Pakistan has always sought to maintain a policy of neutrality — or let’s call it balance — between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this regard, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy long term strategic ties backed by various economic, defence and military-to-military cooperation agreements, not to mention the religious […]
The emerging troika and the Syrian conflict
As Donald Trump mulls over the multiple options regarding withdrawal of the US troops from Syria after what he believed the singular objective of defeating ISIL has been achieved, a new troika comprising of Russia, Turkey and Iran is increasingly gaining strength in order to fill the void left by the US and its western […]
Pakistan-Russia: growing convergence of interests
The fast changing geopolitical realities in global politics, underpinned by the resurgence of China and Russia and the waning hegemony of the US have paved the way for a new form of alliance structure in the region. Russia and Pakistan, once Cold War era antagonists, seem to have realised the need to benefit from this […]
Playing smart with Iran
The significance of Gen Bajwa’s trip to Iran last week cannot be underestimated. Not least because it reflects the increasing maturity on the part of the Pakistani leadership. Meaning that Islamabad has recognised the need for friendly ties with its neighbours, especially against the backdrop of mounting regional uncertainties and the ever constant terrorist threat. […]
Return of the Russians
The recent visit by the Saudi King to Russia was, indeed, an historic one. Not least because this was the first such trip by a Saudi monarch to Moscow since their bilateral relationship began back in 1926. Thus the move by King Salman portends imminent changes to the geo-political landscape of the Middle East, where […]