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Ebrahim Raisi vs Naftali Bennett: The Rise of Conservative Leaders in Israel and Iran
The rise of Naftali Bennett as the prime minister of Israel has increased the possibility of the situation in Palestine worsening. The Israeli prime minister has not only openly supported violence against the Palestinians (and all Arabs), but also made it clear that he’s against the two-state solution to end the conflict. Furthermore, the election of Ebrahim Raisi (a hardliner) as the president of Iran will take tensions between Israel and Iran to new heights. The author asserts that the election of these leaders might also directly impact Iran’s economy, and the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
Democracy Is for the People by the People
As the rule of the people, democracy is the political theory that merits itself a place of sanctity among the masses. With so many forms of government around the world, all with varying degrees, democratic norms are at stake. The author also notes how freedom of speech is used as a tool to impair the foundations of a democratic government.
Why Did the Ethnic Conflict in the Balkans Begin
The Balkan states, comprising of multiple ethnic groups, used to constitute a unified nation under the Ottoman Empire – and before that, the Byzantine Empire. Despite their ethnic and cultural diversity, the Balkans co-existed peacefully, and even had inter-communal relations. However, this changed due to the spread of nationalism by Western-influenced political elites.
By analyzing the writings of Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq, Mark Mazower, and Andrew Watchel, Hurain Sheikh, explains how this nationalism created homogeneous sentiments within a heterogeneous population. This nationalism caused them to turn against one another and demand physical boundaries. She notes that this not only resulted in mass ethnic cleansing, but also embedded hatred so deep within the hearts of the Balkans, that it has passed on from one generation to the next.
“Absolutely Not” To US Military Bases in Pakistan: The Possible Consequences
PM Imran Khan’s ”absolutely not” may be assertive, even liberating, but the political overtones of such a policy will certainly bring trouble to Pakistan in the international arena – where it is already in a vulnerable position.
While this policy of standing up to the U.S. may win points with China – another superpower – how beneficial that will be for Pakistan, remains to be seen.
Data Breach and Cyber Security: The Case of Civilian Risks & IHL
With the progression of cyber technology, threats to the cyber security of civilians have increased, particularly in the last decade. The author, Syed Qasim Abbas, notes that while the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) ensures the safety of civilians and their property in an armed conflict, it fails to provide adequate protection and punishment in the case of cyber warfare, in the absence of an ongoing war. Moreover, it fails to categorize civilian data—which is easier to breach when outdated technology is involved—as civilian property. This leaves civilian populations vulnerable to cyberattacks and perpetrators free to do as they please, thus elevating the risks of a humanitarian crisis. In light of the limitations of IHL, the author recommends certain changes to extend the applicability of the law to cyberattacks against civilians and reduce humanitarian risks.
The Civil War in Congo (1960-1965): The Roles of Belgium, the USA & the USSR
In the first half of the 1960s, Congo had been involved in a devastating civil war, which not only resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties but also laid the foundation for the continuous destruction and exploitation of the state. In her analysis of this crisis, the author, Lyba Mobeen, notes that the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo worsened due to the involvement of Belgium – the former colonizer of Congo– and the two superpowers of that time – the US and the USSR. She explains that, during the Cold War, a proxy war had started in Congo where each of these three states fought to achieve their interests, and played specific roles to bring it under their control.
The Implications of the US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The US withdrawal from Afghanistan comes after 20 years of continuous fighting. Yet, instead of being a prospect for peace, this withdrawal is the sowing seeds for a new civil war in Afghanistan. The author, Mian Ali Haider, notes that since the US bypassed the Afghan national government to reach a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban, it discouraged the former and encouraged the latter’s morale. Under the disguise of a peaceful withdrawal, the US is ensuring that Afghanistan remains unstable to contain China, Iran, and Russia. The author explains that to further undermine China’s role in the region, and in Afghanistan, the US seems to have formed an alliance against China with not just the Taliban but also with the G7 nations as well–which manifested itself clearly during the 47th G7 Summit in Cornwall.
Does Economic Interdependence Lead to Peace?
Over the past few centuries, global trade and economic ties have strengthened, creating an economic interdependence between states. This interdependence, according to economic liberals, is the reason why no war at the scale of the World Wars has occurred since 1945. They argue that global peace is positively proportional to economic interdependence and that economic gains and common interests prevent states from resorting to war. However, the author, Syed Qasim Abbas, refutes this and asserts that the decreasing interest of states in armed conflict is not solely due to economic interdependence, but rather due to the collusion of many phenomena. He explains that while liberals support interdependence’s role in obtaining peace, realists, Leninists, and mercantilists prove that the pursuit of economic gains and interdependence lead to conflict – not peace.
The Rise of Russia and China: Is America in Decline?
After spending almost three decades as the world’s sole superpower, the United States of America has finally reached the point where its decline begins. The US economic, military, and political prowess is being rivaled by Russia and China. Abdul Majeed, a political researcher and former member of the Youth Parliament of Pakistan, notes that America’s share in the world economy has fallen from 40% in 1960 to 24% in 2019. Whereas, China’s share is increasing due to the massive infrastructure projects it has undertaken in Asia and Africa. Similar to its economic decline, the US has fallen behind Russia and China in technological development, and the 5G and space race. The author argues that the superpower is no longer the ideal democratic state. Not only has it been marked as a flawed democracy for the fifth consecutive year, but it has also lost its ability to militarily protect its allies, and as Russia and China develop, so do the threats to the US hegemony.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan: How Pakistan Contained the Menacing Insurgency
The paper highlights how the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist group, lost its momentum. The paper also discusses how the political and military leadership (with public support) contributed to taking decisive action against it. While evaluating the TTP’s behavioral patterns, the author considers case studies on China and Sri Lanka, among others.
The Imperfect Track and Trace System for Tobacco Companies in Pakistan
The article focuses on the problems faced by the government of Pakistan in the tobacco tracking and tracing system recently implemented. The author asserts the need to implement strict policies so as to control illicit tobacco trade and regulate the tobacco industry.
The Untapped Potential of Tourism in Pakistan
From natural to cultural attractions, Pakistan’s tourism industry holds limitless untapped potential. Even as international travel journals & bloggers play an impactful role in attracting attention to the country’s vast scenic landscapes, substantial national investment in the sector can lead to great economic and social benefits for the country.
Romancing Israel at Palestine’s Expense
The author believes that without a collective effort of the Muslim coumunity, any solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict will be one-sided and laced with unfairness. Israel, with the unwavering support of the United States, continues to gain acknowledgment and support from the rest of the world, excepting a select few.
The Financial Action Task Force and Pakistan: A Political Agenda
Despite complying and delivering on 26 of the 27 points of the FATF’s action plan, Pakistan finds itself caught in a spider web, spun by the United States and India. The FATF has now issued a new six-point action plan for the country, leaving Pakistan in a bind. The FATF’s discrimination against Pakistan raises concerns about the impartiality of the intergovernmental body.
The Single National Curriculum (SNC) in Pakistan: An Inadequate Option
The current government has proposed a single national curriculum (SNC) for all educational institutes in Pakistan. The curriculum encompasses the indoctrination of a singular view of religion (and may continue to encourage rote learning) posing a continuing threat to pluralism, child development, and the quality of education in the underfunded education sector.
India’s Likely NSG Membership: The Bias Against Pakistan
India and Pakistan are entangled in a security dilemma which is leading to a costly and perilous arms race in the region. With the support of the global superpowers, India is set to be made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) despite the serious threats and risks w.r.t. their nuclear technology. Pakistan, however, continues to be barred from gaining NSG membership, despite the relatively more secure set-up.
Islamophobia in Canada: An Increasingly Vicious Trend
The recent terrorist attack on a Muslim family in Canada is just one case of the rising Islamophobia in the West. While Western state governments usually express solidarity with the victims, no effective steps are really taken to dismantle and eradicate the intensifying xenophobia in these countries.
Pakistan Unveiled
Most Read
The Implications of the US Withdrawal from Afghanistan July 15, 2021 
Democracy Is for the People by the People July 22, 2021 
The Rise of Russia and China: Is America in Decline? July 9, 2021 
“Absolutely Not” To US Military Bases in… July 19, 2021 
The Financial Action Task Force and Pakistan: A… July 1, 2021 
Does Economic Interdependence Lead to Peace? July 12, 2021 
Ebrahim Raisi vs Naftali Bennett: The Rise of… July 23, 2021
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