Another bad year?

If 2011 was a "bad year" for Pakistan, 2012 could turn out to be no better. Consider.

The assassinations of the Punjab Governor, Salmaan Taseer, and the Christian leader Shahbaz Bhaati, in January 2011 were tragic precursors to the mass murders of Shia Hazaras in Balochistan province later in the year by sectarian extremists. Lack of decisive action to stamp out such dangerous elements from the body politic by provincial and federal "law enforcement" agencies will remain a hallmark of 2012 because of political and administrative reasons. The onset of Elections will lead to a mad scramble for votes and compel the mainstream political parties to make tactical alliances with such organizations at local levels, especially in Punjab province where such organizations have a significant footprint in many areas....Continue Reading.....