Comments (102)

is it good to blame each other ??

The part of the article which really interested me was the remark that Begum Nawazish Ali made about "any Pakistani man off the street " would be prepared to have sex with another man, but that these men would not consider thamselves as being "GAY". This is an attitude found all over the Muslim world and is a tradition that has flourished for 100s of years. Under the surface, what for want of a beter name needs to be called "bi-" or "homo-sexuality" goes on and has gone on since even before the Muslim period. Unfortunately, this tradition is tottering under the edifice of Western cultural imperialism, helped by ignorant and rabid "gay rights" advocates. A way of life is on its way out. What a shame.

Wow, so many of the comments here are so disappointing. Here we have an opportunity to talk about our differences, admit our mistakes, and find solutions and common ground, and instead there is so much bickering. Who among you thinks that such writings will make anything better?

We are caught in a clash of civilizations, religions, governments, and ambitions, not to mention fears, hopes and dreams. If the US is the lone superpower (and the richest country), we are fools if we squander this TEMPORARY situation to try to assert our will over others, an endeavor which cannot possibly succeed. To attempt to do so is the OPPOSITE of democracy, and will only engender a horrific backlash. We (in the US) enjoy the fruits of exploitation performed out of our sight, providing the cheap goods that mostly end up as landfill, enriching the coffers of the most wealthy while trapping most of us in endless cycles of wanting, striving, spending, and, inevitably, disappointment.

The US has a unique opportunity to lead the world to a better place, not by extermination of opposition, but by intelligent and compassionate enrollment of EVERYONE in finding ways to peacefully (and healthfully) coexist. This includes somehow addressing the GLARING INSULT that western commercialism and blatant sexuality does to conservative islamic sensibilities. This is no more accomplished by bullets and bombs or sweatshop exploitation than by bombastic denouncement of one another in forums such as this.

Why does it matter if this person is a drag queen? Does speaking one's opinion only matter when it's someone you approve of doing the talking? And for those of you who are judging this person for being a drag queen, is that your "christianity showing through?"

ICBM:

Calling someone an Islamist does not win you any arguments. Your complaint about Pakistan's western border was addressed a few posts ago in which I said that the border cannot be controlled to the impossible standards that Americans want, and that Americans themselves have not eradicated terrorism from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Why are you issuing threats to Muslims and Pakistanis anyway? Have you seen the miserable performance of the American military in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the defeats of your conspiracy in Lebanon?

Jamal: Let me review some of the wars you list since you are not familiar with the history : 1) WWII--German attack on Poland,finally opposed by Britain and France, after they had acquiesced in the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. Then they invaded and occupied most of Europe, torturing much of the continent. Were we supposed to let Hitler build his 1000 year Reich and enslave and exterminate the sub-human races in Europe, and then reach out to America in North America? 2) Korea: A North Korean/Soviet invasion of South Korea. Compare the 2 Koreas today to see if it was worth it. 3) Iraq 1--Didn't Iraq invade Kuwait and most of the world, including much of the Arab World, participate in in this war to liberate Kuwait? Ask the Kuwaitis? Vietnam--after the defeat of America in Vietnam, didn't China also go to war against Vietnam? Hmmm? You don't refer to the aggressive Chinese. Iraq 2. Here you have a disasterous American policy, but why have you nothing to say about the butchery perpetrated by Muslim against each other--Sunni vs Shiite? Are there any fatwas against these inhuman crimes. No it never registers unless the Muslim World can blame the Jews. And the American and European intervention (far too late) to save Bosnia Muslims--again it doesn't rate a mention. If America is so bad, so evil, why is everyone over there crossing our borders to get here. Why do I see Muslim immigrants opening businesses all over American (and also European) cities? Are Muslims voting with their feet on the state of the Muslim World?

The thing that constantly amuses me is when people of any country critize another country for doing things that advance and support their own self interests. Countries, political groups, religions and social organizations ALWAYS act in their own self interests. The whole purpose of organization is to advance the causes and lifestyle of the people belonging to that organization. Sometimes charity work and humane actions are taken that help others outside of the group, but that is only if it advances the espoused causes of the organization or will benefit them in the long run with generated good will or tangible returns. To hear Pakistanis and their American counterparts whine about who helped who and who's getting the crppy end of the stick is sad. It ignores the basic nature of what an organization is and why someone is a supporter of said organization. It's ALWAYS about self interest, people! No matter what country or society you're from, deep down you know the only thing that matters is how any action will affect you and your fellows, and that the stranger is to be feared, shunned and attacked. Xenophobia is hardwired into our DNA and only rational thought keeps it at bay. Religion and faith certainly aren't rational, so of course it relys on xenophobia as the perfect vehicle for it's "us vs them" way of advancement of the cause. We keep this up, and only cockroaches and Keith Richards will be around to laugh at our folly.

Can we all just get along?

"islam is the fastest growing religion in the world". I can easily believe that. birth rates in muslim countries are very high, I just read a quote from egypt that said a new baby was born there every 23 seconds. don't we have enough people in this world already? therefor I applaud the pakistani drag queen for doing her share in not contributing any more. ali is also right in saying that we in america are creating all this mayhem in the world because of our self interest. oil, to fuel our sedentary lifestyle etc.. as for religous extremists, they are all over the place. we have christo-facists too in our current regime. great going ali! you started a global debate!

Jamal:

"The quality & construct of your comments on the geography between Afghanistan and Pakistan & freedom of speech speaks volumes about your imagined qualifications, if you have any beyond high schooling that is! It does not qualify a response."

Then why respond? The reason can only be that you are an Islamist idiot and you cannot help yourself. You have a definite need to expose your viewpoints and posit them as erudition, when you are nothing more than a semi-literate Pakistani rube. Why can you not be honest along with your dear friend "veteran" and state openly that you are Islamist cretins? Your shrill cries are falling on deaf ears old boys and slowly the worm is turning against the religion of peace and people like you.

As for you "veteran", or is it Mustafa, no one gives a fig about what Europe's position is on any matter of importance. I would appreciate that you pass my postings on to your friends so they can hate as well. By the way Jamal and "veteran", I am a South American. Sorry to destroy your stereotypes you mongoloids.
Cheers

I apologize to the pap for a stunt that was done 4 months ago regarding an umbrella. I was preparing my character for a role in a movie where the husband never plays his part so they switch places accidentally. I take all my roles very seriously and got a little carried away. Unfortunately I didn't get the part.

Oups wrong blog. I did it again.

Bad Boy...have you been a bad boy again? Looks like you missed your morning medications again! They may have to tie you up and electro-shock you again now, so behave!!

I need to P here.... All the Indians and American Indians please open wide your otherwise filthy mouths so that I could aim and give you your daily dose of warm and bubbly Mountain Dew!! You can also save some for washing yourselves, your kids and your homes with it later.

STOP FIGHTING PEOPLE...IT IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT!!

PEACE ALL

Jamal is a typical islmaist, brainwashed by Pukistani media and by islamic hogwash. Do not try talking sense to him. You really think he would know history (at least the right version) of it? He has been bred to hate, be prejudiced, bifoted, narrow-minded and intolerant. He has a hard time even accepting it that he and his brethren (or their ancestors rather) are former Buddhists or Hindus or Sikhs who were force converted to this vile cult!! And then guys like Aamir-my-ancestors-were-forced-to-islam-Ali would call all hard evidence (like population genetics) as ridiculous "theories"!

Irshad Manji's artcile is crap...it is misguiding! From the past, islam was a source of fascism, islamofascism, and offered Final Solution idea to Hitler. Islam took a significant part in implementation of this idea. Islam offered worldwide terrorism, murder, theft, ethnic cleansing, alteration of history and nothing else. I forgot, islam offered a world caliphate, which, eventually, must include Europe and America. In short, it is a dangerous cult and needs to be eliminated (the cult per se, not its followers). All followers of this dangerous cult need to be taught some sense and educated on how to be peaceful, tolerant and pluralistic!

A little off topic, but what the heck!

Jamal: Kashmir was independent before it was invaded by PAKISTANI tribesmen. Its PAKISTAN whos is the problem here, not India.

Besides, if Pakistan is so concerned about the sovreignty of Kashmir, they would not have ceded 5180 sq km of northern Kashmir to China in 1963 would they now?

I am sorry...Irshad Manji is not an ex-muslim (as I erroneously said), but just a muslim who has realized the folly in being a radical hate-mongering idiot. She is talking about reforming religion...let's see how well that goes with the not-so-open-minded most of the muslim world.

Anyone read yesterday's Irshad Manji's column in the "On Faith" section: guest voices? It was an eye-opener. Read it all you islamists, you bigoted intolerant radical fundamentalists. It tells you what your religion/cult truly is. And that coming from an ex-muslim makes it all the more credible. Take that...

Wonder why more muslims are not sensible or intelligent enough to desert that cult and go towards something more humane. The world would be so much better that way.

Veteran:

Yeah, you are so unconcerned with or opinions that you are haningot on an American news outlet's opnion section.

Your bigotry is appalling , but then again, you are from Europe.

ICBM:
Americans are lucky we europeans dont really pay attention to their mostly, as you yourself prove with your posts, unqualified "opinions", cause if your white/christian warrior mindset would get public here you'd have thousands of people REALLY hating America. Your ignorance and self-centrism is really chilling my blood inside my veins. I do really feel sorry about your mostly educated, loving countrymen, having to put up with your pure, neo-darwinian, therefore quasi-racist HATRED.

Thanks again for your 'credible' comments ICBM. Also nice to know that you are neither and Indian nor Asian but just another stupid racist anti-muslim American who tends not to see beyond the length of his own nose.

The quality & construct of your comments on the geography between Afghanistan and Pakistan & freedom of speech speaks volumes about your imagined qualifications, if you have any beyond high schooling that is! It does not qualify a response.

You & your type belong on this blog! So stay here and keep yapping like a good tail wagging puppy!

Cheers & Ciao.

Jamal:

You are an idiot but I am not surprised since your limited intelligence would assume that anyone who views Pakistan as an enemy is an Indian. I am not an Indian nor even an Asian, but I am quite familiar with the geography of Pakistan and Afghanistan and yes, I do know enough about military matters to comment on this very subject. Perhaps you can answer why the Pakistani Army is incapable of patrolling its Western Frontier yet openly states that it can win a nuclear war with India, a nation that has beaten Pakis in every armed confrontation and has ten times it's population? Apparently the Western Frontier is only accessible to the Taliban and their ISI masters, and supporters like you. However, one wonders how long your friends will be around to spread their bile?

"The same goes for the Danish Cartoons, when was the last time you or any one like you said something against the Jews in the USA?"

This is a real problem for you Jamal, but like a good muslim it always comes back to the Jews. Tell me, do you really believe that Jews and Christians are no better than pigs like your friend Nasrallah?

"...is proof enough of why the Americans are hated worldwide"

Care to find out how well loved you muslims are around the world old boy? Also, Louisiana is not a city but then, I don't really need to point that out to such a brilliant mind like yours do I? Do you know the geography of the places you discuss? I do not think so.

"I am grateful though that you have graciously accepted your hatred and despise of the Muslims all over the world. This certainly gives your comments 'credibility' that they deserve. Thanks again for being anti-Muslim and re-enforcing the title of this hate blog."

You are very welcome dear Jamal and I hope I can do more for you and your wonderful nation in the future. Cheers.

ICBM

Indian Army has half a million soldiers in Kashmir, which is essentially more than the some of the local populated areas and yet still they have been unable to eliminate the independence resistance by local Kashimiris? Do you really know the geography of the area to comment on military matters? I do not think so.

Regarding emergency services, agreed that we like you Indians, lack basic services in view of emergencies like earthquakes, floods etc. But then again, the did the US, being the most developed country in the world, fare well in its handling of the natural disaster in shape of the sea-tornado that recently hit the city of Louisiana? It is your own Hillery Clinton who said that had Louisiana been a white dominated area, the response to the natural disaster would have been different. Name one country in the world that has handled natural disasters in the most efficient form?

Lastly, when you speak of a man-made disaster you naturally refer to a nuclear confrontation. Unfortunately and since you have chosen a name depicting your international terrorist outlook and zero level of intelligence, I deem not to respond. The same goes for the Danish Cartoons, when was the last time you or any one like you said something against the Jews in the USA? Scared of being shunned and labeled as an anti-semite? Trying talking to your friend on the phone and use the words Taliban, bomb and allah in one sentence. Next day you will have FBI SWAT breaking your door with you face down & hands behind your back!! Enough said of the prevailing level of tolerance and freedom of speech in your country.

I am grateful though that you have graciously accepted your hatred and despise of the Muslims all over the world. This certainly gives your comments 'credibility' that they deserve. Thanks again for being anti-Muslim and re-enforcing the title of this hate blog.

Mike

Aimal Kasi was not a terrorist per say. He was a criminal who was hired by your own CIA to spook on whatever matters. His actions were on the account of frustration on his CIA handlers and he chose to shoot them at the doorstep of CIA HQ in Langley. He did not kill in the name of religion or any other religious motive thereof. This is similar to what your own citizen did in Oklahoma when he blew up the FBI building. He was too a criminal.

FYI, Aimal Kasi was arrested through the help of Pakistan Government and was extradited to US.

As I said before, try to get your facts straight before commenting. Your cocky tone of addressing others is proof enough of why the Americans are hated worldwide. In fact this essentially hate blog run by WP and Newsweek is proof enough!

Tom Wallach - Well put.

I think all of you are missing the forest for the trees here. you see the complaints against the US, and the general denigration of the role of the United States in the world, and you react either defensively, or aggressively in support. This person is not attacking the United States for its vile morality, its licentiousness, or any number of other things that rightly should make us bridle in defense of our culture. They are attacking our actions, and to be quite honest, regardless of our intentions, our actions in foreign policy for the last eight-250 years have been nothing short of self interested. Unfortunately, for the last 8 years, they have been dishonest, crude, and ultimately dramatically unsuccessful (unless you work for an oil company). yes, as an American I dislike hearing the blame heaped on the United States, but you must recognize that we made ourselves a target. Pakistan has had troubles and woes since they split from India, and those woes have been the fault of a variety of factors, and people. That isnt what is being discussed here, and I am not qualified to answer what Pakistan's true problems are.

What Mr. Bakshi has found is a truly interesting voice, portraying the non-fanatical perspective of a very interesting, and fairly popular persona in a country that is, theoretically, an ally. If this is what a transexual individual, despised by the people we typically see as the purveyors of anti-americanism, sees in the United States, perhaps we should take a step back and recognize our mistakes. To be quite honest, we abuse our friends, neighbors, and allies, and if I were a citizen of one of those nations, I would be farangrier at our government, and our people. In fact, even as an American, I am already.

AWESOME - Pakistani drag queens. Gives me hope that tolerance is growing in that section of the world. Also, I note that wisdom is often appreciated when delivered by a "fool", as in _King Lear_. Not like I'm dissing the girls, but when they get outspoken it's good they're wearing their disguises.

Jo - As for other countries continually having to be "grateful" to the U.S. - good grief! Will we pout and have a tantrum if life isn't always fair? We must accept, maturely for a young country, that we will not be thanked for most things that we do (or funding that we provide) and move on.

Besides, what exactly would a display of gratefulness look like? How long would it be required to last? Who would have to witness it?

Jo:

The only thing US does is to write checks to Pakistani govt for logistical support and catching terrorists that escape US troops in Afghanistan.

That does not prevent military coups, civil wars or mullah takeover in Pakistan. Dont make claims based on air.

ICBM:

Pakistan cannot control its western border to the impossible extent that Americans want. Lets also observe that the US is unable to control Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mike:

Our problem with India is Kashmir. You should also look at the thousands of innocents america has killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, before barking at Pakistanis.

As a human being, my response to Ali is that we in America are working hard to remove and prevent violent religious militants whereever they may be. Our toughest challenge is removing them from our own government, but they will be eliminated.

Jamal -

You ignorantly say: "There has not been a single time when any Pakistani citizen has been involved in any terror crime against US."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mir_Aimal_Kasi

You look like a fool when you demonstrate your own ignorance when proclaiming others ignorant.

Frankly, the only people who give a flying flip about what people in Pakistan think are liberal reporters. You folks have been demonstrating your savagery since the partitioning of India and Pakistan. Your culture has produced nothing but hatred and violence for centuries. Dont blame your problems on us.

Jamal -

You ignorantly say: "There has not been a single time when any Pakistani citizen has been involved in any terror crime against US."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mir_Aimal_Kasi

You look like a fool when you demonstrate your own ignorance when proclaiming others ignorant.

Frankly, the only people who give a flying flip about what people in Pakistan think are liberal reporters. You folks have been demonstrating your savagery since the partitioning of India and Pakistan. Shouldn't you be off hating Hindus or something like the other savages in Pakistan?

"Aiding in the 2005 earthquake, for which we are thankful to the US Government, was primarily also a PR stunt for the flagelling US image at the time.

Pakistan is also helping out the US Forces both officially and unofficially in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan to locate the foreigners who are creating instability for both. Pakistan Army has around 50000 deployed soldiers in the area whereas the US has more cops in NY then they have soldiers in Afghanistan.
-Jamal"

How very interesting. Pakistan says it cannot control it's Western frontier yet amazingly insists that it can fight and win a nuclear war with India. As for US assistance during the earthquake, I was never in favor of that as I believe you should stew in your own juices. However, it was interesting to see how wholly inadequate your emergency services are and I question how you will fare in a man-made disaster? Yes Aamir, I do not like Islam at all and this was long before 9-11. As for taking criticism that is laughable coming from a follower of the religion of peace. Did you like those Danish cartoons old boy?

I'm sorry but why do we have to help anyone.

Would they help us? I doubt it.

America is always to blame.

It does not matter how much money is handed out, how many extremists killed, or anything else for that matter.

Talk to your leadership if there are problems were you live, it is their responsibility, not ours.

Grow up already.

Lest we forget for the ignorant lot here. Pakistan Army saved the asses of US Special Forces and regular grunts in Somalia. Documented though not accurately represented in BLACK HAWK DOWN! Aiding in the 2005 earthquake, for which we are thankful to the US Government, was primarily also a PR stunt for the flagelling US image at the time.

Pakistan is also helping out the US Forces both officially and unofficially in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan to locate the foreigners who are creating instability for both. Pakistan Army has around 50000 deployed soldiers in the area whereas the US has more cops in NY then they have soldiers in Afghanistan.

Remember ALL the hijackers of 9/11 were Saudis. But since the US gets it oil, which in turns runs its economy and its defense machinery, it cannot even dare to lift a finger on the Saudis. Instead it is equipping them with more arms (US$20 billion).

Until to date ALL the criminals responsible for 9/11 were of origins other than Pakistan. There has not been a single time when any Pakistani citizen has been involved in any terror crime against US.

American foreign policy compass has always been way off mark which is quite evident from its predominant failures in the foreign policy & increase of militancy against it around the world.

So those pointing a finger on Pakistan for ills facing the US should first try to know the ground facts before moving forward with basically ludicrous and baseless statements on this blog.

Well, we are the reason you still haven't had a military coup or a mini-civil war in Pakistan. We have prevented the crazy mullahs from taking over the country and the citizens should be grateful for that. Also, destroying al-qeda or taliban was in your best interests too, so don't try to make it sound like you did a favor on us.

I cannot disagree though, that Iraq was a miserable failure. That however is not the issue here!

Pakquake2005.com

Pakistanis certainly appreciate the help Americans provided during our earthquake relief effort. That does not mean we will also appreciate when you threaten or bomb our country.

The Americans on this page are really behaving very childlishly. If you guys are a superpower, then at least read the whole article and then think 1 minute over it.

Jo:

The US isnt protecting Pakistan from anything, we are protecting ourselves. Pakistan is also the only reason the US has enjoyed success in Afghanistan and against Taliban/Alqaida.

American unilateralism has brought complete disaster in Iraq, but insecure and arrogant Americans like you cannot learn anything from it.

ICBM:

Pakistan has given enormous help in destrying Alqaida and Taliban, but a prejudiced fellow like you doesnt care about any of that and simply wants war against all bearded men in this world. That is your wrong thinking.

Americans call themselves a superpower, well then they should take some criticism.

Reply to AK: The British transfer of power to the natives in India/Pakistan was with no bloodshed. British did not initiate the Partition. In other words, British initiated Indian partition just as much people of US initiated the Iraq partition! British did not divide(they definitely conquered) India. In other words India was 100 times more divided than Iraq ever was and is!. British did not kill many Indians nor did they do much/any forced conversions to Christianity. The number of Indians killed by Europeans is not even worth mentioning, compared to killings Indian by Indians during the colonial period and after the partition. How could ~5-6 European Cavalry regiments ~20-25 Infantry regiments control 500 million people? They did not kill as many people in normal peace keeping operations these days. I do not even want to mention the good things British have done in India, the list is so large.

Sorry for going away from the immediate issue here. I did not mean to. But many of the issues that existed in India and Pakistan still remains the issue between Pakistan and America. I hope the people of Pakistan and India could shake them off.

"Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world."

This statement always makes me laugh. Islam is only the "fastest growing" because it is so terrified of other religions that it refuses to compete with them. Muslims are routinely killed if they try to leave Islam. Entire Islamic countries refuse to even let people bring Bibles and crucifixes in - there was a recent article about how Saudi Arabia is now prohibiting people from bringing pornography, alcohol, fireworks, Bibles, and crucifixes into the country. Yes, they lumped them together just like that. Other articles show how people from Indonesia to the Gaza Strip are forcibly converted to Islam and then punished when they inevitably try to switch back.

If Islam really were so great, it wouldn't be afraid to let other religions in. But the frantic manner in which Islamic countries reject other religions just conceals the obvious: Islam gets its sh*t handed to it on a platter when faced with other religions. Name me a modern Islamic invention that doesn't relate to better car bombs or suicide vests. Name me a modern Fortune 500 country that derived from an Islamic state. It's pathetic.

Indeed, if it weren't for Islam's compulsion to force its followers to spread across the globe and drag everyone back into the 7th century, I really wouldn't care. Keep your miserable backwater countries, nobody else wants them. But calling Islam the "fastest growing religion" is like calling the Bataan Death March the world's "fastest growing marathon".

"... it is the Pakistani young boys rather than girls who are in danger of being raped..."

Not news. Have not you heard of Isalmic suicide bombers being promised an afterlife with company of 7 year old boys?

Mohammed Atta in his will had said he does not want females to visit his grave. How about bin laden and other leaders. They all have a thing for young boys.

Tut..Tut..Tut... You Americans always ask the same question each decade....why do they hate us?...if its not the Muslims its the Soviets or the Europeans or the Vietnamese or Koreans. You have been fighting wars ever since your inception as a nation...WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq Part I, Iraq Part II so on. Says a lot about the quality of your international relations? Feel sorry for your poor grunt recruited from any poor downtown Miserableville in US and now stuck against his will in a war which even your country opposes! Keep fooling yourselves folks, its working for the likes of you. Happy Reading!

WASHINGTON - Army soldiers committed suicide last year at the highest rate in 26 years, and more than a quarter did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new military report.
ADVERTISEMENT

The report, obtained by The Associated Press ahead of its scheduled release Thursday, found there were 99 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers during 2006, up from 88 the previous year and the highest number since the 102 suicides in 1991 at the time of the Persian Gulf War.

The suicide rate for the Army has fluctuated over the past 26 years, from last year's high of 17.3 per 100,000 to a low of 9.1 per 100,000 in 2001.

Last year, "Iraq was the most common deployment location for both (suicides) and attempts," the report said.

The 99 suicides included 28 soldiers deployed to the two wars and 71 who weren't. About twice as many women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan committed suicide as did women not sent to war, the report said.

Preliminary numbers for the first half of this year indicate the number of suicides could decline across the service in 2007 but increase among troops serving in the wars, officials said.

The increases for 2006 came as Army officials worked to set up a number of new and stronger programs for providing mental health care to a force strained by the longer-than-expected war in Iraq and the global counterterrorism war entering its sixth year.

Failed personal relationships, legal and financial problems and the stress of their jobs were factors motivating the soldiers to commit suicide, according to the report.

"In addition, there was a significant relationship between suicide attempts and number of days deployed" in Iraq, Afghanistan or nearby countries where troops are participating in the war effort, it said. The same pattern seemed to hold true for those who not only attempted, but succeeded in killing themselves.

There also "was limited evidence to support the view that multiple ... deployments are a risk factor for suicide behaviors," it said.

About a quarter of those who killed themselves had a history of at least one psychiatric disorder. Of those, about 20 percent had been diagnosed with a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder and/or depression; and 8 percent had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, including post traumatic stress disorder — one of the signature injuries of the conflict in Iraq.

Firearms were the most common method of suicide. Those who attempted suicide but didn't succeed tended more often to take overdoses and cut themselves.

In a service of more than a half million troop, the 99 suicides amounted to a rate of 17.3 per 100,000 — the highest in the past 26 years, the report said. The average rate over those years has been 12.3 per 100,000.

The rate for those serving in the wars stayed about the same, 19.4 per 100,000 in 2006, compared with 19.9 in 2005.

The Army said the information was compiled from reports collected as part of its suicide prevention program — reports required for all "suicide-related behaviors that result in death, hospitalization or evacuation" of the soldier. It can take considerable time to investigate a suicide and, in fact, the Army said that in addition to the 99 confirmed suicides last year, there are two other deaths suspected as suicides in which investigations were pending.

___

Associated Press reporter Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report from Washington.

BV, look up Partition. India and Pakistan's birth was unfortunately bathed in blood, thanks to the extension of the British policy of divide and conquer.

And everyone else, please lay off Amar and calling him names. It's infantile and does little to advance the discussion, which is the whole point of the blog. If you feel compelled to express your disdain for the "anti-Americanism" of the Washington Post on every post he makes, then please find another forum that is more sympathetic to your sensibilities. He's doing a great job trying to find answers for us to digest. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to get these people to talk to him when they know that what they say will be read all around the world.

When will some "journalist" come interview me so I can tell them how much I hate Pakistan?

What a load of CR&P! A drag-queen hates us? And who does this creep support? The Islamo-radicals against whom Musharef and we are battling? I bet the Taliban would love to get their hands on this idiot. This type of hypocracy of public opinion seems to be common in the mid-east and South Asia. America is far away, and is really only an idea to the average Pakistani anyway, so it does no harm to "hate" America.

HAS A DRAGQUEEN EVER BEEN WRONG? NO WAY JOSE!!!
TELL IT LIKE IT IS MS PAKIPOE "RELIGION IS THE PROBLEM AND NOT THE ANSWER"!!

A Pakistani drag queen hates us? This is the straw that broke the camel's back, let's demand our government changes it's policies now. FYI, I heard there is a bearded lady in Mongolia who is upset about the war in Iraq. Send Bakshi there immediately for some more hard-hitting journalism.

Why do some of the people who routinely post on these articles constantly accuse Amar of propagandizing anti-Americanism? He does an impeccable job of excluding himself from his observations; rarely have I seen such objective, unbiased reporting. He is getting these people he interviews to speak openly and honestly about how they view America. So essentially what you haters are saying is that by giving a voice to perspectives you are loathe to hear, he is in effect promoting those voices? Ridiculous. Take the Indian and Pakistani opinions for what they're worth: they are varying outlooks on the U.S. we in America would rarely be exposed to otherwise. Great series Amar, and keep up the good work.

“America just cares about its interests, not about principle,” says Ali. “You can’t trust it. It’s selfish and cold.”

--- It would be even colder if after losing your home in the mountains due to an earthquake you didn't have all those American helicopters bringing blankets & tents to keep you warm.

btw - What were Pakistan's interests when Khan was selling off nuke technology? In the future that will likely result in many more deaths than you can claim the US is responsible for.

Personally, I've nothing against Pakistan. I do have something against people who blame America for everything bad in their world. America is far from perfect but I would rather them as the sole superpower than Russia, China, France, India or Pakistan to name a few. Little Estonia could do a good job at it though. ;)

“Any man off the street will be open for sex with another man, trust me" he says.

Oh?

THAT statement alone should illuminate the veracity, or the depravity of the fantasy-minded person who uttered it. It certainly is not the universal desire of humans with a Y chromasome.

"Always" and "never" are two words most people should avoid.

Funny, I don't think it is the latter becase I can definitely say I am excluded, as I have never accepted such an offer on the street no matter how many times I've been asked by gay men on Hollywood Blvd, while relieving myself in the bathroom of the historic, Laguna Beach Hotel, or while dining at Genki restaurant.

I wonder what other ideas he has that are equally wacked? What a good start on a new pakistan!

Everyone needs to get their priorities right. Stop fighting about my country is better than yours and my religion is better than yours.

There are two important things above your nationality or your religion.

The fact that you are a HUMAN BEING.

and even higher in priority should be
The fact that you are a LIVING BEING

Wake up!

Refreshing to read about your experience in Pakistan

I was recently in Pakistan and my experience with Pakistanis was totally different than portrayed in the media and by Miss Nawazish Ali (please read name with snotty tone). I was a bit hesitant to go being a female Christian American because everyone here said the Pakistanis would be mean to my family and I. In the end it was an amazing trip. The people were so nice and pleasant and were not saying any Anti-American things. We were having civil conversations on US-Pakistan/Pakistan-US relations. People were more interested in what Americans thought of Pakistanis, and asked if we hated them. It was also refreshing to see the younger generations creating their own identities and interests. Than again I was talking to the "comon, everyday people", people on the streets... whatever that means.
Oh and I'm not a totally oblivious American I do a have a Masters in International Relations...

Old Testament has violent verses, I do accept. But I challenge you to find one violent verse preached by Jesus Christ, just one!

XISTNS! Nice name too (smirk) I don't feel the need to know your name so don't bother with mine.

The article relates to a drag queen, not remotely Islamic, and his/her call to his nations to embrace their nationality. It has nothing to do with religious teachings of any religion. In this case, the person is not attacking Christianity, but Americanism. You are threatened by Islam itself and choose to drag it into this context. Not only that, your statements are incorrect and inflammatory. I don't believe for a minute that you have read the Quran, a large portion of which is very close to the Old Testament and speaks of the same prophets of Christianity. Therefore, you should not open your mouth and expose your ignorance and intolerance.