• Login / register
  • Contact
    • Submission
  • Languages
    • عربي
    • Balkan (Serbo Croatian)
    • Deutsch
    • Español
    • РУССКИЙ
    • Türkce
  • About
  • Donations
Friday, March 5, 2021
  • Login
  • Register
AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
  • عربي
    • All
    • اليمن
    • سوريا
    • غير مصنف
    • متميز
    النجم صلاح

    القيمة السوقية للنجم العربي صلاح في أرتفاع

    الشيخوخة

    علماء ألمان يكشفون أحد أسباب تأخر الشيخوخة

    محمد صلاح

    تمثال محمد صلاح مثير للسخرية

    Khashoggi

    عاجل: السعودية تعترف بمقتل جمال خاشقجي

    القهوة

    نبأ غير سار لمحبي القهوة

    السبانخ

    تعرف على أبرز فوائد السبانخ

    ترامب

    قاضي متهم بالأعتداء الجنسي يدعمه ترامب

    خاشقجي

    جنغيز خطيبة خاشقجي مستعدة لزيارة واشنطن

    Popular movement declares resistance to foreign troops in Syria’s Manbij

    انطلاق المقاومة الشعبية ضد الاحتلال التركي والأميركي في منبج

    Trending Tags

    • Syria
      Russian military conducts joint patrols with US-backed forces in Manbij (PHOTOS)

      Russian military uncovers cave used by Turkish-backed forces in southern Idlib

      EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

      Pentagon claims 1 ‘Iran-backed’ fighter killed during east Syria strike

      Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

      Jordanian army thwarts massive drug smuggling attempt from Syria

      New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

      New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

      Palmira: Suriye Ordusu ve Müttefikler Mobilize Oluyor !

      Iraqi group says US attack in Syria ‘will not go without punishment’

      Syrian Army retakes oil fields from ISIS and brings hope to resolve power shortage

      Syrian gas pipeline comes under attack in Deir Ezzor

      One of Russia’s most powerful warships will head to Syrian waters

      US submarine was ready to sink Russian warships after 2018 strikes: Fox News

      EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

      US ‘destroyed 9 facilities’ during eastern Syria attack: Pentagon

      Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video

      Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video

    • Iraq
      CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq

      CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq

      New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

      New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

      Palmira: Suriye Ordusu ve Müttefikler Mobilize Oluyor !

      Iraqi group says US attack in Syria ‘will not go without punishment’

      Iraqi FM makes first visit to Iran following US strikes on eastern Syria

      Iraqi FM makes first visit to Iran following US strikes on eastern Syria

      Arab League holds emergency meeting over Gaza in Cairo (video)

      Iraq calls on Arab League to restore Syria’s membership

      Earthquake

      Dozens injured as earthquake hits southwestern Iran

      Erbil, Iraq

      Turkey condemns rocket attack in northern Iraq’s Erbil

      Erbil, Iraq

      Journalists, activists, go on trial in Iraqi Kurdistan over ‘endangering’ national security

      Iraqi government given mandate to deploy troops to disputed Kirkuk

      Iraqi intelligence forces seize large ISIS explosives warehouse

      Trending Tags

      • Yemen
        Saudi-led coalition-backed forces seize public offices south of Hodeidah (video)

        Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council warns of Marib falling to Houthis, calls on Biden to end war

        VIDEO: Israel Defense Forces take out Syrian Army drone over the Golan Heights

        Saudi Coalition intercepts Houthi missile along Yemeni border

        Yemen Heads towards Worst Famine World has Seen in Decades

        Yemen Heads towards Worst Famine World has Seen in Decades

        VIDEO: Israel Defense Forces take out Syrian Army drone over the Golan Heights

        Saudi air defenses intercept 3 Houthi drones along Yemeni border: video

        Iran’s IRGC forces unveil new suicide drones: photos

        Iran deployed kamikaze drones in Red Sea amid fears of conflict with US: media

        Las fuerzas yemeníes abaten 10 soldados saudíes

        Over 50 fighters killed in battle for key city in northern Yemen

        Saudi-led coalition-backed forces seize public offices south of Hodeidah (video)

        Powerful explosion targets military vehicles in southern Yemen

        Saudi-backed forces suffer heavy losses as Houthis advances in northern Yemen

        ‘We will not hesitate to declare jihad against Israel’: Houthis

        Busted: ISIS pretends to destroy Syrian T-90 tank by blowing up its own tank

        US to designate Yemen’s Ansarallah Movement as terrorist entity

        Trending Tags

        • Africa
          nigerian president

          Nigeria president rules out amnesty for militant bandits

          Covid Vaccine

          Africa: Will Africa ever get the COVID vaccine?

          The somali security forces are deployed across the city and have setup roadblock, closing most roads

          Somalia: Heavy gunfire in capital amid election protests

          nigerian president

          Gunmen storm Nigerian school and kidnap students

          Two Sudanese soldiers killed in Yemen fighting against Houthis

          Sudanese army clashes with Ethiopian forces along disputed border

          Aftermath of Terror Attack in Mogadishu, Somalia

          Somalia: 3 al-Shabaab militants killed after mortar attack

          Two Sudanese soldiers killed in Yemen fighting against Houthis

          Sudanese army launches counter-attack against Ethiopian forces along border region

          Pirates attack Turkish ship off the coast of Nigeria

          Pirates attack Turkish ship off the coast of Nigeria

          Ethiopian Army takes control of Humera Airport as battle with Tigray separatists intensifies

          Ethiopia accuses ‘third party’ of pushing Sudan to war

          Trending Tags

            • East Africa
            • North Africa
            • West Africa
          • Middle East
            • All
            • Jordan
            Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

            Jordanian army thwarts massive drug smuggling attempt from Syria

            Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

            Jordanian Army foils infiltration attempt from southern Syria

            BAHRAIN and Israel

            Bahrain, Israel discuss security cooperation

            US sends B-52 bombers to Middle East to deal with Iran ‘threat’

            US flies B-52 strategic bombers over Middle East

            Sen. Rand Paul challenges new Sec. of State over regime change in Syria: video

            Sen. Rand Paul challenges new Sec. of State over regime change in Syria: video

            Reports: Egypt has sent 800 troops to Yemen

            New 2021 rankings for the strongest military forces in the Middle East

            Mistura urges Syria political process move ‘expeditiously’

            Russian envoy cites Martin Luther King Jr., calls on US to end arms race in Middle East

            US sends B-52 bombers to Middle East to deal with Iran ‘threat’

            US B-52 bombers fly over Middle East in show of force against Iran: video

            Joe Biden makes first comments on assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist

            Biden administration informed Israel that it has begun secret contacts with Iran: Channel 12

            Trending Tags

              • Lebanon
              • Palestine
              • Turkey
              • Iran
              • Gulf
            • World
              • All
              • Americas
              • Asia & Australia
              • East Africa
              • Europe
              • West Africa
              EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

              Pentagon claims 1 ‘Iran-backed’ fighter killed during east Syria strike

              Armenian President rejects Pashinyan’s request to dismiss Chief of Staff

              Azerbaijani President gives Armenia ‘last chance’ to withdraw from Karabakh

              Azerbaijani president urges Russia not to upgrade Armenia’s armed forces

              Pentagon: Up to $1.1 billion cost for Iraq, Syria

              US believes it gave Russia enough notice before eastern Syria strikes

              Bismillah Adil Aimaq

              Afghanistan: Family of murdered journalist Bismillah Aimaq attacked

              FILE PHOTO: Afghan Forces

              Violence against civilians surges in Afghanistan after peace talks

              Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 9, 2020. (David Gray/Getty Images)

              Facebook Has ‘Unfriended Australia’: Prime Minister Scott Morrison

              Afghan Special Forces released 42 persons who were taken hostage by Taliban

              Afghan security forces free 42 hostages held by Taliban

              North Korea and South Korea Flags

              South Korean spy agency claims North Korean hackers tried stealing Pfizer vaccine know-how

              Trending Tags

                • Americas
                • Asia & Australia
                • Europe
              • In Depth
                • Interviews
                • Opinion
                • Podcasts
                  • Interviews
                • Economy
              No Result
              View All Result
              AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
              • عربي
                • All
                • اليمن
                • سوريا
                • غير مصنف
                • متميز
                النجم صلاح

                القيمة السوقية للنجم العربي صلاح في أرتفاع

                الشيخوخة

                علماء ألمان يكشفون أحد أسباب تأخر الشيخوخة

                محمد صلاح

                تمثال محمد صلاح مثير للسخرية

                Khashoggi

                عاجل: السعودية تعترف بمقتل جمال خاشقجي

                القهوة

                نبأ غير سار لمحبي القهوة

                السبانخ

                تعرف على أبرز فوائد السبانخ

                ترامب

                قاضي متهم بالأعتداء الجنسي يدعمه ترامب

                خاشقجي

                جنغيز خطيبة خاشقجي مستعدة لزيارة واشنطن

                Popular movement declares resistance to foreign troops in Syria’s Manbij

                انطلاق المقاومة الشعبية ضد الاحتلال التركي والأميركي في منبج

                Trending Tags

                • Syria
                  Russian military conducts joint patrols with US-backed forces in Manbij (PHOTOS)

                  Russian military uncovers cave used by Turkish-backed forces in southern Idlib

                  EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

                  Pentagon claims 1 ‘Iran-backed’ fighter killed during east Syria strike

                  Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

                  Jordanian army thwarts massive drug smuggling attempt from Syria

                  New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

                  New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

                  Palmira: Suriye Ordusu ve Müttefikler Mobilize Oluyor !

                  Iraqi group says US attack in Syria ‘will not go without punishment’

                  Syrian Army retakes oil fields from ISIS and brings hope to resolve power shortage

                  Syrian gas pipeline comes under attack in Deir Ezzor

                  One of Russia’s most powerful warships will head to Syrian waters

                  US submarine was ready to sink Russian warships after 2018 strikes: Fox News

                  EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

                  US ‘destroyed 9 facilities’ during eastern Syria attack: Pentagon

                  Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video

                  Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video

                • Iraq
                  CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq

                  CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq

                  New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

                  New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

                  Palmira: Suriye Ordusu ve Müttefikler Mobilize Oluyor !

                  Iraqi group says US attack in Syria ‘will not go without punishment’

                  Iraqi FM makes first visit to Iran following US strikes on eastern Syria

                  Iraqi FM makes first visit to Iran following US strikes on eastern Syria

                  Arab League holds emergency meeting over Gaza in Cairo (video)

                  Iraq calls on Arab League to restore Syria’s membership

                  Earthquake

                  Dozens injured as earthquake hits southwestern Iran

                  Erbil, Iraq

                  Turkey condemns rocket attack in northern Iraq’s Erbil

                  Erbil, Iraq

                  Journalists, activists, go on trial in Iraqi Kurdistan over ‘endangering’ national security

                  Iraqi government given mandate to deploy troops to disputed Kirkuk

                  Iraqi intelligence forces seize large ISIS explosives warehouse

                  Trending Tags

                  • Yemen
                    Saudi-led coalition-backed forces seize public offices south of Hodeidah (video)

                    Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council warns of Marib falling to Houthis, calls on Biden to end war

                    VIDEO: Israel Defense Forces take out Syrian Army drone over the Golan Heights

                    Saudi Coalition intercepts Houthi missile along Yemeni border

                    Yemen Heads towards Worst Famine World has Seen in Decades

                    Yemen Heads towards Worst Famine World has Seen in Decades

                    VIDEO: Israel Defense Forces take out Syrian Army drone over the Golan Heights

                    Saudi air defenses intercept 3 Houthi drones along Yemeni border: video

                    Iran’s IRGC forces unveil new suicide drones: photos

                    Iran deployed kamikaze drones in Red Sea amid fears of conflict with US: media

                    Las fuerzas yemeníes abaten 10 soldados saudíes

                    Over 50 fighters killed in battle for key city in northern Yemen

                    Saudi-led coalition-backed forces seize public offices south of Hodeidah (video)

                    Powerful explosion targets military vehicles in southern Yemen

                    Saudi-backed forces suffer heavy losses as Houthis advances in northern Yemen

                    ‘We will not hesitate to declare jihad against Israel’: Houthis

                    Busted: ISIS pretends to destroy Syrian T-90 tank by blowing up its own tank

                    US to designate Yemen’s Ansarallah Movement as terrorist entity

                    Trending Tags

                    • Africa
                      nigerian president

                      Nigeria president rules out amnesty for militant bandits

                      Covid Vaccine

                      Africa: Will Africa ever get the COVID vaccine?

                      The somali security forces are deployed across the city and have setup roadblock, closing most roads

                      Somalia: Heavy gunfire in capital amid election protests

                      nigerian president

                      Gunmen storm Nigerian school and kidnap students

                      Two Sudanese soldiers killed in Yemen fighting against Houthis

                      Sudanese army clashes with Ethiopian forces along disputed border

                      Aftermath of Terror Attack in Mogadishu, Somalia

                      Somalia: 3 al-Shabaab militants killed after mortar attack

                      Two Sudanese soldiers killed in Yemen fighting against Houthis

                      Sudanese army launches counter-attack against Ethiopian forces along border region

                      Pirates attack Turkish ship off the coast of Nigeria

                      Pirates attack Turkish ship off the coast of Nigeria

                      Ethiopian Army takes control of Humera Airport as battle with Tigray separatists intensifies

                      Ethiopia accuses ‘third party’ of pushing Sudan to war

                      Trending Tags

                        • East Africa
                        • North Africa
                        • West Africa
                      • Middle East
                        • All
                        • Jordan
                        Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

                        Jordanian army thwarts massive drug smuggling attempt from Syria

                        Jordanian military neutralizes terrorist cell in Salt

                        Jordanian Army foils infiltration attempt from southern Syria

                        BAHRAIN and Israel

                        Bahrain, Israel discuss security cooperation

                        US sends B-52 bombers to Middle East to deal with Iran ‘threat’

                        US flies B-52 strategic bombers over Middle East

                        Sen. Rand Paul challenges new Sec. of State over regime change in Syria: video

                        Sen. Rand Paul challenges new Sec. of State over regime change in Syria: video

                        Reports: Egypt has sent 800 troops to Yemen

                        New 2021 rankings for the strongest military forces in the Middle East

                        Mistura urges Syria political process move ‘expeditiously’

                        Russian envoy cites Martin Luther King Jr., calls on US to end arms race in Middle East

                        US sends B-52 bombers to Middle East to deal with Iran ‘threat’

                        US B-52 bombers fly over Middle East in show of force against Iran: video

                        Joe Biden makes first comments on assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist

                        Biden administration informed Israel that it has begun secret contacts with Iran: Channel 12

                        Trending Tags

                          • Lebanon
                          • Palestine
                          • Turkey
                          • Iran
                          • Gulf
                        • World
                          • All
                          • Americas
                          • Asia & Australia
                          • East Africa
                          • Europe
                          • West Africa
                          EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor

                          Pentagon claims 1 ‘Iran-backed’ fighter killed during east Syria strike

                          Armenian President rejects Pashinyan’s request to dismiss Chief of Staff

                          Azerbaijani President gives Armenia ‘last chance’ to withdraw from Karabakh

                          Azerbaijani president urges Russia not to upgrade Armenia’s armed forces

                          Pentagon: Up to $1.1 billion cost for Iraq, Syria

                          US believes it gave Russia enough notice before eastern Syria strikes

                          Bismillah Adil Aimaq

                          Afghanistan: Family of murdered journalist Bismillah Aimaq attacked

                          FILE PHOTO: Afghan Forces

                          Violence against civilians surges in Afghanistan after peace talks

                          Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 9, 2020. (David Gray/Getty Images)

                          Facebook Has ‘Unfriended Australia’: Prime Minister Scott Morrison

                          Afghan Special Forces released 42 persons who were taken hostage by Taliban

                          Afghan security forces free 42 hostages held by Taliban

                          North Korea and South Korea Flags

                          South Korean spy agency claims North Korean hackers tried stealing Pfizer vaccine know-how

                          Trending Tags

                            • Americas
                            • Asia & Australia
                            • Europe
                          • In Depth
                            • Interviews
                            • Opinion
                            • Podcasts
                              • Interviews
                            • Economy
                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
                          No Result
                          View All Result

                          Home » Analysis » Tackling Pakistani madrassas An uphill struggle

                          Tackling Pakistani madrassas An uphill struggle

                          James M. Dorsey by James M. Dorsey
                          2018-02-01
                          in Analysis, Asia & Australia
                          Reading Time: 7min read
                          1
                          Tackling Pakistani madrassas An uphill struggle
                          16
                          SHARES
                          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
                          5 1 vote
                          Rate Article

                          This is an edited version of remarks by James M. Dorsey at the launch in Islamabad on 30 January 2018 of ‘The Role of Madrassas: Assessing Parental Choice, Financial Pipelines and Recent Developments in Religious Education in Pakistan and Afghanistan,’ an extensive study by three Pakistani think tanks backed by the Danish Defense College.

                          In many ways, the question whether madrassas or religious seminaries contribute to instability in Pakistan and Afghanistan goes far beyond an evaluation of the content of what students are taught and how they are being taught. In fact, it could be argued that the train has left the station and that there are no magic wands or simple administrative and regulatory fixes to address problems associated with madrassas. To make things worse, those problems are not restricted to madrassas; they also are prevalent in the public education system.

                          Irrespective of which of the spectrum of estimates of the number of madrassas in Pakistan one accepts, fact of the matter is that many, if not the majority, of madrassas do not produce graduates who have learnt to think critically. Rote education produces the opposite in a 21st century world in which critical thinking is ever more important.

                          ADVERTISEMENT

                          Moreover, generations of graduates coupled with successive governments willing to play politics with religion and debilitating conflict have helped create a significant segment of Pakistani society that is ultra-conservative, intolerant, anti-pluralistic, and often supremacist.

                          It is a segment that easily can be whipped up to adopt militant causes as recent protests as well as the popularity of militant groups among both Barelvis and Deobandis have demonstrated. Which raises the question of whether madrassas alleged links to militancy is the core issue, or only part of a far more fundamental issue: the fact that madrassas more often than not teach an ultra-conservative worldview that with a solid grounding and resonance in society is being reinforced and reproduced.

                          What that means is that the problem is far greater than ensuring registration of madrassas or simply ensuring that include modern science alongside religious subjects in their syllabi. The magnitude of the problem is illustrated in a madrassa in the city of Jang that has a state-of-the-art computer lab. Access to the lab and computer lessons are voluntary, yet only a mere 16 percent of the school’s 300 students are interested or avail themselves of the opportunity in a world in which a baby’s first demand is an iPhone. Visits to other madrassas elsewhere in the country show that at times English lessons that are on the curriculum are just that. They exist on paper rather than in practice. The language classes that do exist often produce anything but English speakers or children with even a rudimentary knowledge of the language.

                          ALSO READ  Scientists baffled by plummeting levels of coronavirus infections in India

                          The question of the context in which madrassas operate is also illustrated by the fact that foreign funding is not what keeps the bulk of the madrassas afloat. Foreign funding is no longer crucial. That is not surprising. Four decades after Gulf states, and to a lesser degree Iraq in the past, and Iran on the other side of the equation, poured huge amounts into ultra-conservative religious education, a world has been created that leads it own life, develops its own resources, and is no longer dependent on external funding and support. It’s the nature of the beast.

                          Former Federal Secretary Tanseem Noorani asserted as much as recently as last year when he noted that the number of madrassas was increasing faster in rural areas of Pakistan than regular public schools. There is indeed little doubt that madrassas fill a gap in a country with a broken education system as well cater to a demand for a religious education. And there is no doubt that there are inside and outside of government valiant efforts to fix the system. Hundreds of madrassas have been closed because of links to militancy or other irregularities. But there is equally no doubt that inroads made by ultra-conservatism not only in segments of the public but also significant elements of the bureaucracy cast doubt on the degree to which fixing the system can succeed.

                          There has been much debate and speculation about Saudi funding. The issue of Saudi funding has much to do with the broader issue of ultra-conservatism as a factor that pervades the discussion of madrassas and more broader trends in Pakistani society. Popular perception is that Saudi funding was focused on Wahhabism, the specific strand of Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism prevalent in the kingdom.

                          In fact, it was not, despite Saudi links and support to Wahhabi groups like Ahl-e-Hadith in Pakistan. Saudi funding and support focused on ultra-conservatism irrespective of what specific strand of Islam as long as it was anti-Shiite, anti-Ahmadi and anti-Iran. It was that broader focus that allowed the Saudis to, for example, support Deobandis, something that a singular focus on Wahhabism would have precluded.

                          ALSO READ  Afghan security forces free 42 hostages held by Taliban

                          Not only was Saudi funding broader focused, it also was in a majority of cases hands off. In other words, a majority of Saudi-supported in Pakistan as elsewhere across the globe, were more often than not, not Saudi-managed nor was a Saudi anywhere in sight, even if textbooks, Qur’ans and other materials were Saudi-supplied.

                          Moreover, official sources will never be comprehensive in documenting funding particularly from foreign sources. That is all the truer in countries where financial controls and their implementation is lax. In the case of Saudi funding of madrassas, this means that money flows are often not transparent and not necessarily recorded and when recorded not made available for scrutiny. As a result, tracking Saudi funding may never produce a comprehensive picture and will often rely on anecdotal evidence or unofficial documentation provided either by the donor or the recipient.

                          No doubt, far less Saudi funding is available today, but that there is, yet, no indication that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vague notion of a more moderate Islam means a restructuring of the kingdom’s funding targets.

                          The effort to rewrite Saudi textbooks that are used in the kingdom itself could indicate that change is coming although the extent of that revision remains to be seen. Recent statements by the World Muslim League, a major vehicle of Saudi funding, about the need for inter-faith dialogue and recognition of the Holocaust point in that direction.

                          Yet, the record of the first three years of the era of the Salmans, King Salman and his powerful son, Prince Mohammed, also has markers that would suggest the opposite. It may be that funding abroad will be more focused on what serves Saudi efforts to confront Iran, which would put Pakistan, with its borders with Iran and the Islamic world’s largest Shia minority, in the bull’s eye. It would also mean that moderation may be less evident in what the Saudis choose to support.

                          Over the past two decades, repeated efforts have been made to regulate and reform madrassas even if implementation and impact has been lagging. That lag cannot simply be attributed to a lack of resources and/or capabilities.

                          Reform depends on political will and is obstructed by resistance from powerful and entrenched ultra-conservative circles whose tentacles reach beyond the ulema and the administrators of madrassas. With other words, it is the fallout not only of Saudi and Gulf funding but of government and state policies that allowed ultra-conservatism along a broad spectrum to flourish in Pakistan. The issue here is not simply militancy, it is ultra-conservatism that is not by definition or necessarily politically militant.

                          ALSO READ  Philippines says it wants more than 'loose change' for U.S. troops deal

                          This is nowhere more evident than in the fact that the problem is not restricted to madrassas but is far more universal. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported as recently as two years ago that Pakistani public school textbooks contained derogatory references to religious minorities.

                          The report asserted that “in public school classrooms, Hindu children are forced to read lessons about the conspiracies of Hindus toward Muslims’, and Christian children are taught that ‘Christians learned tolerance and kind-heartedness from Muslims.”

                          It went on to say that “this represents a public shaming of religious minority children that begins at a very young age, focusing on their religious and cultural identity and their communities’ past history.”

                          The report noted that a review of the curriculum demonstrated that public school students were being taught that “religious minorities, especially Christians and Hindus, are nefarious, violent, and tyrannical by nature.”

                          Addressing the issues at the core of Pakistan’s religious and public education system is going to take out-of-the-box thinking that devises ways of drawing in important segments of the ultra-conservative community rather than alienating them. A turn-around will only truly work if it has buy-in rather than projects a sense of imposition.

                          For that to happen, government policy and the implementing bureaucracy will have to have a broad vision: one that initiates and manages a broad range of policies and processes that seek to foster values that are at odds with ultra-conservatism such as tolerance, pluralism, and freedom of expression rather than just pay lip service to them. It’s not clear that Pakistan has the political will for this, let alone that the building blocks for such policies are in place.

                          Having problems with Twitter / Facebook / Parler etc?

                          AMN has set up an Mastodon node and invites you to join!
                          Click to join now!
                          Share this article:
                          • 13
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                          •  
                            13
                            Shares
                          Tags: AnalysisMadrassasPakistan
                          Share14Tweet1Share
                          James M. Dorsey

                          James M. Dorsey

                          Dr. James M. Dorsey is a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, co-director of the University of Würzburg’s Institute for Fan Culture, and co-host of the New Books in Middle Eastern Studies podcast. James is the author of The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer blog, a book with the same title as well as Comparative Political Transitions between Southeast Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, co-authored with Dr. Teresita Cruz-Del Rosario and Shifting Sands, Essays on Sports and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa

                          Related Posts

                          Bismillah Adil Aimaq

                          Afghanistan: Family of murdered journalist Bismillah Aimaq attacked

                          by News Desk
                          7 days ago
                          0

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:00 P.M.) – Friday saw three Bismillah Aimaq family members shoot and killed in an attack on the...

                          FILE PHOTO: Afghan Forces

                          Violence against civilians surges in Afghanistan after peace talks

                          by News Desk
                          1 week ago
                          0

                          Civilian casualties in Afghanistan escalated sharply after peace talks began last year, the United Nations said in a report released...

                          Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 9, 2020. (David Gray/Getty Images)

                          Facebook Has ‘Unfriended Australia’: Prime Minister Scott Morrison

                          by News Desk
                          2 weeks ago
                          0

                          Prime Minister Scott Morrison has labeled Facebook’s decision to ban Australian users from viewing news content as “arrogant” and warned...

                          Afghan Special Forces released 42 persons who were taken hostage by Taliban

                          Afghan security forces free 42 hostages held by Taliban

                          by News Desk
                          2 weeks ago
                          0

                          TEHRAN, Feb. 16 (MNA) – Afghan Special Forces released 42 persons who were taken hostage by the Taliban during a...

                          1 Comment
                          Most Voted
                          Newest Oldest
                          Inline Feedbacks
                          View all comments

                          Latest Articles

                          Russian military conducts joint patrols with US-backed forces in Manbij (PHOTOS)
                          Syria

                          Russian military uncovers cave used by Turkish-backed forces in southern Idlib

                          by News Desk
                          2 days ago
                          1

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:40 P.M.) - Explosives experts from the Russian armed forces destroyed an empty cave in the Syrian Governorate...

                          Read more
                          CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq
                          Iran

                          CBS video footage shows Iranian attack on US forces at Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq

                          by News Desk
                          3 days ago
                          0

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:10 P.M.) - CBS published new scenes documenting the moment Iranian missiles landed on the Ain Al-Assad military...

                          Read more
                          Saudi-led coalition-backed forces seize public offices south of Hodeidah (video)
                          Yemen

                          Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council warns of Marib falling to Houthis, calls on Biden to end war

                          by News Desk
                          3 days ago
                          0

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:45 P.M.) - The head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council in Yemen, Aidaroos Al-Zubeidi, said on Tuesday...

                          Read more
                          EEUU niega haber bombardeado un depósito químico en Deir Ezzor
                          Syria

                          Pentagon claims 1 ‘Iran-backed’ fighter killed during east Syria strike

                          by News Desk
                          3 days ago
                          1

                          Last week's US strike at the presumed facility of "Iran-backed" militia on Syria's territory near the border with Iraq killed...

                          Read more

                          AMN Partners

                          You Might have Missed

                          Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video
                          Syria

                          Russian Air Force launches massive attack on jihadist headquarters in northeast Latakia: video

                          by News Desk
                          2021-02-27
                          1

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:00 P.M.) - The e Russian Aerospace Forces have recently carried out a series of airstrikes on the...

                          Read more
                          New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites
                          Iran

                          New images show before and after photos of US attack on eastern Syria sites

                          by News Desk
                          2021-02-27
                          0

                          BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:25 P.M.) - The Associated Press, citing Maxar Technologies, released pictures that it said showed a site on...

                          Read more
                          Is there a reason the U.S is trying to peddle the F35 to everyone?
                          Economy

                          Is there a reason the U.S is trying to peddle the F35 to everyone?

                          by Danny Froberg
                          2021-02-25
                          14

                          There are voices in the U.S. Airforce's top echelons telling a story of fading glory for the F35 platform that...

                          Read more
                          One of Russia’s most powerful warships will head to Syrian waters
                          Syria

                          US submarine was ready to sink Russian warships after 2018 strikes: Fox News

                          by News Desk
                          2021-02-27
                          1

                          USS John Warner, a Virginia-class submarine of the United States navy, was prepared to sink Russian warships should they respond...

                          Read more
                          AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

                          AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

                          Al-Masdar Al-‘Arabi (The Arab Source) is dedicated to providing the latest news and analysis from the Arab world.

                          Launched in August 2014, Al-Masdar News is an independent media service free from any political or corporate funding, sponsorship, or association. This allows us to report on current events free of any bias or prejudice.

                          Recent Episodes

                          • Al-Masdar Podcast 16- “There is no left in America”: Assessing Trump’s transition to power, his actions and rhetoric, and moving forward
                          • Al-Masdar Podcast 15 – Carla Ortiz, Voice of Syria, and stories from the front line
                          • Al-Masdar Podcast 14- Allison Pointer: Black Lives Matter, the Dallas Shootings, and racial inequality in America
                          • Al-Masdar Podcast 13- Brandon Turbeville on western media
                          • Al-Masdar Podcast 12- Mohammed Nimr Al-Nimr on the life and legacy of Sheikh Nimr
                          • About
                          • Contact
                          • Donations
                          • Policies
                          • Impressum
                          • Disclaimer

                          Copyright © 2014-2021 AMN - All Rights Reserved.

                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          • عربي
                          • Syria
                          • Iraq
                          • Yemen
                          • Africa
                            • East Africa
                            • North Africa
                            • West Africa
                          • Middle East
                            • Lebanon
                            • Palestine
                            • Turkey
                            • Iran
                            • Gulf
                          • World
                            • Americas
                            • Asia & Australia
                            • Europe
                          • In Depth
                            • Interviews
                            • Opinion
                            • Podcasts
                              • Interviews
                            • Economy
                          • Login
                          • Sign Up

                          Copyright © 2014-2021 AMN - All Rights Reserved.

                          Welcome Back!

                          Login to your account below

                          Forgotten Password? Sign Up

                          Create New Account!

                          Fill the forms below to register

                          All fields are required. Log In

                          Retrieve your password

                          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                          Log In
                          wpDiscuz
                          You are going to send email to

                          Move Comment
                          Translate into
                          AfrikaansAlbanianArabicArmenianAzerbaijanBasqueBelarusianBosnianBulgarianCatalanChineseCroatianCzechDanishDutchEnglishEstonianFinishFrenchGalicianGeorgianGermanGreekHaitian(Creole)HungarianIcelandicIndonesianIrishItalianJapaneseKazakhKoreanKyrgyzLatinLatvianLithuanianMacedonianMalagasyMalayMalteseMongolianNorwegianPersianPolishPortugueseRomanianRussianSerbianSlovakianSlovenianSpanishSwahiliSwedishTagalogTajikTatarThaiTurkishUkrainianUzbekVietnameseWelshYiddish