The US Intervention in Syria: Complications or Resolutions?
A minor conflict that arose in 2011 turned Syria into a battleground of a full-fledged civil war within a few years involving the regional and major powers. This research paper will unfold in a sequence of explanations of the factors that contributed to the surge of a conflict and what interested the United States to intervene. Moreover, the diplomatic activities that took place and how Russia, Iran, and Turkey contributed are discussed.
Domestic Violence is Domestic Terrorism
Domestic violence consists of all the facets of terrorism. Hence, referring to it as “abuse” or “violence” undermines the severity of the terroristic acts. The author explains that the term “domestic terrorism” is well suited for these horrendous acts. She uses Pakistan as a case study, at the end, to highlight how the societal structure reinforces domestic terrorism.
Saudi Arabia and Iran: A Severed Past & a Bitter Present
Saudi Arabia and Iran have had a fractured relationship, and this animosity was triggered during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Both nation-states represent the two major Islamic sects, that is, Shia and Sunni, thus fueling both states with animosity. The support for opposing groups, the inception of proxies, and the initiation of counter actions towards each other began as a result of the security dilemma between the two states.
FATF Grey List: Pakistan’s Acid Test
Pakistan has once again failed to satisfy the Paris-based FATF with regards to the actions it is taking against terror financing and money laundering. The problem is the lack of international support. Even allies like China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the Gulf States refused to back Pakistan in the arena. The only supporter was Turkey.
Data Protection Laws in Pakistan: Resolving Privacy Concerns
The current pandemic has increased the significance of the internet manifold, allowing numerous businesses to survive online in the times of lockdowns imposed across the globe. However, it has also raised concerns of privacy and data protection, rendering it imperative for Pakistan to draft comprehensive data protection laws and the implementation thereof.
China and Iran’s Relations: New Allies on the Block
The new strategic partnership between China and Iran will not only enhance Sino-Iran relations but also transform the geopolitical structure of Asia. This partnership will seek to develop Iran’s economy and infrastructure; it will also enable China to buy oil from Iran at discounted prices. India and the United States, however, view this blossoming relationship negatively.
Nation Branding: India and its Public Diplomacy
The aim of this research paper is to critically appraise the initiatives of public diplomacy undertaken by the Indian government to enhance its tarnished image in front of the international community.
The Unjust Salaries of Government Employees in Pakistan
The behavior of employees depends highly on how fairly they are treated by their employer. The author notes that the unjust salaries of government employees in Pakistan have increased job dissatisfaction and have led to an upsurge in poor performance, low motivation, the disloyalty of employees, corruption in the government sector, and the protests in Islamabad in February 2021.
Corporal Punishment in Schools: A Tragic Norm in Pakistan
Corporal punishment in schools has become a culturally acceptable norm in Pakistan. Through the interviews she conducted with the teachers and students of different schools in Pakistan, the author notes that institutions are turning a blind eye to corporal punishment. This has left children alone to suffer the long-term psychological and physical impacts of the punishment, and forced them to drop out of school.
The Two Finger Test and the Dangers Associated with It
The Two Finger Test has long been used to test whether a woman raped has been engaged in habitual sexual intercourse. The author cites laws— both national and international —and credible authorities that denounce the practice of the two finger test because of its effect on the mental and physical well-being of a woman.
18th Amendment to the Constitution: Pakistan’s Dilemma
The 18th amendment to the constitution of Pakistan has subjected the state to a predicament. Although the articles amended are quite admirable, the author despairingly notes that no proper way is suggested to implement the highlighted provisions. She further elaborates that while it has delegated power to the provinces, it has also made the center weaker.
Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asia: Connecting the Dots
The Eurasian Economic Union is an organization that is composed of some of the former members of the Soviet Union. Its influence in Central Asia is believed to have been Russia’s calculated scheme to regain its control and influence in the region. However, both China and the United States are seeking to build their footprints in Central Asia.
The Kalabagh Dam Issue: An Unrealized Dream
The highly divisive issue of the Kalabagh Dam resurfaces as predictions of acute water shortages in Pakistan are made. The provinces, KPK and Sindh in particular, continue to cite their reasons for disagreeing to build the Kalabagh Dam. The author provides a counterargument to their reasons and contends that the energy generated as a result of the Kalabagh Dam would be a significant addition to the country’s economy.
Civil War in Libya: The Impact of the Arab Spring
The civil war in Libya has been a constant struggle for power. It has turned Libya into a failed state, divided between two administrations. The author asserts that the civil war in Libya divided groups, ethnicities and sects and played them against each other, causing nothing but destruction.
Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force: A Perpetual Security Dilemma
The military rivalry of the Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force has generated an ever increasing security dilemma in South Asia. This dilemma has forced the two competitors to pursue 5th generation technology. The author notes that in this race for dominance, acquiring aerial stealth technology can shift the power structure in Pakistan’s favor.
The Possibility of New Provinces in Pakistan
Ethnic and linguistic conflicts are considered to be the prominent reasons for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan. However, such action is presently not constitutionally recognized.
Regionalism in South Asia: An Idle Notion
Regionalism in South Asia has become more of a concept and less of a reality. The presence of rivalries and conflicts has ensured the failure of regional integration.