Why is India deploying its navy ships to South China Sea? on August 9, 2021Toward the middle of last week, the world was captivated by news that India was deploying four of its frontline warships to the South China Sea. Three of these were to be missile-carrying ships that can be used in offensive roles. Against a backdrop, on the one hand, of intensifying military and diplomatic posturing in […]
Evolving Tibet Policy of Biden & Modi: Should Pakistan be concerned? on August 2, 2021Last week, US Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken, was on his maiden visit to India. Much was said and done but nothing that we already did not know was coming. The usual platitudes and agreements to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the US and India were already anticipated by commentators, including […]
US Secretary of State Blinken in India: What to expect? on July 26, 2021Next week, all eyes will be on New Delhi as the American foreign affairs chief, Mr. Anthony Blinken, will be there on his first official trip to India. In itself, this will be the third visit by a “cabinet-level” official of the Biden Administration to India in six months. Mr. Blinken has been preceded by […]
Pakistan, Central Asia, US Afghan withdrawal & Taliban on July 11, 2021Next week, Pakistani leadership, including the Prime Minister, will be in Tashkent for the ‘Silk Route Connect’ conference. This first-of-its-kind conference is an initiative by Uzbekistan that hopes to bring together leadership of Central and South Asian countries to talk trade, investment and regional connectivity. In the run-up to the conference, a Joint Ministerial Commission […]
Behind the confrontation between US and China: An Orientalist perspective on July 5, 2021In recent times, a burgeoning rivalry between the US and allies, and China has begun to intensify. In this, the common view is that the US feels threatened by an increasingly powerful China. Yet, China has no real stated objectives of challenging American world dominance. Conversely, China has been on course to avoiding a full-fledged […]
What does India want to do in Kashmir? on June 27, 2021Kashmir has once again been in the news. On June 23rd, last week, Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, held a “surprise” meeting with 14 political leaders from Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK). This meeting has come to be seen as a “breaking of ice” moment following the illegal actions of the Modi government […]
Has a ‘New Cold War’ between America and China begun? on June 21, 2021The past week has been extremely eventful. At least two events have occurred that, going forward, are likely to have era-defining importance. The first of these is a summit of the G-7 that took place over last weekend at Cornwall in England. At the “Cornwall Summit”, leaders of the G-7, with the American president, Mr. […]
What does the US need military bases around Afghanistan for? on June 14, 2021 The topic for today’s write-up just as easily could have been: “What does the US need military bases in Pakistan for?” Indeed, even a cursory review of newspapers and television talk shows in the country would show that the US seeking military bases in Pakistan is being viewed as a very real possibility and […]
Why is Iran’s upcoming election so important and what to expect? on June 6, 2021In less than two weeks, our neighbor to the west – Iran – will be holding its thirteenth presidential election. While Iran is often overlooked by the general Pakistani mind, there is reason for us to be keeping eye on in for the upcoming election. Foremost amongst these is the on-going US pull-out from Afghanistan. […]
What is the issue of ‘adverse reactions’ and should I take a Covid vaccine shot? on May 30, 2021Since 2020, the biggest problem the world faces has remained the Covid-19 pandemic. Over time, it has both caused disease and death as well as crippled economies and normal life. It has become increasingly clear that neither harsh steps like nationwide lockdowns nor more maverick experiments with “herd immunity” are going to succeed at digging […]