Will Imran bowl for six? on August 8, 2018After many times at bat, to use a cricket metaphor, Imran Khan has a chance to hit for six. But will he? His Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the majority in Parliament. However, a coalition government will still be required that limits the power of any executive. Way back when Asif Zardari became president in 2008 and before he voluntarily returned many of his powers to the Prime Minister … [Read more...] about Will Imran bowl for six?
We have met the enemy and it is US! on August 5, 2018Yes, the US economy grew at about four percent last quarter. That is very good news. But is all well in America? And are we focusing on perhaps lesser dangers to our way of life and our security, than what really may prove more threatening in the long run? In the past, successive American presidents and their administrations too often have forgotten or ignored history. Likewise, America’s … [Read more...] about We have met the enemy and it is US!
The Atlantic alliance on life support? on July 23, 2018London: The past week was disastrous for the Atlantic Alliance. President Donald Trump was the bull that brings its own China shop with it. At the NATO summit, the President attacked the alliance for failing to allocate enough money for defence, and then proposed a mandatory four percent of GDP as the target. Not even the US spends that much, and besides, NATO defence budgets are already fifteen … [Read more...] about The Atlantic alliance on life support?
What’s next for NATO? on July 11, 2018This is a potentially tectonic week for NATO, US relations with Russia and America’s future global leadership role. It began where last week left off. A trade war with China was underway. After sending strongly worded letters to several NATO members for insufficient defence spending, on a campaign swing in the Mid-West, President Donald Trump continued personalizing these attacks by accusing … [Read more...] about What’s next for NATO?
A jarring July? on July 4, 2018‘Beware the Ides of March,’ was the warning ignored by Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Today, there is no Caesar in America (yet?). But for those who fear Western democracies are in trouble, July will be a jarring reminder of why those fears may be justified. Certainly for the West, the future is at considerable risk of further deterioration in cohesion within the NATO alliance. Britain’s Prime … [Read more...] about A jarring July?
With friends like these… on June 13, 2018Can the United States (US) be considered a rational state under the Trump presidency? The world must wonder how the leader of the 'free world' favour dictators over democratic allies, and abrogate over seven decades of the international order created by the US itself? His supporters argue that Trump is a disruptive and unconventional Chief Executive who doesn't need much help in governing. He … [Read more...] about With friends like these…
The politics of fear on June 10, 2018Politics today is often described as being driven by “populism,” “tribalism,” “nativism” and “bitter divisiveness.” But what is really driving politics, both in the United States and abroad, is fear. Fear of the future and fear of the unknown are possibly more dominant now than at any time since the end of the Cold War. In the United States, a majority of Americans face daunting financial … [Read more...] about The politics of fear
The Trump administration’s dual crises on June 1, 2018Perhaps from years of real estate dealings, President Donald Trump believes that his ‘art of the deal’ can be applied to foreign policy. Flattery, unfulfillable promises, threats and, as necessary, ultimatums will lead to successful negotiations. Tragically, as other presidents believed that democracy could be applied to Vietnam and more recently, to Afghanistan and Iraq, exporting the Trumpian … [Read more...] about The Trump administration’s dual crises
Fort Apache on Wisconsin Avenue on May 23, 2018Atop Wisconsin Avenue in Washington DC, on one of the city’s highest points sits the Russian Federation embassy. Guarded by thick, high, white brick walls and double steel gates at the main entrance, the embassy resembles a fortress. And while this fortress may not be under siege, it certainly has been isolated and rendered off limits by the American government. The new ambassador, Dr Anatoly … [Read more...] about Fort Apache on Wisconsin Avenue
The new meaning of VE Day on May 16, 2018May 8 was ‘Victory in Europe’ or VE Day, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied Forces in 1945, and the end of World War II in Europe. Ironically, US President Donald Trump’s abrogation and withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, despite opposition from members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Germany, has given VE a whole … [Read more...] about The new meaning of VE Day
