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Sunday, May 11, 2025

Pakistan between Mosque and Military | Hussain Haqqani

Pakistan Between Mosque and Military by Husain Haqqani – The Definitive Exposé of Pakistan’s Identity Crisis

Introduction: The Unholy Alliance That Shaped a Nation

Husain Haqqani’s Pakistan Between Mosque and Military provides the most comprehensive examination of the perilous collaboration between Pakistan’s military apparatus and religious entities, transforming the nation into what he terms a "geostrategic player adorned with a theocratic exterior. " As a former ambassador and insider, Haqqani offers a starkly candid and thoroughly researched analysis of how this coalition has exacerbated extremism, undermined democratic principles, and alienated Pakistan on the global stage.

Why This Book is a Must-Read

Insider Perspective – Haqqani has held positions under various governments prior to his exile.
Explosive Revelations – Uncovers ISI’s secret jihad strategies and U. S. involvement.
Historical Depth – Chronicles the military-mullah collaboration from 1947 through the War on Terror.
Critical of All Sides – Takes a stand against the army, politicians, and religious leaders alike.

Key Themes & Explosive Findings

1. The Army’s Use of Islam as a Tool

Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization – Utilizing religion to validate authoritarian rule.
Proxy Warfare – Instruction of jihadists for conflicts in Afghanistan and Kashmir (Lashkar, Taliban).
Textbook Jihad – Redefining educational content to foster militaristic ideologies.

2. America’s Complicity

Cold War Blowback – American financial support of mujahideen through Pakistan.
Post-9/11 Double Game – Receiving billions in aid while providing refuge to the Taliban.
Drone War Fallout – How anti-American sentiment intensified radicalization.

3. The Democracy Dilemma

Assassinations & Coups – No leader, from Bhutto to Musharraf, dares to confront the army.
Judicial Surrender – The judiciary endorses military coups.
Media Manipulation – The deep state’s control over public narratives.

Why This Book is More Relevant Than Ever

Sheds light on Pakistan’s Taliban Issue – Tracing the origins of today’s TTP insurgency.
Contextualizes India-Pakistan Strains – Examines how the Kashmir jihad misfired.
Imparts Lessons for U. S. Foreign Policy – Explains the failures of alliances with military governments.

Who Should Read This?

Policymakers – Gaining insight into Pakistan’s security landscape.
Journalists – Essential background for coverage on extremism.
Academics – In-depth exploration of civil-military dynamics.
Concerned Citizens – A clarion call for necessary reform.

Criticisms (For Balance)

Too Harsh on Pakistan? – Critics claim Haqqani neglects civilian autonomy.
Dated in Parts – Originally published in 2005; requires updates on recent occurrences.
ISI Backlash – Haqqani faced treason charges following the book’s release.

Final Verdict: The Book That Explains Modern Pakistan

Haqqani’s analysis continues to be the definitive work on how the military-Islamist nexus thwarted Pakistan’s democratic aspirationsa poignant narrative of repercussions, betrayal, and missed chances.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

India vs Pakistan: Why Can't we just be Friends | Husain Haqqani

India vs Pakistan: Why Can’t We Just Be Friends? – An Honest Examination of a Toxic Rivalry

Introduction: A Diplomat’s Daring Inquiry

Husain Haqqani’s India vs Pakistan: Why Can’t We Just Be Friends? presents a provocative, meticulously researched assessment of one of the globe’s most perilous geopolitical conflicts. Drawing from his experience as Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, Haqqani offers insider insights, keen analysis, and unexpected candor in a discussion frequently obscured by nationalism and propaganda.

Why This Book Is Unique

Authored by a former insider – Haqqani understands the mentality of both nations’ establishments.
Dispels myths – Disproves conspiracy theories on either side.
Offers solutions – Provides not merely critique, but a strategy for peace.
Captivating & direct – Avoids diplomatic jargon, delivering straightforward arguments.

Key Themes & Controversial Realities

1. The Origins of the Rivalry

Partition’s violent aftermath – How distrust was ingrained from 1947.
Obsession with Kashmir – The necessity of the conflict for Pakistan’s military to maintain significance.
India’s strategic forbearance – Why New Delhi favors economic prosperity over perpetual hostility.

2. The Military versus Democratic Governance Challenge

Pakistan’s "deep state" – How the military-industrial complex hinders peace efforts.
India’s hardliners – The ways Hindu nationalism can exacerbate tensions.
The "terrorism dilemma" – How Pakistan’s proxies (LeT, JeM) undermine their own interests.

3. Is Change Possible?

Economic reconciliation – Could economic interactions (similar to China-Taiwan) lessen animosity?
Cultural connections – Bollywood, cricket, and visa-free travel as bridges?
Influence of the US-China dynamic – The role of major powers in escalating (or potentially resolving) the rivalry.

Explosive Insights

The Pakistani military favors a fragile democracy – Simpler to steer foreign relations.
Indian leadership often overlooks Pakistan – Preoccupied with China, they regard Pakistan as a sideline issue.
The US discreetly favors a deadlock – A fragmented South Asia is simpler to control.

Who Should Engage with This Book?

Diplomats & policymakers – Haqqani’s perspectives are invaluable.
Journalists – Distills the complexities of India-Pakistan coverage.
Conflict resolution scholars – An illustrative case of unsuccessful peace endeavors.
General audience – For anyone who has pondered, "Why can’t they simply coexist? "

Critiques (For Equilibrium)

Too favorable to India? – Some in Pakistan criticize Haqqani for being "anti-army. "
Excessively optimistic? – His proposed peace framework may misjudge hardliners on both sides.
Insufficient focus on China – Beijing’s increasing influence significantly alters the landscape.

Final Assessment: A Must-Read for Both Sides

This work transcends mere historical narrative; it represents an audacious, solution-driven call to disrupt the cycle of animosity. Haqqani demonstrates that camaraderie is achievable, but only if the appropriate institutions are confronted.

Friday, May 09, 2025

The Harvard Oriental Series | 01-39 Volumes | PDF Free Download

The Harvard Oriental Series is a prestigious compilation of academic publications focused on the exploration of Asian languages, literatures, and cultures. Founded in 1891 by Charles Rockwell Lanman, who served as a professor of Sanskrit at Harvard University, the series seeks to offer critical editions, translations, and scholarly analyses of important texts from diverse Asian traditions, encompassing Indian, Tibetan, Southeast Asian, and East Asian cultures.
This series encompasses a broad spectrum of fields, including philology, history, religion, philosophy, and literature. It has featured significant works on classical texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhist scriptures, and other essential literary and religious documents. The Harvard Oriental Series is esteemed within the academic community for its rigorous scholarship and its substantial contributions to the comprehension of Asian civilizations.
Published by the Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies at Harvard University, the series remains an indispensable resource for scholars and students engaged in Asian studies across the globe.

Click to Download all Volumes in PDF File
1 The Jataka-Mala
2 Samkhya-Pravacana-Bhasya
3 Buddhism in Translations
4 Rajasekhara’s Karpuramanjari
5 The Brhad-devata attributed to Saunaka Part 1
6 The Brhad-devata attributed to Saunaka Part 2
7 Atharva Veda Samhita Part 1
8 Atharva Veda Samhita Part 2
9 Mrcchakatika by Shudraka
12 The Panchatantra of Purnabhadra Part 2
13 The Panchatantra of Purnabhadra Part 3
14 The Panchatantra of Purnabhadra Part 4
15 Kiratarjuniya of Bharavi
17 The Yoga-System of Patanjali
18 The Veda of the Black Yajus School Part 1
20 Rig-Veda Repetitions
21 Rama’s Later History or Uttara-Rama-Charita by Bhavabhuti
24 Rig-Veda Repetitions, Parts 2 and 3
25 Rigveda Brahmanas
26 Vikrama’s Adventures Part 1
27 Vikrama’s Adventures Part 2
29 Buddhist Legends Part 2
31 The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads Part 1
37 Buddha’s Teachings
38-39 The Bhagavad Gita

Thursday, May 08, 2025

The Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa | Translation by Pratap Chandra Roy | All Volumes in 12 PDF files | PDF Free Download

The Mahabharata, credited to the sage Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, also known as Veda Vyasa, stands as one of the two principal Sanskrit epics of ancient India, alongside the Ramayana. It ranks among the longest literary compositions globally, comprising over 100,000 shlokas (verses) organized into 18 parvas (books). More than merely an epic, the Mahabharata serves as a profound text that addresses themes of philosophy, ethics, politics, and spirituality, often referred to as an "encyclopedia of life."

Key Information Regarding the Mahabharata:

Author:

Traditionally, the Mahabharata is ascribed to Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, who is also depicted as a character within the narrative. He is believed to have authored the Mahabharata and categorized the Vedas, which has led to his designation as Veda Vyasa (the compiler of the Vedas).
According to tradition, Vyasa recited the epic to Lord Ganesha, who transcribed it.

Structure:

The Mahabharata is segmented into 18 parvas (books), each addressing distinct events and themes. Notable parvas include:

Adi Parva: The introductory section of the epic, presenting the principal characters and the historical context of the Kuru dynasty.
Bhishma Parva: Contains the Bhagavad Gita, a revered dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
Vana Parva: Chronicles the Pandavas' exile and their experiences in the forest.
Udyoga Parva: Details the preparations for the monumental war of Kurukshetra.
Karna Parva: Centers on the poignant figure of Karna.
Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva: Engage in philosophical discussions regarding duty, governance, and ethics.

Main Characters:

The Pandavas: The five siblings—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—who serve as the central figures in the epic narrative.
The Kauravas: The hundred offspring of Dhritarashtra, spearheaded by Duryodhana, who act as the primary adversaries.
Krishna: The eighth incarnation of Vishnu, who fulfills the role of charioteer and spiritual mentor to Arjuna.
Bhishma: The granduncle to both the Pandavas and Kauravas, renowned for his vow of celibacy and unwavering loyalty.
Karna: The tragic figure, born to Kunti prior to her marriage, who aligns himself with the Kauravas in battle.
Draupadi: The spouse of the Pandavas, celebrated for her fortitude and determination.

Central Theme:

The Mahabharata centers on the concept of dharma (duty and righteousness) and the monumental conflict of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
It delves into intricate moral quandaries, the repercussions of actions, and the essence of justice.
Philosophical Significance:
The Bhagavad Gita, a segment of the Mahabharata, stands as one of the most significant spiritual scriptures in Hinduism. It discusses the principles of dharma, karma, and moksha (liberation).
The epic further encompasses discussions on governance (Rajadharma), ethical conduct, and the responsibilities of individuals in various roles.

Cultural and Religious Impact:

The Mahabharata has exerted a substantial influence on Indian culture, literature, and artistic expression. It has been reinterpreted in numerous regional languages and adapted into theatrical performances, films, and television productions.
The characters and narratives of the Mahabharata continue to fuel moral and philosophical discourse.

Summary of the Story:

The Mahabharata recounts the saga of the Kuru dynasty, focusing on the rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas for the throne of Hastinapura. Despite their virtuous nature, the Pandavas are forced into a 13-year exile as a result of a treacherous game of dice. Upon their return, they are unjustly denied their rightful portion of the kingdom, which ignites the monumental war of Kurukshetra. Under the guidance of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas achieve victory; however, the conflict results in significant devastation and loss. The epic concludes with the Pandavas' ascension to heaven, prompting reflections on the essence of life, duty, and moral righteousness.

Key Teachings from the Mahabharata:

Dharma (Righteousness): The significance of fulfilling one's responsibilities, even amidst adversity.
Karma (Action): Every action carries repercussions, necessitating mindful and responsible behavior.
Detachment: The Bhagavad Gita highlights the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to the outcomes.
Unity and Division: The narrative examines the repercussions of greed, envy, and discord within families and communities.
Moral Complexity: The Mahabharata presents characters and scenarios that complicate simplistic views of morality.

Legacy:

The Mahabharata transcends mere storytelling, serving as a profound guide to life that imparts enduring insights on ethics, governance, and spirituality. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including the works of Bhasa, Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya, and contemporary interpretations such as C. Rajagopalachari's Mahabharata and B.R. Chopra's television series.

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