I thought this article might be of inter…
I thought this article might be of interest, given the recent developments in Baluchistan. It reveals several things that would be of relevance to those intrigued or reading on Pakistani history, most notably the 1971 Baluch uprising, the relationship between nationalist politics in Pakistan and socialism and the min-adventures of a group of middle-class, (largely) Punabi socialists, from the London Group, that participated in that war.
Of particular interest is the mention of Ahmed Rashid’s participation, amongst several other current intellectual luminaries and their activities during the guerilla war.
Unfortunately, Ahmed was not a good rifleman. He could not shoot very well. In the Baloch culture, they expect you to do all these things but when you are unable then you stand out as somebody who is alien to the culture and life style.
Given the combat performance described, I think we can all be grateful that Rashid put down his AK-47 and picked up a pen!!!
cbarwa, 
thabet, and 
johnpi are discussing.
johnpi 4:38 pm on December 14, 2009 Permalink
That’s fascinating stuff. Rashid’s qualities laid elsewhere, that’s for sure, though he certainly has not lacked for courage given the places he’s been and the people he interviews…
cbarwa 1:06 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink
Yes, whatever one thinks of his arguments, no one can question his courage or his willingness to take difficult positions and go out on a limb for them!
thabet 1:50 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink
Unsurprisingly, Tariq Ali doesn’t like Rashid.
cbarwa 3:07 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink
I think that is a later parting of ways, Tariq Ali praises Rashid in his book “The Duel” and that was the first reference which I came across about Rashid’s part in the Baluch 1971 uprising. Ali describes the episode as one where Rashid and others upheld the ‘honour of the Pakistani Left’!!!!
I guess the comrades disagree now though
I have to say though, that I don’t agree with a lot of Rashid’s later and current writing on Afghanistan, though his sources and command of facts are very impressive.