My letter published in Daily Times PakistanJuly 20,2006 to manage Lebnese crisis East issues. M Saleem Chaudhry Threats

Sir: The editorial “Divided against Israel as ever” (Daily Times, July 17) is a heartrending description reflecting the realities in Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq — the current battlefields of the world, particularly the Muslim world. The editorial correctly points out that sectarian and ethnic division and conflicts are encouragement for Israel to take a forceful jibe at Palestine and Lebanon despite Hezbollah and Hamas’ threats and actions.

No doubt Hezbollah and Hamas have dynamic leadership and committed followers but internal divisions, sectarian and ethnic tensions dilute the effectiveness of the groups and strengthens their adversaries. The reference to the emerging situation in Pakistan, after the recent suicide killing of Shiite leader Hasan Turabi is equally pertinent. Building a truly cohesive relationship and managing extremist elements in all sectarian and ethnic organisations is the real challenge for Pakistan’s current leadership. The sooner the state manages to meet this challenge effectively, the quicker Israel and its extremists can be subdued without threats or ill intent. M SALEEM CHAUDHRY USA