With the Chinese economic model flourishing along the Silk Roads, the United States has started to realize to develop similar ‘weapons’ in order to compete with revisionist China’s unique take on capitalism. If this doesn’t point toward the revival of the ‘Great Game’ with Afghanistan as the fulcrum of Eurasia, what does? – The Great Game 3.0.
The rise of China at breakneck speed and the growing influence of Russia in the International Political arena after its invasion of Ukraine, are some of the things which Frankopan had already predicted in The Silk Roads: A New History of the World.
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.
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.
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?
![Pakistan TTP Negotiations [Image Credits: AP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AP22138450889608.webp "Pakistan-TTP Negotiations")
On-going negotiations between Pakistan and TTP; what are the stakes for Pakistan and the Interim Government of Afghanistan? What are the potential detrimental factors that can sabotage the smoothly progressing peace process, that includes the key involvement of Tribal elders?
Afghanistan in influx – can Pakistan afford to allow India to make in-roads into Afghanistan once again? How much worrisome is India\’s gradually growing ingress in Afghanistan?
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.
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.