Book & Author
Donald Trump: Crippled America — How to Make America Great Again
Imran Khan: Pakistan — A Personal History
By Dr Ahmed S. Khan
Look at the state of the world right now. It’s a terrible mess, and that’s putting it mildly. There has never been a more dangerous time. The politicians and special interests in Washington, DC, are directly responsible for the mess we are in. So why should we continue listening to them? — Donald Trump
I am convinced the moment the next elections are announced, a 'soft revolution' will explode on our political horizon and sweep away the corrupt status quo from Pakistan once and for all. — Imran Khan
Imran Khan and Donald Trump have emerged as the most popular leaders not only in Pakistan and the United States but all over the world. The two popular leaders have many similarities: Both have served as head of state, both are anti-establishment, both are very vocal about their views and opinions, both have been implicated in numerous trials and are fighting legal battles, both claim that the charges against them are politically motivated, both have very loyal supporters, both maintain a very strong political following, both are anti-war and prefer butter in “Guns vs Butter” debate, and both have survived assassination attempts.
The only difference between them is that Trump is free in a country with the rule of law, and he continues to actively campaign for the 2024 Presidential elections; whereas Imran Khan — the clear winner (70% of vote) of the February 8, 2024, elections — suffering from multiple ailments, is in solitary confinement on trumped-up charges, in Pakistan, a country run by Generals rather than the constitution of Pakistan. Both leaders’ situations exhibit the complex interplay between the centers of political and military power. Their stories continue to evolve, reflecting the broader challenges within their respective establishments. Many political analysts believe that any attempts to harm them or unfairly curb their political power and rig their election victories can trigger very bloody civil wars in both countries.
Crimpled America — How to Make America Great Again by Donald Trump and Pakistan — A Personal History, are two interesting books that shed light on the backgrounds and mindsets of two great leaders.
President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) vision focuses on five key areas to prioritize American interests and improve the country's global status: 1. Economic growth via tax cuts, deregulation, and boosting businesses and creating jobs. 2. Immigration should be curbed via stricter policies, building a border wall, and enforcing existing immigration laws. 3. National security should be strengthened via a strong military and take a tough stance on international threats. 4. Healthcare revision via replacing the Affordable Care Act with a new system that provides better care at lower costs. And 5. Education enhancement via offering school choices and reducing federal involvement in education.
Imran Khan has a 10-point road map for Pakistan’s progress and development: 1. Increasing the Tax Base to increase revenue. 2. Boosting exports to bring in more foreign exchange. 3. Promoting good governance via reforms to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. 4. Gaining support from the diaspora by offering incentives to invest in Pakistan. 5. Promoting industrial growth to create new jobs and boost the economy. 6. Enhancing agricultural development via modern techniques and support for farmers. 7. Implementing energy sector reforms to address energy shortage and enhance the energy sector. 8. Investing in Education and Health to develop a skilled and healthy workforce. 9. Building and upgrading infrastructure to support economic activities. And 10. Implementing social welfare programs to support the underprivileged.
Donal Trump dedicates the book to his family and people: “This book is dedicated to my parents, Mary and Fred C. Trump, and my brothers and sisters — Maryanne, Robert, Elizabeth, and Fred. Also, my wonderful wife, Melania, and my incredibly supportive children, Don Jr, Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. And importantly, to the people who are ready to Make America Great Again!”
Crippled America , in addition to the preface (You Gotta Believe) has seventeen chapters: 1. Winning Again 2. Our 'Unbiased’ Political Media 3. Immigration: Good Walls Make Good Neighbors 4. Foreign Policy: Fighting for Peace 5. Education: A Failing Grade 6. The Energy Debate: A Lot of Hot Air 7. Health Care Is Making Us All Sick 8. It’s Still the Economy, Stupid 9. Nice Guys Can Finish First 10. Lucky to Be an American 11. The Right to Bear Arms 12. Our Infrastructure Is Crumbling 13. Values 14. A New Game in Town 15. Teaching the Media Dollars and Sense 16. A Tax Code That Works, and 17. Making America Great Again.
In the preface, the author explains the reasons for selecting the cover picture and authoring the book: “Why some readers may be wondering why the picture we used on the cover of this book is so angry and so mean looking…In this book, we're talking about Crippled America... So, I wanted a picture where I wasn't happy, a picture that reflected the anger and unhappiness that I feel, rather than joy. Because we are not in a joyous situation right now. We're in a situation where we have to go back to work to make America great again. All of us. That's why I've written this book…This book is designed to give the reader a better understanding of me and my ideas for our future. I'm a really nice guy, but I'm also passionate and determined to make our country great again. It's time we turn America around from despair and anger to joy and accomplishment. It can happen, and it will happen. Our best days still lie ahead. There is so much untapped greatness in our country. We're rich in natural resources, and we're rich in human talent. Enjoy this book—and together, let's make America great again!
Continuing with the objective of the book, the author states: “It's time to bring America back to its rightful owners—the American people. I'm not going to play the same game politicians have been playing for decades—all talk, no action, while special interests and lobbyists dictate our laws. I am shaking up the establishment on both sides of the political aisle because I can't be bought. I want to bring America back, to make it great and prosperous again, and to be sure we are respected by our allies and feared by our adversaries. It's time for action. Americans are fed up with politics as usual. And they should be! In this book, I outline my vision to make America great again, including how to fix our failing economy; how to reform health care so it is more efficient, cost-effective, and doesn't alienate both doctors and patients; how to rebuild our military and start winning wars—instead of watching our enemies take over—while keeping our promises to our great veterans; how to ensure that our education system offers the resources that allow our students to compete internationally, so tomorrow's job-seekers have the tools they need to succeed; and how to immediately bring jobs back to America by closing our doors to illegal immigrants, and pressuring businesses to produce their goods at home. This book is my blueprint for how to Make America Great Again. It's not hard. We just need someone with the courage to say what needs to be said. We won't find that in Washington, DC.”
Referring to healthcare, the author notes: “Obamacare is a catastrophe, and it has to be repealed and replaced. And it was only approved because President Obama lied 28 times saying you could keep your doctor and your plan—a fraud and the Republicans should have sued—and meant it.”
Commenting on his habit of telling the truth, the author states: “I'm a Nice Guy. I really am. But I have a nasty habit that most career politicians don't have: I tell the truth. I'm not afraid to say exactly what I believe. When I'm asked a question, I don't answer with a speech that ignores a controversial subject. I answer the question. Sometimes people don't like my answers. Too bad. So they attack me. And when someone attacks me, I fight back. Hard. That has always been my philosophy: If my critics attack me, then I'll fight back. Let's be honest and truthful with one another. I'm confident my answer makes the most sense. You know who really appreciates this approach? The American people.”
The book introduces the author as: “Donald J. Trump is the very definition of the American success story, continually setting the standards of excellence while expanding his interests in real estate, sports, and entertainment. He is the archetypal businessman—a dealmaker without a peer. Mr Trump started his business career in an office he shared with his father in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York. He worked with his father for five years, where they were busy making deals together. Mr Trump has been quoted as saying, ‘My father was my mentor, and I learned a tremendous amount about every aspect of the construction industry from him.’ Likewise, Fred C. Trump often stated that ‘some of my best deals were made by my son, Donald . . . everything he touches seems to turn to gold.’”
Imran Khan in Pakistan: A Personal History has juxtaposed his personal trials and tribulations in professional and political arenas with Pakistan’s history and global events. Imran Khan narrates an array of events: The end of British Raj in India resulting in the creation of Pakistan, the 1965 and 1971 wars with India, the Iranian revolution of 1979, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the 9/11 attacks, and the American war in Afghanistan and its spill-over impact on Pakistan, and the doings of the corrupt elite. Imran Khan — a global icon of excellence in Cricket and Philanthropy — has unique credentials to tell his personal and his country’s story to the Western audience.
Imran Khan has dedicated the book to his sons Sulaiman, Kasim, and the youth of Pakistan. In addition to a prologue and an epilogue, the book has ten chapters: 1. Can I Still Play Cricket in Heaven? (1947-1979), 2. Revolution, 1979-1987, 3. Death, and Pakistan’s Spiritual Life, 1987-1989, 4. Our Failed Democracy, 1988-1993, 5. ‘Angels’ in Disguise: Building a Hospital, 1984-1995, 6. My Marriage, 1995-2004, 7. The General, 1999-2001, 8. Pakistan since 9/11, 9. The Tribal Areas: Civil War? My Solution, and 10. Rediscovering Iqbal: Pakistan’s Symbol and a Template for Our Future.
The author in the prologue titled “A Coalition of the Crooked, November 2007,” referring to his encounter with a students’ group aligned with the Generals, observes: “Blank Faces. Faces With No Expressions. That's What I remember. About twenty of them had surrounded me and a few were pushing me. I asked them, 'What is it you want? Do you know what you are doing?' I could see some had pistols. Beyond the locked gates of the courtyard, people were shoving and shouting. More crowds of students peered down at me from the windows of the floors that ran around the quadrangle as they tried to see what was happening. I was furious. My political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), was allied to this group, as the students that had surrounded me were in the Islamic Jamiat-e-Tuleba (IJT), the students' wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan's oldest and most organized religious party. Both Jamaat-e-Islami and Tehreek-e-Insaf were part of the All Parties Democratic Movement campaigning for an end to General Pervez Musharraf's military dictatorship and the restoration of Pakistan's chief justice. Yet these students were working for a dictator who had issued orders to arrest me and behaving just like a gang of street thugs. Although I had heard tales about the IJT, I had not fully realized the kind of people they were. Everyone on the university campus is scared of them. Once known for their ideological views and great discipline, they appear to have degenerated into a kind of mafia or fascist group operating inside the university, bearing guns and beating people up. They stifle debate in an educational establishment that has in its time produced two Nobel laureates — the University of the Punjab was established in the late nineteenth century by the British, in the country's second city, Lahore. No government dares tackle them, ordinary students at the university are petrified of them and even the party they belong to, the Jamaat-e-Islami, does not seem to be able to control them. Much later I heard the Jamiat activists had been paid large sums of money to turn on me — allegedly by the government.” In the prologue, Imran Khan also describes the details of his harsh imprisonment by General Musharaf. But that was a cakewalk compared to the Generals’ current barbaric ‘Morsi-script’ treatment of him in the dungeons of Adiala jail!
In the Chapter titled “Rediscovering Iqbal: Pakistan’s future,” Imran Khan observes: “The decay and decline in Islamic intellectual thought, according to Iqbal, set in five hundred years ago when the door to ijtihad, a scholarly debate on our religion and its traditions, were closed. The Qur’anic principles — which for Muslims are eternal principles — needed constantly to be reinterpreted in light of new knowledge…Iqbal pointed out in his sixth lecture — of his outstanding Lectures on the Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam — that in the modern period, things had changed ‘and the world of Islam is today confronted and affected by new forces set free by the extraordinary development of human thought in all its directions…The claim of the present generation of Muslim liberals to re-interpret the foundational legal principles, in light of their own experience and altered conditions of modern life, in my opinion, is perfectly justified. The teaching of the Qur’an that life is a process of progressive creation necessitates that each generation, guided but unhampered by the work of its predecessors, should be permitted to solve its own problems.’”
In the epilogue, discussing the problems faced by Pakistan, Imran Khan states: “Pakistan has one of the lowest tax collection rates in the world with a tax-to-GDP ratio of about 9 percent — only about 2.5 million are registered to pay tax, representing less than 2 percent of the population. The country relies instead on sales tax, which of course everybody pays at the same rate, regardless of income. The poor effectively subsidize the rich, and the powerful do everything they can to maintain this injustice. Our politicians are some of the worst culprits. A survey found 61 percent of Pakistani parliamentarians pay no tax at all. According to his 2009/2010 tax returns, the billionaire Nawaz Sharif paid income tax of 5,000 rupees (about US$60), while Zardari paid nothing at all. Rich landowners also participate in this ruthless exploitation of the poor; agriculture is untaxed, despite the industry employing almost half the population. Five percent of the farmers own 37 percent of the land, yet they pay no income tax. So, the United States, by giving the Pakistani government aid in return for its contribution to the 'war on terror', is simply propping up this appalling system. Why should the Pakistani rich bother to pay taxes when foreign loans and aid money are always there to cover up their incompetence and corruption and pay for their lavish lifestyle? And why should politicians bother to fix the economy when they can artificially maintain it with American dollars?”
Continuing his narration of the problems faced by Pakistan, Imran Khan notes: “Every day the newspapers are filled with reports of people killing themselves and sometimes their families because of desperation over how to make ends meet. Thirty-four thousand innocent people have been killed since 2003, millions have been displaced by fighting and we are facing civil war in the tribal areas and a rising insurgency in Baluchistan. The country today faces unprecedented unemployment, inflation, breakdowns in infrastructure, shortages of gas and power, and lawlessness. The war has been a disaster for the people but made the powerful richer. Our capital is like a city under siege, its people subject to routine security checks as if every Pakistani is a potential terrorist, a situation the police often make use of to extract bribes. Capital is pouring out of the country. A fortune is spent on the security of politicians, to the detriment of the rest of the population. In Punjab, almost half of a 900-strong elite police force is deployed to protect the Sharif family, while 64 percent of all police in the capital are on VIP duty.”
Envisioning the future, Imran Khan states: “…I am convinced the moment the next elections are announced, a 'soft revolution' will explode on our political horizon and sweep away the corrupt status quo from Pakistan once and for all.”
Crimpled America — How to Make America Great Again by Donald Trump, and Pakistan — A Personal History, are two interesting books which provide personal histories and political and economic philosophies of two great leaders. These are essential reading for all.
(Dr Ahmed S. Khan — dr.a.s.khan@ieee.org — is a Fulbright Specialist Scholar)
