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October 19, 2003
Review: Towards peace and progress
THE first issue of the South Asian Journal, a quarterly magazine of South Asian scholars and journalists, is a unique publication in a number of ways. For one, it is the first attempt by any organization, academic or otherwise, to make a serious effort to source articles in such a manner that there is a semblance of balance in the source of the contributions. Most such publications, when based in one country to another, cannot reach this mix for a number of reasons. Another aspect that makes this publication stand out is the fact that while it is in the format of an academic journal, its contributors include people from the media as well as politics and other areas.
Going through this magazine, one comes across different approaches that have been used in writing the articles. This is good because it does away with the monotony that accompanies more “serious” academic journals. Based on these factors, it is assumed that the readership of the South Asian Journal will not only be much larger, but also more diverse. The publication is an initiative of the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), which has been instrumental in the past few years in opening up dialogue amongst journalists in South Asia as well as those from other sections of society.
According to the editors of this publication, the reason for bringing out this journal is that South Asia requires a better understanding of its predicament and challenges, both at the regional, and at the level of each country. And this is what the Journal intends to do. The publication stresses a holistic perspective that helps in developing a dynamic path towards peace and progress, putting aside particular biases.
In the case of the first edition of the Journal, what comes across is the quality of both its editorial staff as well as the variety and depth of its contributors. Predictably, the first issue’s focus has been on the concept of South Asia. But judging how this issue has then been covered, with writers ranging from former prime minister Gujral of India and Bhutto of Pakistan, one feels that justice has been done to this rather over-done topic. More important in this issue are the country perspectives that are written as part of every subject. These give a particular point of view from a particular country. Given that the readership of the Journal is expected to span the length and breadth of thinkers, writers, opinion leaders and media persons in South Asia and beyond, it is very important that different, and sometimes conflicting, opinions, are able to come through.
If there is any problem with this publication, it is that some of the pieces included give the impression that they were presented as papers in some conference and then used in the same format for the journal. Here, the writers should have done more work and added more information based on their interactions at the close of their presentations. That way, we would have been able to emerge the richer in reading the South Asian Journal.
Another criticism may be that the publication is based on the utopian dream of a united, economically strong and politically willing South Asia, which many observers say will not happen. This makes the journal a sort of a wish list kind of publication, one would assume. But this is not the case. While most of the writers have talked about the benefits of an economic union and a regional association, they have moved on and discussed South Asia in a number of different perspectives.
One of the most enjoyable reads in this issue came from Khaled Ahmed, a Pakistani writer and journalist, who examines in detail the hindrances to regional cooperation. Ahmed compares SAARC and ASEAN and also talks about the experiences of not just Pakistan but other countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their relations with the big neighbour.
The writer says that one of the insurmountable obstacles to peace in South Asia is nationalism in the region. He argues that while in South Asia there is a sense of cultural unity, any advance at peace is impossible to achieve. Ahmed talks about the economic benefits of cooperation in South Asian countries and then delves into the misconceptions associated with the concept of free trade. He quotes a Pakistani industrialist who comments how politics works against the economy in Pakistan: on the one hand trade with India was not liberalized due to enmity but Pakistan was exposed to dumping of Chinese goods on account of friendship. It is writings like these that give a distinct regional perspective to issues that are usually not even taken up.
In that respect, it is hoped that the SAJ would open up debate and discussion on a number of topics that have been ignored for too long. Kudos to editors Imtiaz Alam, Akbar Zaidi and Zebunnisa Burki for giving shape to an idea that has been left ignored in the South Asian media for too long.
South Asian Journal — Whither South Asia? (August-September)
Edited by Imtiaz Alam, Akbar
Zaidi and Zebunnisa Burki
South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA)09-Lower Ground, Eden Heights, Jail Road, Lahore
Tel: 042-5879251, 5879253 Fax: 042-5879254.
Email: journal@southasianmedia.net Website:
www.southasianmedia.net
79pp. Rs200 (per issue)
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