Cross posted at RedState.
The recent media coverage
in Pakistan regarding the film of a young woman being beaten by
religious fanatics of Swat district has shocked and angered many around
the world and within Pakistan. As a nation, Pakistan is a study in
modernity and backwardness existing side by side, and coming into contact and conflict.
The plight of the woman is one where the Taliban have come to
dominate her area, and she was beaten for being in unescorted by a male
family member while in the presence of an unrelated male. Of course,
this was after she refused the marriage offer of a Taliban fighter. Her
refusal and the beating are likely related.
What is also remarkable is the level of public outrage and
governmental action this has triggered. President Zardari and his Prime
Minister have ordered an investigation, and Chief Justice Chaudhry held
a series of legal hearing where he took government officials to task
for failure to act decisively prior to the film of the beating becoming
a national phenomena. While the breakdown of government rule, and
episodes of brutality from the Taliban there, are unfortunate, they are
galvanizing government and civil society resolve to address this
situation. In doing this, the government and society are being
compelled to look closely at the impunity by which extremists operate
with in this area, and what the implications are for Pakistani society.
President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani, and Chief Justice Chaudhry
are all focusing their attention on this compelling case, and the
larger issues that are behind it: addressing extremism, breakdown and
reestablishment of government authority, the dangers of the Taliban,
etc. On the other side, small fundamentalist political parties are
being forced to reveal their defense of this beating which many condemn
as brutal and excessive. Conspicuously silent is the leader of the
PML-N, Nawaz Sharif.
Problems can be turned into opportunities, and Pakistan is no
exception. There are problems, but via President Zardari, his Prime
Minister, and the Chief Justice, they are now getting the attention
they deserve.