The right response

This refers to the article, ‘Haqqani’s plea to US not a surprise’ (April 23) by Syed Anwar Mahmood. Hussain Haqqani wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal – a publication read around the world and carrying much influence internationally. Why could Anwar Mehmood – a former information czar – not write its rebuttal in an international publication like the WSJ?
Husain Haqqani offered an opinion, however unpopular at home, and made no personal remarks about anyone. The writer responded by hurling accusations at Haqqani that most of us have read many times before. How does repeating attacks on Haqqani in the local media diminish his influence on the opinions and ideas of people in the world? Whether Haqqani is good or bad, the fact is that his opinions and research read around the world will have to be countered with equally credible research published in international publications. The international impact of his books and articles will not be lessened by writing negative stories about him in the local media. In fact, personally attacking Haqqani in the media only makes his detractors look petty and incapable of producing anything of global significance themselves.
Safoora Shehbaz
Karachi