ThePrint Opinionpod: Pakistan suffers violence of its own making. West’s refusal to learn is even more tragic
Jul 1, 2025
The podcast delves into the recent suicide bombing in North Waziristan, exploring the dangerous patterns of violence shaping Pakistan's political landscape. It critiques the self-delusion inherent in the country's statecraft and the historical grievances fueling ongoing instability. External influences are also examined, showcasing how they compound Pakistan's internal crises. The discussion underscores the tragic failure to learn from past mistakes, making for a thought-provoking analysis of a nation's struggle with its own demons.
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Pakistan's Self-Made Violence
- The suicide bombing in North Waziristan is a result of Pakistan's decades-long flawed statecraft and strategic miscalculations.
- Militant groups once supported as proxies now violently turn against the Pakistani state itself.
Western Strategic Myopia
- Western powers enabled Pakistan's duplicity by prioritizing expedient alliances over confronting uncomfortable truths.
- This strategic myopia allowed Islamabad to mask its true role in fostering jihadist ideologies.
Ethnic and Political Struggles
- Pakistan's crisis is multifaceted, involving ethnic, economic, and political grievances, especially in Balochistan.
- Instead of reform, the state responds with repression, deepening internal strife.