THIS is apropos Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy’s article (Nov 25). In my view some of the suggestions the writer has made are not pragmatic.

First, no one will agree with him when he says that the interventions by the US and its allies in the Middle East and Afghanistan are legal. They are, in fact, against the norms of international law.

Furthermore, I hold no brief for the course contents being taught in our schools and feel they need immediate revamp promoting enlightenment and tolerance. However, as Will Durant says: “Most history is guessing, and the rest is prejudice.” All nations are involved in some fact hiding.

Telling the truth at the secondary level is no wisdom. Nation-building is an art where history is evaluated for national grooming and patriotism. This is a standard practice and all countries indulge in this pasttime.

However, I fully support the writer in his assertion for developing a culture of reason and logic. When it comes to history, national policies must be defended, especially at school and secondary levels, with the mistakes pointed out.

Arshad Mahmood

Mardan

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2017