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Pakistan's Drift Into Extremism: Allah, then Army, and America's War Terror
This book examines the rise of religious extremism in Pakistan, particularly since 1947, and analyzes its connections to the Pakistani army's corporate interests and U.S.-Pakistan relations. It includes profiles of leading Pakistani militant groups with details of their origins, development, and capabilities. The author begins with an historical overview of the introduction of Islam to the Indian sub-continent in 712 AD, and brings the story up to the present by describing President Musharraf's handling of the war on terror. He provides a detailed account of the political developments in Pakistan since 1947 with a focus on the influence of religious and military forces. He also discusses regional politics, Pakistan's attempt to gain nuclear power status, and U.S.-Pakistan relations, and offers predictions for Pakistan's domestic and regional prospects.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2004
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192 people want to read
About the author
Hassan Abbas
20 books27 followersHassan Abbas is professor and chair of the department of regional and analytical atudies at National Defense University's College of International Security Affairs in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 11, 2016
The book is about the political history of Pakistan since its independence in 1947. Any analysis of the country's drift into extremism is only incidental. So the book title is misleading.
Ironically, the way the author chooses to narrate Pakistan's history explains why the country is in such a pitiful state right now and why it was dismembered in 1971.
The author starts off with a threat that Pakistan will self-destruct and in the process do some damage to its neighboring countries, unless USA and India accommodate Pakistan's views on various issues. These kinds of threats have become fashionable among "moderates" in Pakistan over the last 10 years, while the extremists are waging jihad.
The author is completely infatuated with Pakistani army officers. The book is littered with descriptions of the personal traits of hundreds of army officers with adjectives like tall, laid back, easy smiling, courageous, honest, stocky, comes from a good family, dashing, etc. The fact that 240 pages of a country's history refer to hundreds of army officers says something about its culture and priorities.
The basic principles of parliamentary democracy (e.g. leader of the majority party becoming the Prime Minister), don't seem to be completely sensible in the author's view. E.g. the author implies that there is nothing unreasonable about Bhutto wanting two Prime Minsters - one for the East Wing and one for the West Wing - after elections in 1970 in which Mujib won a clear majority in the National Assembly. The military and West Pakistani politicians taking such ridiculous positions is what caused the country's dismemberment.
Finally Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir is one of the main reasons for its sorry state. The author unwittingly conveys that in this book. There is no mention of India's point of view in the Kashmir dispute while he repeatedly refers to "India's oppression of Kashmiris".
Ironically, the way the author chooses to narrate Pakistan's history explains why the country is in such a pitiful state right now and why it was dismembered in 1971.
The author starts off with a threat that Pakistan will self-destruct and in the process do some damage to its neighboring countries, unless USA and India accommodate Pakistan's views on various issues. These kinds of threats have become fashionable among "moderates" in Pakistan over the last 10 years, while the extremists are waging jihad.
The author is completely infatuated with Pakistani army officers. The book is littered with descriptions of the personal traits of hundreds of army officers with adjectives like tall, laid back, easy smiling, courageous, honest, stocky, comes from a good family, dashing, etc. The fact that 240 pages of a country's history refer to hundreds of army officers says something about its culture and priorities.
The basic principles of parliamentary democracy (e.g. leader of the majority party becoming the Prime Minister), don't seem to be completely sensible in the author's view. E.g. the author implies that there is nothing unreasonable about Bhutto wanting two Prime Minsters - one for the East Wing and one for the West Wing - after elections in 1970 in which Mujib won a clear majority in the National Assembly. The military and West Pakistani politicians taking such ridiculous positions is what caused the country's dismemberment.
Finally Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir is one of the main reasons for its sorry state. The author unwittingly conveys that in this book. There is no mention of India's point of view in the Kashmir dispute while he repeatedly refers to "India's oppression of Kashmiris".
October 16, 2025
This book presents a comprehensive account of Pakistan’s political history, tracing its journey from independence to the Musharraf era. I found it to be a remarkably balanced and well-researched narration, free from the author’s personal bias or emotions.
I discovered many details and narrations in the book that I had never come across before. The book offers deep insight into how Pakistan gradually evolved into a deep state and how, throughout its history, the interests of ordinary citizens were often sidelined, both by civilian and military leadership alike.
Overall, it’s an eye-opening and informative read for anyone seeking to understand the complex political and institutional forces that have shaped Pakistan.
I discovered many details and narrations in the book that I had never come across before. The book offers deep insight into how Pakistan gradually evolved into a deep state and how, throughout its history, the interests of ordinary citizens were often sidelined, both by civilian and military leadership alike.
Overall, it’s an eye-opening and informative read for anyone seeking to understand the complex political and institutional forces that have shaped Pakistan.
February 24, 2020
Why is Pakistan the way it is today?
That is the question that this book answers.
It is an excellent overview of Pakistani politics from its independence to the immediate post-9/11 world. The author provides historical context for most major events, as well as the key players involved.
By learning where the current factions came from, you start to understand why they do what they do. Why they support who/what they support. And why the country seems to be be trapped in a cycle of hope and tragedy.
His analysis is well-informed and balanced, and his biting criticism of so many military and political figures is tempered with ample sarcasm and wit. An all-around great read.
That is the question that this book answers.
It is an excellent overview of Pakistani politics from its independence to the immediate post-9/11 world. The author provides historical context for most major events, as well as the key players involved.
By learning where the current factions came from, you start to understand why they do what they do. Why they support who/what they support. And why the country seems to be be trapped in a cycle of hope and tragedy.
His analysis is well-informed and balanced, and his biting criticism of so many military and political figures is tempered with ample sarcasm and wit. An all-around great read.
May 12, 2021
From pre independence to Musharraf Era this book by Hassan Abbas discusses history of Pakistan with reference to its drift into extremism. How death of Jinnah in the first year year making of new state halt the project constitution making & by murder of Liaqaut Ali Khan reins of power went to shortsighted people which paved the way for interference of military in dispensation of affairs of state & managing politics. The first result of this policy was the secession of East Pakistan. Author has discussed the failures of leaders which has paved the way for propagation of narrow vision of Islam ultimately led to descend of the society in extremism. Overall the book is a good.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews