Sleepwalking to Surrender: Dealing With Terrorism In Pakistan by Khaled Ahmed (Author)

Sleepwalking to Surrender: Dealing With Terrorism In Pakistan by Khaled Ahmed (Author) provides an insightful and critical analysis of Pakistan's struggle with terrorism and its complex political, social, and historical roots. Khaled Ahmed explores the internal and external factors that have contributed to the rise of terrorism in the country, highlighting the challenges faced by the Pakistani government and society in combating this growing threat. The book delves into the geopolitical context, examining how Pakistan's involvement in regional conflicts, as well as its relationships with neighboring countries and global powers, has influenced its internal security dynamics. Through detailed research and thought-provoking commentary, Ahmed argues that Pakistan's current trajectory in dealing with terrorism is akin to "sleepwalking to surrender," where complacency, denial, and lack of coherent policy have allowed the situation to worsen. The book is a critical resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Pakistan's fight against terrorism, as it challenges conventional narratives and offers a deep dive into the issues at hand.

Keypoints:

1. Analysis of Terrorism in Pakistan: The book provides a thorough examination of how terrorism has evolved in Pakistan, both as a result of internal issues and external pressures.
2. Geopolitical Context: It discusses how Pakistan's foreign policies, particularly in relation to Afghanistan and India, have played a role in fueling internal extremism and terrorism.
3. Government Response: Examines the inefficacy of Pakistan's governmental approach to combating terrorism, focusing on inconsistencies in policy and implementation.
4. Historical Roots of Terrorism: Khaled Ahmed highlights the historical events and ideological shifts that have contributed to the rise of extremist groups in the region.
5. Impact of Regional Conflicts: The book sheds light on how Pakistan’s involvement in conflicts, such as the Afghan-Soviet War, has had lasting consequences on its internal security.
6. Complacency and Denial: It critiques the prevailing sense of complacency within Pakistani society and the political elite, suggesting that this has hindered meaningful action against terrorism.
7. Surrendering to Extremism: The central theme of "sleepwalking to surrender" reflects Ahmed's concern that Pakistan is passively allowing extremism to take root without a clear and decisive strategy to address it.
8. Civil-Military Relations: It touches upon the role of the military in Pakistan’s internal and external policies, especially concerning security and counterterrorism efforts.
9. Public Perception and Narratives: The book explores the role of public opinion and media narratives in shaping Pakistan’s response to terrorism.
10. Recommendations for Change: Ahmed offers practical suggestions for the Pakistani government and civil society to address terrorism, advocating for a stronger, unified policy and greater international cooperation.

Conclusion:

"Sleepwalking to Surrender: Dealing With Terrorism In Pakistan" is a powerful and provocative exploration of Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with terrorism. Khaled Ahmed presents a critical view of the factors that have enabled terrorism to thrive and offers an urgent call for change. By challenging the complacency and denial surrounding the issue, the book provides valuable insights into how Pakistan can address its security challenges and develop a coherent, effective strategy for combating terrorism. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the deep-rooted complexities of terrorism in Pakistan and the region.

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Writer                 ✤              Khaled Ahmed (Author)