German Chancellor Angela Merkel Says Farewell to Politics
It would be unwise not to call it an era, for it was Angela Merkel’s role that sustained stability in Germany for the last 16 years. She had been the Chancellor of Germany through the 2008 economic recession and the negotiation of some very important treaties. The reins have now been handed over to Olaf Scholz and his coalition government. Will Chancellor Scholz be able to preserve the country’s economy and diplomatic relations?
Linking Corruption, Democracy, and Economic Growth
Democracy is considered an integral part of the West’s foundation. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index and the Democracy Index, flawless democracies are the least corrupt. As such, since corruption hinders the economic growth of states, the extent to which a state is democratic should correlate to its economic development. The author, Syed Taha Mehdi, argues that in Asian countries like Pakistan, where the top 1% of the population controls 16.8% of the wealth, the political elite often exploit the state and sponsor electoral campaigns which benefit them. Hence, the policies enacted in weak democracies cater to the economic and political interests of the powerful few, often at the expense of the populace that has elected them.
Stranded Migrants at the Poland-Belarus Border: Victims of Politics & False Promises
President Lukashenko of Belarus has been accused of using social media to bring thousands of migrants (mainly from the Middle East) to Belarus. The migrants come in hopes of entering the European Union. Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have now issued state emergency at the borders, leaving migrants stranded. Belarus states that it will assist the EU with the crisis – only if the EU removes the sanctions imposed on Belarus.
The Idle No More Movement in Canada: A Case Study of Contentious Politics
Contentious politics is the use of confrontational and unconventional tactics against political authorities to make a social or political point. Such advocacy has transformed the national political landscape in Canada since the announcement of the White Paper policy. The author, Hurain Sheikh, addresses the definition of contentious politics, the use of social movements and protests in Canada and its contributions to indigenous peoples, especially during the “Idle No More” movement.
Conflict over West Papua Province: Dispute Between the Separatist Groups & the Indonesian Government
The conflict between West Papua and Indonesia can be traced back to the 1962 New York Agreement which enabled Indonesia to gain full control of the region. The Indonesian government denied the Papuans their right to self-determination by holding a rigged plebiscite in 1969. Separatist groups in West Papua have been demanding independence for decades. The author, Hammad Khan, notes that to suppress these groups—particularly the Free Papua Movement (OPM)—Indonesia heavily relies upon its armed forces and military operations. However, in the process to do so, it committed human rights violations and strengthened the Papuans’ distrust of the government.
President Biden’s Summit for Democracy 2021: A Big Question Mark?
President Biden of the US will host a two-day Summit for Democracy this week to cast an eye over the current status of democracy in the world. Much like the author, many feel this summit to be an affront to the US’s ‘undemocratic’ rivals, China and Russia — two nations that were struck off the invite list.
The Iranian Nuclear Deal: What Has Changed During Biden’s Term?
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear capability – fell apart after the former US president, Donald Trump, pulled the US out of the deal in 2018 and imposed sanctions on Iran. The author, Habiba Ali, notes that although the Biden administration is well aware of the importance of such an agreement with Iran, the latter has made it clear that without an end to the sanctions on it, the JCPOA cannot be reinitiated. Furthermore, despite the two states’ interest in restoring the deal, the 2021 negotiations in Vienna and Tehran have failed to revive it.
The Governance Structure of Pakistan: Studying the Federal, Provincial & Local Governments
The article explores the hierarchical system of the administrative machinery in Pakistan at the federal and provincial levels. Pakistan follows a federal system which makes the federal and provincial governments exclusive from one another. The executive, legislature and judiciary have been divided clearly between the federation and provinces after the eighteenth amendment. According to the constitution of Pakistan, fields like defence, foreign matters, customs, telecommunication and railways are to be handled by the federal system, whereas the ministries of education, health, local administration, sanitation, agriculture and industry are under the provincial setups.
The Ill-Fated Relationship Between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
With citizens being choked by the worsening inflation, the PTI government under Imran Khan is doing everything it can to avert the economic fallout that awaits if the IMF refuses the $1 billion loan. Many economists believe the IMF economic deal to be the cause of Pakistan’s rising inflation, but at this juncture, this dreaded deal also seems to be the only recourse for the country.
The Second Round of the Doha Talks Between America and the Taliban
About 40% of Afghanistan’s GDP and 75% of its public expenditure depends upon foreign aid. Since the Taliban takeover, the foreign assistance to the state has taken a plunge and the US government has seized over $9.5 billion worth of Afghan assets, worsening the humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan. Given the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, the US and the Taliban have, once again, decided to cooperate and pursue a second round of talks in Doha. Although the Taliban regime has not been recognized by the US, the former is hopeful that the two-day talks will start a “new chapter” in their political relations.
The Rising Inflation of Pakistan
Despite growing remittances, the inflation rate in Pakistan continues to soar with a current inflation rate of 9.2% in October 2021. This is a whopping increase from 3.93% in 2018. The author, Daniyal Ali, discusses the possible reasons — IMF and mafias — for this sombre trend, and recommends a course of action for the future.
The Agricultural Sector of Pakistan: Benefits of Precision Agriculture
The agriculture sector of Pakistan accounts for 24% of the GDP and is responsible for the livelihoods of 65-70% of the state’s population. Yet, due to the challenges presented by fast-paced industrialization, climate change, and outdated farming and irrigation practices, this sector is being threatened. The author, Ayesha Irum, notes that by adopting precision agriculture, Pakistani farmers can thoroughly monitor, access, and analyze the agricultural land. Precision agriculture will not only benefit the farmers due to its cost-effectiveness but will also reduce water and crop losses. The author asserts that if implemented properly, it can increase the yield of Pakistan’s crops.
History of the Gilgit Baltistan Area — Liberation from the Dogras
Known for its splendid mountains, natural beauty, hospitable people, distinctive culture, and linguistics, Gilgit Baltistan is the talk of the town for welcoming outsiders with open arms. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to the region to spectate its beauty and diversity. However, the beauty of the region was once stained by the Dogra tribe. Gilgit Baltistan was liberated from the Dogra rule on November 1, 1947, and this year marks the 74th independence of the region.
Will CPEC Become a Chinese Debt Trap Against Pakistan?
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has promised to create millions of employment opportunities, and undertake essential infrastructure and energy projects. The author, Muhammad Ali Talib, a practicing advocate of the High Court of Pakistan, notes that despite the benefits of CPEC, the immense Chinese lending to Pakistan has created a debt problem for the latter. An AidData report, analyzing 100 Chinese debt contracts, reveals that the Chinese loan agreements contain confidentiality clauses that prevent borrowers like Pakistan from revealing any details of the agreements to the general public. Furthermore, these contracts include cross-default clauses, stabilization clauses, and “No Paris Club” clauses which increase China’s bargaining power and policy influence over the borrowing states.
Relations Between Pakistan and Indonesia: Deepening Trade & Engaging with ASEAN
This year, the Republic of Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan celebrate 71 years of diplomatic relations. The author, Zohra Asif, discusses how expanding bilateral trade relations can prove to be vital in strengthening and diversifying Pakistan’s economy. As challenging as it is, Indonesia has assured Pakistan of its support in helping the latter attain Full Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN.
Honouring Abdul Sattar Edhi, the Edhi Welfare Center, & Foundation
Abdul Sattar Edhi, born in 1928, was Pakistan’s most notable philanthropist and humanitarian. From a small dispensary in Karachi, Edhi built a foundation that now extends to several countries and provides ambulances, shelter homes, clinics, asylums, maternity homes, blood banks, adoption centers, schools, and orphanages. The author, Alina Fayaz, notes that the Edhi Foundation, which relies on private donations and local volunteers, is breaking religious and social barriers. Through his hard work and untiring efforts, Edhi placed human life at the forefront of everything and helped people without any discrimination. This has continued to inspire people to donate to the cause, even after the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi. Edhi’s dedication to his work has won him several awards, but most of all, it has won him the hearts of the people.
The TLP Party & its Future: Will There Be Any Political Alliances?
The article presents an overview of the history and ideology of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Owing to the possibility of alliances, the author, Muhammad Hamza Tanvir, personally contacted a senior member of the party to enquire about TLP’s agenda and the kind of system that they would impose if they were to form a government in the country.