Sure it was a tragedy for the people, and it is insulting of Askari to sit in judgment and proclaim that “not everyone can see it”, implying I cannot see it, but Askari can. It is the people who (always) suffer, while the bosses - including, the revered Altaf Hussain living in London – enjoy the spoils of it all.  

The operation in Swat would also have been a tragedy for the people, in addition to whatever else it may have been. All conflicts result in tragedy for innocents, euphemistically called “collateral damage” these days. The problem is that far too many people see only tragedies for people they consider “their own”, and not the tragedies that occur for others. Even the invasion of Iraq, while primarily a tragedy for Iraqis, would have been a tragedy for the families of (the invading) American soldiers who got killed.  

Pervaiz, I believe the FOTH list should not be used for sectarian, partisan and acrimonious purposes. There are plenty of other forums where this can be done.

If you wish to start a web-based discussion, by all means do so. At least I am not forced to read what is written there.

Take care, both of you

Masud

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can  change the world. Indeed, its the only thing that ever has - Margaret Mead