For want of time, and the desire to explore new mediums, I am experimenting with a new form of information broadcast – the podcast. It is not easy uploading directly to the Huffington Post, so I have placed a broadast on another site, and am linking in.
The 18th amendment is, amusingly, a contradiction. It is a step forward because it’s a step backwards. It represents a purge of all the fiercely self-interested clauses and mitigations inserted within Pakistan’s original 1973 constitution (largely agreed to be the complete, pre-meddled version) by a succession of military dictators in a bid to justify their actions post priori.
The 18th amendment is a watershed moment also because politicians within a democratically elected framework put aside petty bickering for the moment to pass this comprehensive set of changes that hark back to the spirit of 1973; before the rightwing Islamist dictator Zia ul Haq with his penchant for public floggings and hanging democratically elected leaders, and much prior to the self-serving Musharraf with his anti-Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto agenda. This, of course, is not to say that Pakistan’s politicians have become true conduits for the masses. I rather suspect that the collaboration on the 18th amendment comes from a desire to keep military dictators out of power for the good of the politicians more than the people.
In delicious contrast, the 18th amendment to the constitution on the US was a blatant attack on personal liberties through the commencement of Prohibition of all liquour sales to individuals. The similarly named 18th amendment in Pakistan promises to a more progressive and wholesome agenda for all concerned- save potential military dictators.
The link to the blog with the podcast is here: http://hishamwyne.posterous.com/a-tale-of-2-amendments-what-the-18th-amendmen
Your comments are more than welcome. Do let me know if podcasts are a superior or worse medium for the exchange of ideas, and I would love for you to point out areas for improvement and work as well. Yours, in the spirit of experimentation.
