Daily Times

Sir: In a recent Newsweek report, Pakistan was labelled as the most dangerous country in the world. This label unnecessarily sensationalises the current crisis in Pakistan. Yes, the country is faced with a serious security threat in the form of the Taliban and their Al Qaeda taskmasters in the tribal areas. Yes, there have been frequent suicide attacks all over the country. But Pakistan is doing its utmost to counter this threat: full-scale military operations have been on-going in the tribal areas and Swat and security has been increased throughout the country. There is only so much a state can do with the threat of suicide bombers, just ask Israel.

The situation in Pakistan is far from being the most dangerous in the world. What of Iraq where hundreds are killed on daily bombings and regional powers are either already destabilising the country (Iran) or are threatening to (Turkey). How, then, is Pakistan a more dangerous place than Iraq when there is a functional state and a professional military present to counter any such threats? Perhaps Newsweek should be a little more factual and a little less sensational in analysing world affairs.
MOHAMMED ZUBAIR
Islamabad