This refers to Shahid Javed Burki’s article “The last stand” (July 2). It is indeed a good sign that the military in the Islamic world is pulling back from politics and that these countries are advancing towards democracy. This is spells good news for the global community as well. However, we need to be patient with this process; these countries are bound to face teething troubles since they are unaccustomed to a democratic set-up. Take, for example, our neighbour Pakistan that supposedly has a democracy. We are all aware of the hold its army still has on all major political decisions and policies. The day the army’s role is confined to protecting Pakistan’s borders will be the day when the country would have truly ushered in democracy. One can judge the democratisation process in the rest of the Islamic world on the same parameter.
Bal Govind Noida
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
