Down The Line - South Asia Times

The Dying Rules-Based Order: How Israel’s Actions in Doha Test American Influence

SAT Editorial Desk September 10, 2025

Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha marks more than a breach of Qatari sovereignty, it is a direct challenge to US authority and the fragile rules-based international order. The attack exposes Washington’s inability to restrain its ally, while raising profound questions about Gulf security, Arab solidarity, and the future of international law.

Ahmad Shah Massoud: Hero, Warlord, Legend

SAT Editorial Desk September 9, 2025

Ahmad Shah Massoud’s life embodied both heroism and controversy. Celebrated as the Lion of Panjshir for his defiance of the Soviets and Taliban, he was also criticized for his role in Afghanistan’s civil war and the atrocities linked to his forces. His legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and division alike.

Pakistan’s Role in UN Peacekeeping: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Global Service

SAT Editorial Desk September 8, 2025

For over seven decades, Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping has defined its international standing. From the Congo in 1960 to modern missions in South Sudan and the DRC, Pakistani peacekeepers have shown courage, adaptability, and sacrifice. Their legacy is one of humanitarian commitment and global service.

Pakistan’s legacy at the UNGA highlights its role in self-determination, decolonization, Islamophobia, and global justice.

A Principled Legacy: Pakistan at the UNGA

SAT Editorial Desk September 5, 2025

Since 1947, Pakistan has used the UN General Assembly to advance causes of self-determination, decolonization, and justice. From supporting Algeria and Afghanistan to championing Palestine and combating Islamophobia, Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic efforts underscore its role as a defender of global equity and multilateralism.

Water, War, and the UN: The Indus Basin Dilemma

SAT Editorial Desk September 4, 2025

The Indus Waters Treaty, once hailed as a model of cooperation, faces its gravest challenge after India’s unilateral suspension in 2025. For Pakistan, water security is a matter of survival, with millions dependent on the Indus Basin for food and livelihoods. As tensions mount, the fear of “water terrorism” looms large, raising the stakes for regional stability. The UN must move beyond silence, leveraging law and diplomacy to ensure the Indus remains a source of life rather than a trigger for war.

Rahul Gandhi Booked by Bihar Police: A Case of Political Victimization under Modi

SAT Editorial Desk September 2, 2025

The recent case against Rahul Gandhi in Bihar is part of a larger, systemic pattern of legal harassment. Critics argue this is a deliberate strategy to stifle dissent, weaken India’s opposition, and prevent one of the government’s most vocal critics from connecting with voters. This continuous legal pressure highlights a troubling erosion of democratic norms in India.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani: The Ideologue Who Defined Kashmir’s Defiance

Syed Ali Shah Gillani: The Ideologue Who Defined Kashmir’s Defiance

SAT Editorial Desk September 1, 2025

Syed Ali Shah Gillani was more than a political leader—he was the unwavering voice of Kashmiri resistance. From electoral politics to decades of confinement, his life embodied an uncompromising devotion to self-determination and a rejection of political compromise. His passing in 2021 marked not an end, but the continuation of a struggle defined by defiance and sacrifice.

Extremist Rhetoric and Constitutional Reality: The Case of Pakistan’s Islamic Identity

SAT Editorial Desk August 31, 2025

The glorification of militants as martyrs by Mufti Kifayatullah reveals a dangerous narrative that mirrors extremist propaganda. From constitutional consensus to historic fatwas by leading scholars, Pakistan’s religious and political mainstream has repeatedly rejected armed rebellion as un-Islamic. By platforming extremist sympathizers, certain nationalist movements risk legitimizing violence, undermining national sacrifices, and enabling the TTP’s attempt to co-opt Pashtun identity. The path forward lies in constitutionalism, peace, and dialogue—not violence.

From Disaster to Resilience: Why Pakistan Needs Dams and Flood Canals

SAT Editorial Desk August 27, 2025

Pakistan’s devastating floods have exposed a systemic failure of outdated water infrastructure. Without urgent investment in modern dams, flood canals, and climate adaptation, the country will remain locked in a cycle of annual destruction. Learning from international models and pursuing cooperative management of shared rivers with India is vital to building a secure and resilient future.

Afghanistan’s Fragile State: Security, Economy, and Human Rights

SAT Editorial Desk August 23, 2025

Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, Afghanistan has plunged into isolation, economic collapse, and humanitarian disaster. Security threats from ISKP, worsening poverty, healthcare breakdown, the rollback of women’s rights, and mass displacement have left millions facing unprecedented hardship.