said that though it is hoped there will be a peaceful transition towards a new democratic Arab socio-political order, recent events have shown that change can be bloody.
The analyst was of the view, although the revolution has crossed the first milestone, overcoming the legacy of the old and new colonialism, yet there are more milestones to be crossed to reach the goal of freedom, democracy and empowerment.
The analyst said those heading the regimes have led comfortable lives but the vast majority of Arab citizens have been denied their political or economic rights.
The intellectual said that pro-democracy movements could spread to the whole Middle East.
Zahid Hussain opined political reforms in the Middle East are a must and the autocrats should negotiate peaceful, democratic transitions of power, or else be prepared to be swept away by the winds of change.
The analyst ruled out possibility of revolution in Pakistan adding that situation of the country is not similar to Egypt and Tunisia.
He said in Pakistan there is freedom of expression and people are allowed to say whatever they want.
He was of the view that Pakistan is currently facing governance issues which could create some problems for the government. “But I don’t foresee any revolution in Pakistan”, he added.
Zahid Hussain is a senior journalist and political/defense analyst. He has also authored a book ‘The Scorpion's Tail’./end
Talking to IRNA, Zahid Hussain said people are tired of dictators and movements in Muslim countries have shown that people want their freedom back.
“It is a revolt against dictators”, he added.
The events that began with the self-immolation of a Tunisian man in mid-December have morphed into a transnational movement that has, to date, felled two pillars of the old Arab order — Hosni Mubarak and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
Other pro-democracy uprisings have also flourished in Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and Jordan, as more Arab countries are expected to witness similar popular revolts.
Zahid Hussain, expressing his views, said that people of these countries want freedom of expression. “Oppression and injustice are the main reasons for these movements”, he believed.
The intellectual said that though it is hoped there will be a peaceful transition towards a new democratic Arab socio-political order, recent events have shown that change can be bloody.
The analyst was of the view, although the revolution has crossed the first milestone, overcoming the legacy of the old and new colonialism, yet there are more milestones to be crossed to reach the goal of freedom, democracy and empowerment.
The analyst said those heading the regimes have led comfortable lives but the vast majority of Arab citizens have been denied their political or economic rights.
The intellectual said that pro-democracy movements could spread to the whole Middle East.
Zahid Hussain opined political reforms in the Middle East are a must and the autocrats should negotiate peaceful, democratic transitions of power, or else be prepared to be swept away by the winds of change.
The analyst ruled out possibility of revolution in Pakistan adding that situation of the country is not similar to Egypt and Tunisia.
He said in Pakistan there is freedom of expression and people are allowed to say whatever they want.
He was of the view that Pakistan is currently facing governance issues which could create some problems for the government. “But I don’t foresee any revolution in Pakistan”, he added.
Zahid Hussain is a senior journalist and political/defense analyst. He has also authored a book ‘The Scorpion's Tail’./end
