The writer is a former ambassador to the US, India and China and head of UN missions in Iraq and Sudan.
ADDRESSING the sixth Yohsin Lecture at Habib University, Karachi, on Dec 7, the renowned linguist, political commentator and human rights activist, Noam Chomsky, who will this month observe his 92nd birthday, gave yet another fascinating masterclass on the state of the world. More than an icon, Chomsky has been an intellectual, political and moral treasure for the world. He has never sought to make grand philosophical or ideological statements that would encompass and explain the realities and meaning of our existence. Instead, he has always addressed himself to specific issues and challenges as a way to advance the welfare, happiness and security of humanity and similarly to avert and minimise injustice, violence and calamity.