Am I responsible for Pakistan’s ranking?

The Failed States Index, for obvious reasons, hasn't been received well in Pakistan. The government takes issue with the methodology. On one message board, some Pakistanis think they have found the reason for Pakistan's high rank: Me. Apparently, my name on the masthead taints the whole endeavor: My good brothers chill just ignore this worthless ...

The Failed States Index, for obvious reasons, hasn't been received well in Pakistan. The government takes issue with the methodology. On one message board, some Pakistanis think they have found the reason for Pakistan's high rank: Me.

The Failed States Index, for obvious reasons, hasn't been received well in Pakistan. The government takes issue with the methodology. On one message board, some Pakistanis think they have found the reason for Pakistan's high rank: Me.

Apparently, my name on the masthead taints the whole endeavor:

My good brothers chill just ignore this worthless piece of trash, the Newsweek article praised Pakistan just a few months back, a magazine of great prestige and now we have some no bodies writing about us, and worst yet an [Indian] in the driving seat what else do you expect?

Um, I'm not exactly in the driver's seat over here. And I'm an American. But funny that they mention that story from Newsweek International, because that magazine is edited by Indian-born Fareed Zakaria.

Read More On Pakistan

More from Foreign Policy

Children are hooked up to IV drips on the stairs at a children's hospital in Beijing.
Children are hooked up to IV drips on the stairs at a children's hospital in Beijing.

Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak

Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.

Henry Kissinger during an interview in Washington in August 1980.
Henry Kissinger during an interview in Washington in August 1980.

Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage

The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.

A Ukrainian soldier in helmet and fatigues holds a cell phone and looks up at the night sky as an explosion lights up the horizon behind him.
A Ukrainian soldier in helmet and fatigues holds a cell phone and looks up at the night sky as an explosion lights up the horizon behind him.

The West’s False Choice in Ukraine

The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.

Illustrated portraits of Reps. MIke Gallagher, right, and Raja Krishnamoorthi
Illustrated portraits of Reps. MIke Gallagher, right, and Raja Krishnamoorthi

The Masterminds

Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.