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 Pakistanās security challenges.
The Resurgence of Sectarianism in Pakistan: A Threat Matrix?
Sectarianism is so deep-rooted in our society that even the state deems it ānormalā and does not react unless extremist manifestations of the phenomenon start turning ugly. The stateās typical response entails the āconcealment and appeasementā approach, which was evident from its dealing with the recent upsurge in sectarian tensions in the country.
The QUAD
āPeace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.ā ~Albert Einstein
Indiaās 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 āAsia-Pacificā group ā 18th Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministersā meeting, or through United States-led initiatives, such as Quad.
Is the United States Pivoting to Eurasia?
![Sherman from United States met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi in Islamabad [Image by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AP21281255820748.webp)
US Deputy Secretary of State visit to South Asia, particularly regarding Afghanistan, marks a shift towards civilian diplomatic engagement.
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.
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.
Interpreting the (Dis) Connect Between Indian Muslims and Muslim Rashtriya Manch
This article argues that the internal workings of Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) indicate that it remains in direct control of senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar.
14 July 2001 ā Pak India Agra Summit
14th July holds seminal importance in the history of South Asia, especially in the context of post-conflict rapprochement that took place between contentious states of India and Pakistan. This ice melting came in the form of the bilateral Agra Summit, held in the Indian city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
2nd July 1972 – Simla Agreement: Restoration of Pak-India Ties
The context to this agreement provided a cogent look into the chain of events; that resulted in the signing of this deal in the serene mountains of Himachal Pradesh.