“A WorldPublicOpinion.org poll of 907 urban Pakistanis reveals that this image does not fit Pakistan. As if to create a paradox for the American mind, a large majority of Pakistanis wants to see a greater role for Islam and Shari’a (Islamic law) in Pakistani society – but at the same time want more democracy, favoring liberalizing reforms and opposing al-Qaeda.”

This is quite interesting…I know 907 Pakistani Muslims don’t represent 165 million Pakistanis, but this idea- desiring “democracy” but wanting religion to play a large role in the public sphere at the same time- is one I’ve heard voiced by many middle class Pakistanis.

It’s quite difficult for me to make logical sense out of pairing up religion with democracy, and it’s hard for me to understand the need some feel to always have religion present in the state, judiciary, or whatever. I’ve asked folks who believe in the idea of, say, an “Islamic democracy” and what that exactly means and how that would play out. Their answers that contradict one another and to say the least, illogical. But I’ve been told that I should ask not them, bu people “who know this stuff a lot more” and take their word for it…

I don’t know if you’ve ever touched on this, Sepoy, but I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.

Will listen to the AS thingie and report back … and give everyone the seekrit CM gang sign!

In other news, assorted members of the NYC Chapati Auxiliary are attending Imran Khan’s various speaking engagements round town today. The Asia Society was packed. While he was saying all the right things on the emergency, rule of law, media, the failings of military dictatorship etc., I’m very curious about the relability of certain appeals-to-history made in the course of his comments. If you get a chance to listen to the audio, I’d be interested to hear your take.

Yes!