Global Governance Over Climate Change: Case Study of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Several factors hamper global governance over climate change, such as the overwhelming North-South divide, institutional stagnancy, and rampant capitalism.
Shiza Ahmed built upon the case study of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and detailed how it could play an impactful role in alleviating the effects of the climate crisis.
What kind of reforms would the WTO have to undergo to help curb the effects of climate change?
Maskirovka, A Russian Military Strategy—Is the Element of Surprise Still Relevant?
Maskirovka has always been an elusive term, often times used crudely at any Russian perceived act, but there is more depth, complexity, and meaning to maskirovka than some immoral Russian trickery.
It is a military art, deemed reliable since its first use against the Mongols. It is a way of war, and along with it comes the element of surprise, an under-rated part of maskirovka.
Alishbah Syed explores the concept of maskirovka and the continuing relevance of surprise in it.
Provincial Power Up: Analyzing the Devolution of Power in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the shifting patterns of political and military rules have had profound effects on the development of grassroots democracy, including on the form and design of local government institutions.
Accordingly, the nation has been subject to both ‘dictatorial democracy’ and ‘democratic dictatorship’ in terms of its municipal governments.
Fatimah Naeem and Haffiza Syeda Azkia Batool chart the evolution of decentralization, from the Devolution of Power Plan 2001 (DOPP) to the 18th Amendment.
Democracy in Peril: India’s 2024 Lok Sabha Elections & Modi’s Assured Return
The 18th Lok Sabha elections in India are expected to be won by the incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, concerns have been raised about the BJP’s policies of authoritarianism, which threaten democracy, secularism, and the protection of minorities within India.
Pareesa Memon highlights BJP’s catastrophic history and its increasing marginalization of minorities. She expresses concern that with a third term, the BJP will further reduce space for dissent, debate, legislative scrutiny, and oversight.
Global Institutions and International Agreements on Climate Change
The issue of climate change is caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from activities such as the use of fossil fuels and agriculture, and natural sources such as forest fires and volcanoes.
Shiza Ahmed notes an urgent need for global consensus and collective efforts to mitigate and adapt to the issue.
Tales from the Steppes: The Presence of Muslims & Islam in Russia
The history of the Muslim communities in Russia dates farther back than the collapse of the Soviet Union.
This article delves into the rich heritage of Islamic traditions in Russia, from the early interactions with Tatar Muslims to the modern-day expressions of faith among diverse Muslim communities.
Fatimah Naeem examines the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims in the Russian state, including issues of religious freedom, cultural integration, and political representation.
She also highlights the contributions of Islam to Russian culture and society, showcasing the resilience and diversity of Muslim identities within the Russian Federation.
The Iran-Israel War: A False Front of Power
The Iran-Israel war has been making headlines in April, and rightly so—the fear of a WWIII happening has the world glued to screens now, more than ever before.
Lt Gen (R) Tariq Khan has a different view of these attacks between Iran and Israel. He deems them only to be an act; a play that appears to show both countries as protagonists.
Myanmar’s Turbulent Journey Through a History of Coups and Resilience
In the archives of Myanmar’s rich and intricate history, the chapters detailing military coup d’état echo with a jarring blend of resistance, power, and resilience.
Today, we find a nation that has weathered the intense storms of terror, staging revolts while standing resilient amongst the changing winds.
The military coup in the state of Myanmar took place in 2021, bringing forth the horrors of its past. Ayra Azhar attempts to navigate Myanmar’s intricate past, unveiling the shadows of its military rule while igniting the flickering flames of democracy.
The Red Heifer and the Third Temple
Abu Obaida of Al-Qassam Brigades linked the arrival of red heifers to the October 7 attacks, showcasing the intertwining of politics and religion.
The historical significance of Palestine, especially Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscores religious and geopolitical tensions.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, once seen as purely political, is now viewed religiously. The quest for a pure red cow, crucial in Jewish prophecy for the Third Temple, exemplifies this.
Muhammad Hamza Tanvir breaks down the Jewish prophecy and its implications for the followers of Abrahamic religions.
Pakistan and Its Obsession with the CSS Exam
Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) exams are highly competitive and aim to recruit talented individuals for various government departments.
Maidah Tariq notes that the exams have evolved since Pakistan’s independence, encompassing a wide range of subjects to reflect the country’s administrative and socio-political needs.
Nowadays, everyone wants to apply for CSS exam. Why is it so?
Understanding Your WAPDA Electricity Bill
Understanding consumer electricity bills is a fundamental necessity for most Pakistanis. Maidah Tariq delves into effectively reading and managing your WAPDA electricity bill amidst the rampant corruption in the institution. She also provides recommendations to help consumers lower their electricity bills.
Terror Attacks in Pakistan: Role of Afghanistan in Promoting Instability
Since the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has consistently voiced its concern regarding the neighboring country’s harboring of terrorists. The recent surge in terror attacks in Pakistan, Iran, and Russia has reignited this concern, prompting questions about American interests in fostering instability in the region.
Kafala System: Violating the Rights of Migrant Labor in the Middle East
Migrant labor plays a crucial role in the global workforce, contributing significantly to host countries’ economies.
However, they encounter various obstacles such as low pay, discrimination, and infringements of their labor and human rights, notably through the kafala system in the Middle East.
Khizra Rashad takes the example of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup controversy to illustrate the widespread mistreatment and exploitation experienced by migrant workers in many Middle Eastern countries.
The Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919)
The Third Anglo-Afghan War broke out after Amanullah Khan declared Afghanistan’s independence from Great Britain. Amanullah’s background, motivations for war, geo-strategic aspects, and religious and tribal relationships were significant factors leading to the outbreak of the war.
Amina Iqbal notes that the war resulted in Afghanistan gaining full sovereignty over its national machinery and led to the signing of a peace treaty in 1919.
Russia’s War in Ukraine: Shrouded in Western Hypocrisy
In his analysis, Lt Gen (R) Tariq Khan discusses the glaring hypocrisy of the West amid Russia’s war with Ukraine. He highlights the stark contrast in Western response, noting that despite its apathy towards conflicts in Iraq, Palestine, and Bosnia, the West has now decided to raise its voice for Ukraine simply because it’s considered “civilized,” unlike the others. The author critiques Western involvement and its portrayal of Ukraine as a victim, while predicting a grim future for the country. He emphasizes the need for a fairer global order based on equality and justice.
Is China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Another Marshall Plan?
Though they’re separated by more than half a century, the American Marshall Plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were both responses to global crises. Fahad Nasir provides a comparative analysis of the two financial initiatives, drawing upon the differences and similarities between the two in a comprehensive manner.
Unraveling the Wisdom: The Prohibition of Riba in Islam
Anas Sultan explains the concept of riba and how it is prohibited in the major global religions.
He argues that riba is destabilizing because it can lead to variations in market dynamics, drive up prices, and degrade society and social morality.
The global financial crisis of 2008 is a prime example of the societal downfall that riba can trigger.
