Archives 2025

India’s “My Way or the Highway” Diplomacy

Diplomatic Arrogance? India’s Strained Relationships with the West
India’s hostile reaction to US peace brokering, its dealings with Russia and Iran, and criticism of European diplomacy paint a picture of a challenging partner.

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India’s “My Way or the Highway” Diplomacy

Diplomatic Arrogance? India’s Strained Relationships with the West
India’s hostile reaction to US peace brokering, its dealings with Russia and Iran, and criticism of European diplomacy paint a picture of a challenging partner.

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Archives 2024

Pakistan Election Dilemma

Pakistan Election Dilemma

In a world undergoing a seismic shift in global dynamics, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads, grappling not only with its democratic future but also with the complexities of a geopolitical chessboard.

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Modi Nehru in Kashmir

From Nehru to Modi

The journey from Nehru to Modi reflects a trajectory where Kashmir’s “special status” has never been genuinely honored in spirit

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India’s “My Way or the Highway” Diplomacy

Diplomatic Arrogance? India’s Strained Relationships with the West
India’s hostile reaction to US peace brokering, its dealings with Russia and Iran, and criticism of European diplomacy paint a picture of a challenging partner.

Read More »
Bangladesh Protests lead to Death Count of 90

Bangladesh Protests lead to Death Count of 90

At least 91 people have been killed, including 13 police officers, and dozens more injured in a new round of violence in Bangladesh as police fired tear gas and lobbed stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who returned to the streets to ask Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign, during Bangladesh protests.

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Archives 2023

Pakistan and Afghanistan: The Simmering Conflict

Pakistan and Afghanistan: The Simmering Conflict

Despite the recent escalation in hostilities that the TTP threat has sparked between Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is as yet a little possibility that Pakistan will use kinetic action across the border, and even less likely that Afghanistan would respond equitably even if it did.

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TTP, IEA and China

TTP: “Let’s Disturb China”

Owing to its historical and current ties to regional terrorist groups, TTP is one of China\’s greatest security challenges. However, it is strategically unsustainable unless the Afghan Taliban stop supporting it on the pretext of fulfilling their ethno-religious obligations.

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Afghanistan: Amid Politics and Sports

Afghanistan: Amid Politics and Sports

In light of the controversy over the cancellation of a cricket series between Australia and Afghanistan, it is crucial to ask whether sports are truly apolitical or if their non-political nature is only a concession to the world\’s most powerful lobbies.

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Modi: Of Allies and Adversaries

While the 2002 Gujarat riots may have rendered certain memories of the atrocities unrecoverable and propelled Modi to the pinnacles of fame and notoriety in the last two decades, they surely won him friends across the world who continue to rally around him today.

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Iran: Its Asymmetric Footprint in South Asia

While Iran\’s tacit assistance of terrorist groups in neighboring countries exacerbates the suffering of Pakistan and the South Asian region, insurgents and terrorist groups are challenging to put an end to as long as they have sanctuaries nearby.

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India: The South Asian Giant

Given its ambitions for a more assertive role in the global order, it is imperative to mention India\’s contested, historically monopolistic dominance of South Asia. This also alludes to the support it offers to proxies in the region.

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Image Credits: Reuters

Terrorism in Pakistan: The Indo-Iran Nexus

In addition to the local factors that have contributed to the emergence of various terrorist groups in Pakistan, the evidence of foreign influence, particularly from India and Iran, is too substantial to be dismissed.

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India: The Fault Lines of Separatism

India: The Fault Lines of Separatism

The ongoing search for Amritpal Singh and recent communal violence against Muslims provoke a broader discussion about the role of religion in contemporary Indian politics and the extent to which it has fueled separatism in the country.

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China: The Pakistan Variable

Despite Pakistan’s myriad issues, which are more pressing now than ever before, China remains steadfast in its diplomatic guarantees to the country and the grand ambitions that supposedly inspire them.

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India: Hindutva’s Offensive Against History

Since the dawn of humanity, politicians have sought recognition for themselves and their political ambitions. Tyrants have routinely tried to manipulate, alter, and exploit history so as to advance their political agendas. This is precisely what India is doing today.

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Water Dispute: Iran-Afghanistan Crisis

Water wars loom: Iran and Afghanistan\’s border clashes expose the dire consequences of neglecting water disputes. The implications of these clashes are far-reaching, impacting regional stability and peace.

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India’s Terrorism Mantra – Oblivion or Obsession?

Unveiling India’s terrorism mantra: is it marked by oblivion or obsession? The recent Biden-Modi Joint Statement raises questions about a deliberate oversight, as both countries seemingly maintained a ‘deliberate oblivion’ while also displaying an obsession with Pakistan.

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Kashmir: The Silenced Cry

Silenced Struggles, Shattered Dreams: Kashmir\’s Unheard Cry in the Shadows of \’Naya Kashmir.\’ A stark look at the aftermath of Article 370\’s revocation and the unseen scars on the valley.

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What’s Next for Pakistan in IIOJK?

The plight of Kashmir requires a nuanced perspective. Navigating international concerns, India\’s ambitions, and Pakistan\’s strategy is essential to ensure the Kashmiri people\’s struggle for self-determination remains alive.

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September 6th, a day for introspection! [Image via SAT Creatives]

September 6th: The Battle Within

Beyond the displays of military prowess, September 6th is a day for introspection—a time to acknowledge that while external threats are palpable, the gravest danger often festers within our borders.

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The World Afflux

Post-9/11, the world changed drastically with the rise of surveillance states, evolving power dynamics, and ongoing conflicts in Muslim-majority nations. Explore the lasting impact and challenges for nations like the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in the complex geopolitical landscape.

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On FATF and India: The Accountability Conundrum

Are global financial systems inadvertently supporting a double standard in accountability? As the FATF\’s scrutiny of India looms, this piece navigates the multifaceted dimensions of the accountability debate highlighting the implications for global financial regulations and human rights concerns.

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Archives 2022

The Resurgence of Sectarianism in Pakistan: A Threat Matrix?

Sectarianism is so deep-rooted in our society that even the state deems it ‘normal’ and does not react unless extremist manifestations of the phenomenon start turning ugly. The state’s typical response entails the ‘concealment and appeasement’ approach, which was evident from its dealing with the recent upsurge in sectarian tensions in the country.

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Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban: Are the Tides Changing?

Pakistan wanted an ally on its west border that can oppose India and anti-Pakistan elements. Afghan Taliban being the ideologically driven faction emerged as indirectly favoring Pakistan. Though most of the Taliban are ethnic Pashtun, their ethnicity has never taken over their ideological identity, so in both respects, the Taliban were less detrimental to Pakistan’s security challenges.

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Saffron Vigilantism in Karnataka: Religious Bigotry

Saffron Vigilantism in Karnataka: Religious Bigotry

The recent wave of Saffron Vigilantism becomes a burning issue, as Muslims and Hindu Extremists face-off over Hijab Row. The largest ‘Democracy’ is witnessing an ever-growing religious intolerance against the Muslims under the Modi Regime.

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Where Is Karnataka’s Hijab Controversy Headed?

Where Is Karnataka’s Hijab Controversy Headed?

Karnataka’s Hijab controversy is not over yet. Instead, it takes new forms and spreads to other communities as well, as demonstrated by the news of a Sikh girl student who was asked to remove turban to enter her college. All the new developments from Karnataka hint at the potential of this conflict to spread all across India and fuel to unprecedented levels.

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UP Elections 2022: Key Players in Indian Largest State

As the results of seven-phase polling in UP, Indian are underway, based on exit polls, BJP’s incumbent CM Yogi Adityanath\’s return to power as CM UP for the second consecutive term in 37 years appears likely, which is definitely an achievement that will signify the continuing rise of Godse’s Hindutva in Gandhi’s India!

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How the U.S. Is Dragging China in Its Dirty Blame Game

Russia-Ukraine crisis has fully exposed the penetrability of Cold War mentality in the consciousness of the US and the West. Perceiving China as a close ally of Russia, the US has directed its venom and blame game at China. This attitude is counter-productive for the peace the US and the West desire in Ukraine.

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The Relevance of Iqbal

Iqbal was a philosopher who focused both on the individual and the collective/nation. But the qualities Iqbal ascribed to that ideal man were also transferrable and recommended on a collective and national level.

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Pakistan-TTP Peace Talks

Trajectory of Pakistan-TTP Peace Talks

Peace negotiations between Pakistan and TTP are not a first-time-happening. But, what is unique about the latest round of peace talks? What is the possibility of success? What are the possible gains and anticipated losses if a settlement is to be concluded?

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Taliban-Qatar Security Pact: A Reflection

Taliban-Qatar Security Pact: A Reflection

Taliban-Qatar security cooperation – the deal could have been sealed with any other country, but the Taliban opted for Qatar, the country with whom the Taliban had historical relations, and also enjoy a neutral status while being the United States front-state to deal with the Taliban – signals Taliban’s pragmatism on the foreign policy front.

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Foreign Policy 2. 0 and Afghan Taliban

In contrast to its hawkish foreign policy in the 1990s which earned the Taliban the ire of the International community, this time, they sound more dovish in their foreign policy approach which is well illustrated in the organization’s dealing with major powers and with those neighboring countries with whom the Taliban were at odds in the 1990s.

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On The Drone Strike

On The Drone Strike

Given the precarious situation in Afghanistan, the elimination of such a high-profile figure in the wake of the US drone strike raised an important question about the near future of the conflict-ridden country: What the strike has in its store for Afghanistan?

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Zawahiri is Gone, But Not the Terrorism

Zawahiri\’s death is likely to mark the beginning of a new and potentially final chapter in al-Qaeda’s history, which began in Afghanistan in the late 1980s. However, his death does not lessen the broader threat posed by Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups operating outside of the United States.

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On Development: Kashmir Since August 2019

On Development: Kashmir Since August 2019

Since the revocation of article 370 which stripped the state of Jammu and Kashmir of its unique status back in 2019, it is not only the property or land from which Muslims of the region were denied in the last three years, as attempts were also made to strip them of their religious beliefs.

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Bollywood: India’s Propaganda Tool

In Modi\’s India, the religious extremists and ultra-nationalists are using the media as a tool of propaganda to justify their unjustifiable atrocities and violence against Muslims and other minorities in India.

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Pakistan and Afghanistan: Tale of Twins

Pakistan and Afghanistan: Tale of Twins

The legacy of the Pak-Afghan region is one of conflicts and ties between the two countries oscillating between fellowship and distrust. As the two tread the path to greater stability, the time for laying the foundations of a durable union is evading fast.

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The Question of Girls Education in Afghanistan

The Question of Girls Education in Afghanistan

The Taliban regime\’s vagueness on the subject of reopening girls\’ high schools despite repeated promises reflects poorly on their image as an evolved group. The ongoing dilemma may very well be a watershed moment in their legitimacy and viability as rulers of post-war Afghanistan.

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The Urgency of Securitizing Disinformation

The Urgency of Securitizing Disinformation

While Pakistan has an ample sum of troubles to deal with, here is a case for why it should securitize disinformation. In hybrid and 5th generation warfare, cyberspace and disinformation campaigns are extremely lethal weapons used by enemy states. Hence, counter mechanisms must be a top priority.

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India in Afghanistan: Friend or Frenemy?

India in Afghanistan: Friend or Frenemy?

Despite ideological fissures between a deeply Islamophobic polity of India and the ‘Islamic Emirate’ of Afghanistan, as well as the specter of a troubled past, signs of rapprochement between the two are on the horizon. But at what cost?

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Indian diplomatic mission returns to Kabul, but who will address the plight of Afghan students stranded due to the halted visa process?

Caught in Limbo: Afghan Students in India

As 2500 Afghan students await Indian visas, it is crucial to ask whether transnational relations are relatively stronger for some communities than others, and perhaps if doubts can be cast after all on India\’s feelings for Afghans.

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Afghan refugees arrive at the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan to cross over into Afghanistan on November 2, 2023 [Image via Al Jazeera]

Afghan Refugee: Do We Ever Belong?

Every day hundreds and thousands of people cross the borders in pursuit of better economic opportunities and living conditions, perhaps sometimes only for the sake of survival. However, the level of brutality that they have to go through is insane. Such is the case of Afghan refugee.

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Poetry of Allama Iqbal: The Eternal Flame

Poetry of Allama Iqbal: The Eternal Flame

The poetry of Allama Iqbal evokes parallels between the ordeals of the past and the anxieties of the present. As Muslims in the region, particularly in Pakistan, reawaken hopes for the future, it is perhaps wise to seek inspiration from where their ancestors first discovered it.

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Afghans in Pakistan: The Predicaments

Afghans in Pakistan: The Predicaments

Despite a cross-border movement numbering thousands each day, Afghans have been subject to various procedural hassles upon their arrival in Pakistan. Effective regulation is urgently necessary to preserve the symbiotic relationship between the two nations.

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COVID-19: West and Pandemic Policies

COVID-19: West and Pandemic Policies

Winter has arrived and health experts are warning that a new surge of COVID-19 infection is looming, particularly in the United States and Europe, where COVID-19 cases are already high enough.

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Pakistan Embassy Attack Kabul: A Perspective

Pakistan Embassy Attack Kabul: A Perspective

If the attack on the Pakistani embassy in Kabul is any indication, there is no other option for the leadership in the two countries than to adopt a people-centric approach to prevent the region\’s descent into chaos.

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FIFA World Cup 2022: Towards Showdown

FIFA World Cup 2022: Towards Showdown

The buildup to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the contentious discussions over whether or not Qatar was eligible to host the event has only exposed in stark detail what can best be characterized as western hypocrisy.

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Archives 2021

Invading Afghanistan; The Abuse of Feminism

Invading Afghanistan; The Abuse of Feminism

In between the years of fighting, waging war, terrorizing, forcing, and manipulating ideologies; one tends to dismiss all the lives of innocent, women, children and men. That have buried not only their loved ones but also their liberation and right to life; in the ‘Graveyard of Empires’.

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Indo-Iran Evolving Ties, Rise of Taliban and The Region

Indo-Iran Evolving Ties, Rise of Taliban and The Region

On 6th September 2021, the Taliban claimed to take over the Panjshir in Afghanistan. Similar to their narrative which has stayed persistent since the fall of the Kabul Government, the Taliban have assured security to the locals of Panjshir and that they too will be included in the upcoming new Afghanistan Government.

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The Taliban 2.0

The Taliban 2.0

It is nearly three weeks since the Taliban took over Kabul. Since then, there is a lot of discussion taking place at the global policy circles and humanitarian organizations;

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SCO 2021 At A Glance

SCO 2021 At A Glance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established, in June 2001; as a multilateral association to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region. It was to join forces to counteract emerging challenges and threats.

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India's Role in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy

India’s Dilemma in the Indo-Pacific Theater

India with its leverage lost in Afghanistan is reportedly considering reopening its embassy in Kabul. This comes at a time when India is seeking its role in Afghanistan; either through ‘Asia-Pacific’ group – 18th Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers’ meeting, or through United States-led initiatives, such as Quad.

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The QUAD

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” ~Albert Einstein

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Archives 2020

Economic Responses of the Big Four South Asian Countries

Economic Responses of the Big Four South Asian Countries

There are two important components of an economic response to this pandemic outbreak. The first is building infrastructures like hospital facilities and quarantine facilities, preparing the staff to deal with the SOPs and procuring equipment. The second component is to adopt policies that help mitigate the economic repercussions of social distancing.

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