So by now the madness over Veena Malik (actress, reality show breakout starlet, crazy maulvi fighter extraordinaire), her published nude cover photo, and her subsequent row with India‘s FHM Magazine is old news. I mean, that was so last week. Over it. (Here is a link to the story in case you live in a cave or away from the wonderful world of Twitter & Facebook news feeds.)
But did you know that Veena’s fake ‘ISI‘ tattoo as well as another almost-nude photo of her in camouflage were code for a MILITARY COUP?! Yes, everyone. Veena was totally in the know, using her cover shoot as an underlying message to tell us all what was really going on. With an Indian magazine no less. Oh, the irony. OMGZ, how GENIUS!
See what I just did there? I started a little rumor. Ok, it was a little far-fetched, closer to being a conspiracy theory, but the line between rumor and conspiracy is often thin, especially in Pakistan. And with rumors flying on Twitter today about whispers of a potential military coup, it is fair to ask whether we are too trigger happy when it comes to the Pakistan rumor mill.
These rumors were compounded even further after Foreign Policy reported that President Zardari flew to Dubai to undergo medical tests Tuesday. In the FP piece entitled, “President Zardari suddenly leaves Pakistan — is he on the way out?“, Josh Rogin wrote,
A former U.S. government official told The Cable today that when President Barack Obama spoke with Zardari over the weekend regarding NATO’s killing of the 24 Pakistani soldiers, Zardari was “incoherent.” The Pakistani president had been feeling increased pressure over the Memogate scandal. “The noose was getting tighter — it was only a matter of time,” the former official said, expressing the growing expectation inside the U.S. government that Zardari may be on the way out.
According to this same unnamed U.S. official, Zardari had a “minor heart attack” and may resign due to “ill health.”
Cue the speculation.
Rogin cited the Atlantic Council’s Shuja Nawaz, who noted, “This is the ‘in-house change option’ that has been talked about,” a plan in which Zardari would “step aside and be replaced by his own party, preserving the veneer of civilian rule but ultimately acceding to the military’s wishes to get rid of Zardari.” He added, “Now if [the military] stay at arm’s length and let the party take care of its business, then things may improve. If not, then this is a silent coup with [Pakistani prime minister Yousaf Raza] Gilani as the front man.”
While I think the FP and The Cable are credible outlets, the use of unnamed U.S. and Pakistani sources who are all speculating (for example: “the growing expectation inside the U.S. government” or “in what might be a precursor to Zardari stepping down”) show how we can be both trigger-happy in our news production and our news consumption. The title of the FP piece, “Zardari Suddenly Leaves…Is He on His Way Out?” is framed as leading question, further baiting the rumor mill. Dawn Newspaper, in its subsequent coverage of the FP piece, conveniently quoted the unnamed U.S. source as well as half of Shuja Nawaz’s hypothesizing (mentioning the ‘in-house’ change option but not the fact that the military could stay at arm’s length), exacerbating this even more. (The Express Tribune and GEO Television provided similar coverage.)
Meanwhile, as noted by Arif Rafiq over at the Pakistan Policy, Zardari’s aides have not done well in quelling the speculation. Rafiq noted, “Rather than being honest and forthcoming [about his heart condition], Zardari’s spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, did what most Pakistani government officials do to their people: obscure the truth. He said Zardari is in Dubai for a routine medical checkup,” which is obviously not true. The Khaleej Times also quoted Babar who said earlier,
…said that contrary to media reports the President did not visit any hospital today for tests or treatment. Instead the President held separate meetings today in Presidency with Prime Minister, Chairman Senate and Interior Minister to review overall situation, security arrangements for Ashura and legislative business in Senate before leaving for Dubai…
So essentially on one side we have the overactive rumor mill, and on the other the “let’s-pretend-everything-is-just-dandy-camp.” Great. Because nothing makes people more suspicious than obviously playing down a situation, even if it may be in response to potential sensationalism. (This is when I realize my Masters degree in Conflict Resolution could have come to great use! Sad Kalsoom.)
As for the potential military coup? Rafiq has the most rational dose of speculation I’ve seen so far:
It would be difficult to hide the fact that Zardari was being pushed (illegally) out of office by the army. The army would then be condemned by a wide set of actors… Zardari in exile would then play the role of political martyr, stirring up his currently disenchanted party base and possibly even do really well in the next elections. Kayani is not one to act brashly. He wouldn’t push Zardari out right now.
Here’s what I hope: For once, I want the military to not be the one holding the government in power accountable. Let the regime go out, but not like this.
Here’s what I think: Aside from a few unnamed sources and cloak-and-dagger like whispers, we really don’t know anything. So stop churning the rumor mill even more (and God knows, I’m guilty of it too. Damn you Retweet!). And for those of you ‘excited’ about Zardari’s illness, shame on you. You should be better than that.
A rule of thumb in journalism is that if the headline has a question mark then the answer is always “NO”.
As in, no to the headline or the answer to the question? Because I don’t think people see that when they read a piece.
No to the question. It’s an old journalistic trick when writers are simply speculating.
Got it. It’s just interesting to see how it’s been picked up though, which is what I noted. Speculation becomes an almost-truth in the rumor mill/conspiracy theory world. Not FP’s fault, but it was interesting to see those reactions and the subsequent framing.
Update on the FP piece at the bottom:
“UPDATE: A Pakistani source close to Zardari e-mailed into The Cable to say that Zardari is simply ill and is not stepping down. Rumors of Zardari stepping down might be part of a behind the scenes power play but Zardari confidante Senate Chairman Farooq Naek will be acting president while Zardari is out of the country and Gilani remains loyal to Zardari, flanked by Zardari’s son Bilawal. “The rumors of a silent coup are sometimes a way of trying to effect a silent coup. It won’t happen,” the source said.”
And for those of you ‘excited’ about Zardari’s illness, shame on you. You should be better than that.
yeah…I’m totally not better than that.
Not cool.
i just thought i would put in my 5 rupees worth of input. Its just a Joke but could be a reality. Thaksin ex Thailand Pm is living in Dubai & Zardari is going to Dubai, maybe these two could meet and open a bank called Pakistan Thailand Bank with a logo that says “The only Bank in the world that offers 10% intrest with a Happy Ending”
cheers all!¨
Larkidesi
[…] Ah, the Rumor Mill. It’s a Churnin’! […]
In the words of a wise blogger..DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD
President find it difficult to escape the charges accumulating against him. With heavy baggage of past history of corruption allegations compounded by recent examples of poor governance, economic mismanagement and domestic disharmony, implicit involvement in current ‘memogate’ scandal and not informing military of US-OBL raid in Abbottabad makes him a case of high treason in peoples’ eyes as well as in the eye of establishment. This for sure constitutes package of being at risk for cardiovascular disease, if not something else.
I think he knows way out, provided if it works. He is going to resign on the basis of ill health, hence an attempt to escape any charges of such kind which can bring him to death penalty. PPP will appoint a new president through parliamentary voting, most likely its going to be Senator Raza Rabbani or Makhdoom Ameen Fahim or someone less controversial politically and someone who knows the art of politics of reconciliation. The case will go to the Supreme Court, even if supreme court charges against him as guilty for high treason, the newly elected President will hold presidential discretionary right to grant clemency, which the new president will be obligated to exercise for his head of the party, since the new President would be PPP person and a close confidante of Zardari himself.
Going through angiography and possibly angioplasty as well, even if he chooses not resign, any petition submitted to High Court (Lahore High Court for example) ‘on the grounds of illness that incapacitates him to take mission-critical decisions while on Presidential post’ by any of his opponents can potentially bring him down. Cardiac conditions are largely incapacitating depending upon the extent of heart failure (or ejection fraction) to be specific (which can be challenged in court based on lab test data), its a common knowledge that progressed cardiac diseases often leads to lesser blood supply to brain and as per international guidelines, doctors recommend staying away from any aggravating factors, which of course include high pressure situation (here memogate scandal is the one for sure) or anything to the effect which can further jeopardize health.
Many people think even if everything goes well, Mr. President should still resign if he really loves his health, wealth and children more than power.
As much as the nation wants Zardari to resign, if Zardari goes, then so does the PPP. I can see it falling into pieces with some falling into the IK camp and others into the NS camp. Ever wondered why the IK-NS rhetoric has increased in tone and intensity?
What are you saying, Yawar Pakistan. Needs strong reveal of polticial assurance!
Censor my comments, I support Military. Interm government this time, no more. Interference of two main rivals this suggestion. If Nazaw could persaude: military. To
allow him Presidency? Answer is no why? Continue apathy were not political running.
Pakistan it’s greedy inept political figures.Backed America whom no longer wanted! It’s accurate Kalsoom the coup! Going to happen you laugh at Arab revolutions. Cause by external military economic influences. United Kingdom nor India actually,
cares whom. Involved longer puppet for explioting needs. Pakistan new government
soon military. Does imply harsh repression? No until election by the Pakistani people.
Decide enemies of Pakistan Mossad,Raw,CIA and M-16! Zardari is running scared!
Exile UAE,Qatar and United Kingdom. Gulf states needs to assured no aggression.
Towards region area why? Billions come from Gulf states make. Friends with Iran
Zardari going be impeached! Military take over Kalsoom erase the truth! Thank you!
Zardari passed away in Dubai
December 8, 2011 (Staff Reporter). President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan has passed away in Dubai today. According to a brief statement by the Presidential Spokesman in Islamabad, the president suffered a second heart attack in two days in the early hours of the morning which proved fatal. President Zardari had undergone angioplasty in the American Hospital, Dubai yesterday and was under observation of the doctors. He was under tremendous stress for alleged charges of treason, abuse of office and corruption for the past several weeks and was under investigation by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Arrangements are being made to bring his body to Larkana for burial.
Uh yeah, where did you get that? He did not die, dude. He is in the hospital.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=28082&title=President-undergoing-treatment-in-Dubai:-PM-House-
Conspiracy theories and rumors are favorite pass times in Pakistan.
In the news now She said , These picture Are real and i was not aware about photographer that he will be capture rude picture for the magazine
Besides the America middle eastern region. Shall always influence, whom remain. Power Saudi Arabia,UAE,Qatar and Kuwait. Have fear, of Iran which not accurate.
They’ll empower the military with aid. Award Saudi Arabia anticipated joint air force.
And naval coopertion with Pakistan. This going on since Nawaz say I’m. Spreading,
flables and tales I know. PPP has ruined the repect of military. Since plot to assassinate senior members of military. Readers, you assume Pakistan diplomacy.
Exclusively America, UK and China no Ummah. Time use them enrich Pakistan! Aware have senior officers in Gulf states and Saudi Arabia. Pakistani or trained by
Egyptian or Pakistani goodbye. To not remember era, of humiliation. Pakistan squabbles before us let’s united. New era for Pakistan when central Asia. Agrees time
for change if weak government in Pakistan. Unstable candor enjoy your blog! Uncensored: Kalsoom Saudi Arabia going put airforce base. Pakistan now majority
recruites Pakistan watching. Iran another ordeal for Pakistan. Time for change support the military interem government. Equality and social respect for Pakistan!
Zaradi you haven’t protected the Shia’s nor. Accept leadership of your tribe? Leave
Pakistan in your personal disgrace. We need leadership not dependence. Ish’Allah!
The young age of (so-called?) independent media can be blamed for propagation of rumors where the journalists, while in their quests for new stories, often fall for conspiracy theories and rumors.
Pakistani nationals? Were or dare write meanlingless jargon. Military is part of poltical
problem. Going revert back to corruption: shall Musharraf. Return? Laugh but valid,
makes appropriate deal external. Powers anything is possible in war torn. Pakistan!
Thank you Yoda.
Zardari is running away from Pakistan and we should do something about it or at least take advantage of it
Very good point on how speculation can fuel the US media when it comes to Pakistan. Something many us probably suspect at times – more than we question out loud. Good job pointing this out – I’ll be a little less irked by Pakistani hearts for conspiracy theories now.
what we say about him what is he or not doesn’t matter but he is doing what he want nd how’s he want. 🙂