Dragon Fire

Briefing

Pakistan was created on 14 August 1947 with the partition of India, and the Islamic republic was proclaimed on 23 March 1956. During the Cold War it was regarded as a staunch ally of the West, but since then wove a chaotic tapestry of Islam, Western-style democracy and military dictatorship. Forever feeling threatened by India and ruled by dishonest leaders from within, Pakistan had not yet developed into the Islamic success envisioned by its founders. It was getting poorer and more violent. At the turn of the century, it had recently proclaimed itself a nuclear power and a military government had been installed. Under constant international pressure, Pakistan embarked upon another experiment with democracy, but it failed to pull the country out of its morass. Once again, the army and Islam emerged as attractive alternatives.