It presents a delightfully different picture of Pakistan from those typically found in US publications. I am also a great fan of Dalrymple's excellent books. There is a bit too much optimism in the article though, and bits of facts missing. The ANP has not been in in opposition for nearly 50 years, it has been part of various governments since then. Its success is in part due to the usual way people have in the subcontinent and especially in Pakistan of throwing out those in power for not delivering. That said, it is a party with many virtues although the current leadership is a far cry from the original Red Shirts. Also, in all fairness, it was not the middle class in Pakistan which brought secular-leaning parties to power, but ... More »

I appreciate Dalrymple's willingness to air a contrarian, positive view of Pakistan's future. He relates his experiences there in intricate detail, giving me a picture of the place that is far more complex and nuanced than I'm used to seeing in the media. I'm not educated enough about Pakistan to know whether his analysis is correct, but it's enough for me to hear his comprehensive on-the-ground observations and the feeling of optimism it gives him.