Matt Palmer
SOC 202
1/28/11
In a report made by the Human Rights Watch (HRW), Pakistan was slammed for its lack of recognization of human rights in 2010, particularly for the escalation of Taliban-related violence. 11 journalists were killed last year (Pakistan was listed by Reporters Without Borders as the deadliest for journalists in 2010), in addition to hundreds of others, mostly religious minorities. This tormenting of religious minorities is something that appears tacitly accepted by the government, which has done little to curb it; indeed, it seems that some of the violence is quietly supported by certain branches of Pakistani intelligence agencies. What little it does do seems extreme, with suspected Taliban being illegally captured, and in some cases, lined up and shot. The US has yet to take a hardline stance on it, sending mixed messages by withholding military aid to “specific units suspected of committing atrocities,” while promising $2 billion in overall military aid.
Pakistan has been in terrible shape for a while, coming to international attention with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007. The country is simply ridden with religious extremism, which, to my eye, is at the heart of most conflict in the world today. It’s a difficult issue with Pakistan, with the ruling body of the country in no hurry to stop the violence at large, only adding more violence with their illegal detainment of suspected Taliban extremists.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/25/us-pakistan-rights-report-idUSTRE70O17D20110125
1 comment:
I think its awful how some countries let their civilians be treated. Although I think its good, I also think its smart of the U.S. to remain cautious as they send militia to Pakistan. Considering the element of violence in the country, it is probably the best solution.
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