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It is not surprising that most Pakistanis do not support America's bombardment of Afghanistan. The Afghans are neighbours on the brink of starvation and devastated by war. America has shown itself to be untrustworthy, a superpower that uses its values as a scabbard for its sword.
Mohsin Hamid
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the moral implications of America's actions in Afghanistan and the resultant perspective of neighboring Pakistanis.

In this quote, Mohsin Hamid reflects on the perceptions of Pakistanis towards the U.S. military actions in Afghanistan. He points out that with the Afghan population suffering from war and starvation, it is understandable that Pakistanis would not support such bombardments, viewing America as a superpower that disguises its aggressive tactics with rhetoric about values and ethics. This suggests a critique of the disparity between proclaimed ideals and actual behavior in international relations.

Themes

AfghanistanWarMoralityTrustNeighbors

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about international relations and moral responsibilities.

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Part of the reason people abroad resent the United States is something Americans can do very little about: envy. The richest, most powerful country in the world attracts the jealousy of others in much the same way that the richest, most powerful man in a small town attracts the jealousy of others.
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