Xestan
SENIOR MEMBER
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,455
- Reaction score
- 1
- Country
- Location
Letters to the Editor: 'The TTP has a media policy, counter strategy'
Sender: Eschmall Sardar, Hayatabad, Peshawar (Pakistan)
Very few know that the TTP do have their media policy vis a vis strategy, and perhaps the government of Pakistan has not. Various incidents do indicate that the TTP are not goofs or mere religious zealots, who are emotionally charged and have only the gun to speak.
They seem to be clever, sharp and have knowledge of media management. Malalas incident has obviously turned tables on the TTP and it led to put them on defensive as the nationwide outrage was so severe and quick that the Taliban had to seriously think about their perception being damaged. The releasing of pictures showing Richard Holbrooke and other US officials meeting Malala and her father, etc is clearly an attempt to repulse that outrage. But irony is that most of the media and people attached to social networks are also prone to such propaganda, as we are accustomed to accepting conspiracy theories.
The other side is also linking the Malala incident with the planned operation in North Waziristan, making the incident as a reason. Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his camp are opposing it, which also serves as undermining the injuries to Malala itself. Keeping all this aside, Malala should not be considered as a 14-year-girl only, but as a symbol or icon that offers resistance to attempts against educating the society. Otherwise she is a girl from Swat, whose father owns and runs two private schools. Another impression is being spread that because Malala and her father are blue-eyed of the US, for reasons unknown, thats why the army and the government as well as media are giving her so much importance. But one of the friends of Gen Kayani told a gathering here in Peshawar that the army chief is kind hearted man, who knows how his army rendered sacrifices during operations in Swat and who actually spearheaded campaigns to create awareness in the Swat society through education and de-radicalization. He is keenly interested in not get all this rolled backed and efforts wasted. His special attention to Malala does come from the heart that beats for her in everyone in Pakistan and across the world. If he has paid special attention to her, it is not because he is seeking it as an opportune time to launch an operation in North Waziristan. This has already been cleared by the ISPR chief as well as the reports in newspapers that no operation is planned unless the political government takes a decision.
The need of the hour is to take the advice of Dr Maleeha Lodhi in true letter and spirit. The militants greatest weapon spreading fear and silencing critics has for now been blunted by resounding public rejection of both their narrative and tactics. This opportunity should not be lost.
Terminal X: Letters to the Editor: 'The TTP has a media policy, counter strategy'
Sender: Eschmall Sardar, Hayatabad, Peshawar (Pakistan)
Very few know that the TTP do have their media policy vis a vis strategy, and perhaps the government of Pakistan has not. Various incidents do indicate that the TTP are not goofs or mere religious zealots, who are emotionally charged and have only the gun to speak.
They seem to be clever, sharp and have knowledge of media management. Malalas incident has obviously turned tables on the TTP and it led to put them on defensive as the nationwide outrage was so severe and quick that the Taliban had to seriously think about their perception being damaged. The releasing of pictures showing Richard Holbrooke and other US officials meeting Malala and her father, etc is clearly an attempt to repulse that outrage. But irony is that most of the media and people attached to social networks are also prone to such propaganda, as we are accustomed to accepting conspiracy theories.
The other side is also linking the Malala incident with the planned operation in North Waziristan, making the incident as a reason. Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his camp are opposing it, which also serves as undermining the injuries to Malala itself. Keeping all this aside, Malala should not be considered as a 14-year-girl only, but as a symbol or icon that offers resistance to attempts against educating the society. Otherwise she is a girl from Swat, whose father owns and runs two private schools. Another impression is being spread that because Malala and her father are blue-eyed of the US, for reasons unknown, thats why the army and the government as well as media are giving her so much importance. But one of the friends of Gen Kayani told a gathering here in Peshawar that the army chief is kind hearted man, who knows how his army rendered sacrifices during operations in Swat and who actually spearheaded campaigns to create awareness in the Swat society through education and de-radicalization. He is keenly interested in not get all this rolled backed and efforts wasted. His special attention to Malala does come from the heart that beats for her in everyone in Pakistan and across the world. If he has paid special attention to her, it is not because he is seeking it as an opportune time to launch an operation in North Waziristan. This has already been cleared by the ISPR chief as well as the reports in newspapers that no operation is planned unless the political government takes a decision.
The need of the hour is to take the advice of Dr Maleeha Lodhi in true letter and spirit. The militants greatest weapon spreading fear and silencing critics has for now been blunted by resounding public rejection of both their narrative and tactics. This opportunity should not be lost.
Terminal X: Letters to the Editor: 'The TTP has a media policy, counter strategy'
