Muqtada al-Sadr, the US, & Iraq’s Political Turmoil
Iraq’s political unrest has been years in the making. The consensus-based political system imposed on Iraq as a result of the 2003 American invasion has brought corruption and inefficiency to the state’s governance. Aamina Ikram notes that in the face of the rising instability, Muqtada-al-Sadr presents a ray of hope for most Iraqis, with his claims of establishing a majoritarian government for Iraq. However, since Iraq has been unable to form a new government even after 10 months post elections, the supporters of al-Sadr stormed the Iraqi Parliament & breached the Green Zone in protest.
The Myth of Secularism
While President Erdogan’s decision to change Hagia Sophia to a mosque has been criticised for being religiously motivated, one must also take note of the West’s use of religion in various political endeavours. Mir Adnan Aziz reveals that even in the most ‘secular’ Western democracies, several major decisions (such as the Iraq war) were based on the religious beliefs of those in power.
How Russia’s Oil Exports Saved Its Economy
The West believed that the sanctions on Russia would completely leave the latter immobilized. Hafsa Ammar notes that while that was very likely, Russia’s influence and resources insulated itself from economic shocks. One significant Russian resource would be crude oil, as it has now become the primary oil supplier to both China and India—a position that once belonged to Saudi Arabia.
Myanmar Executions: Four Activists Killed by the State
The recent execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar is the first time in decades that the state has handed out the death penalty. Myanmar’s military government has received backlash and criticism from human rights activists and the international community for its unjustified acts of terror. Maryam Ibrahim notes that even the threat of losing their lives has not deterred the supporters of democracy in Myanmar from raising their voices.
The Untouchables of Pakistan
In a nation that had been lulled into political apathy, Imran Khan awakened the masses and brought their attention to the widespread corruption, institutional conflicts, and economic distress in Pakistan. Given the public’s unyielding support, Mir Adnan Aziz considers Imran Khan to be an important piece in the political chessboard of the country.
Punjab By-elections, Article 63A & the Supreme Court
PTI won the by-elections in Punjab — but what really happened behind the scenes is a different matter. Hassan Saeed Khan reports how the judiciary’s varying interpretations of Article 63A have blurred the lines between the roles of each institution. These contradictory rulings have the potential to cause massive political turmoil.
Is Pakistan Becoming Another Sri Lanka?
Hasnain Haikal Memon compares the crisis in Sri Lanka with that of Pakistan. For him, the answer to whether or not Pakistan will become another Sri Lanka is not a simple “yes” or “no”. He argues that the two South Asian states are facing similar problems – inflation, currency devaluation, external debt, political instability – and if these issues persist, Pakistan might transform into a crisis state. However, even then, there’s a possibility that, unlike Sri Lanka, Pakistan might not descend into chaos.
The Suspension of Ehsaas & Other Welfare Initiatives
During his term as the prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan introduced numerous welfare projects. The Ehsaas program, in particular, has been a source of salvation for many Pakistanis. Summaiyya Qureshi notes that since the PDM government has assumed power, PTI-led projects like Panagah, the Ehsaas Langar program, Mera Pakistan Mera Ghar housing scheme, and the Miyawaki forest project have been suspended. Given the situation in Pakistan, the suspension of these projects has dire consequences for the state’s lower class.
Putin’s Visit to Iran: Ending Western Hegemony
President Putin’s visit to Iran has caught significant attention amidst the fragile global political and economic conditions. Faran Feroze considers the visit to have raised various concerns among Washington and its allies as the two leaders met to discuss economic cooperation and deepening partnerships through an MOU between Gazprom and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the installation of the Rasht-Astara railway line, among others.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s New Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is on a path to transform Uzbekistan into a modernized state. Under his presidency, the Central Asian state is witnessing a series of reforms in its political and economic spheres. Through socio-economic, communication, infrastructure and energy projects in its neighbors, Uzbekistan is fostering regional connectivity. President Mirziyoyev is determined to create a network facilitating cooperation between South and Central Asia.
Russian Gas Supplies to Europe Under Threat
Fatima Arshad Warraich writes that Europe’s acute dependence on Russia for energy supplies is causing them to prepare for a harsh and cold winter ahead, since Russia has threatened a complete cut-off of gas supplies. The EU is now scrambling to fill their gas storage caverns, looking for alternate sources of energy supply, and trying to quickly transition to greener alternatives.
Sultan Mehmed II’s Ottoman Empire Compared to Atatürk’s Secular Turkey
In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. The reign of the sultan saw the Ottoman Empire grow exponentially and the city become a world refuge, a center of arts, literature, and culture. Mir Adnan Aziz compares the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed the Conqueror with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s secular Turkey. He reveals the loss of identity of the people of the once magnificent empire in the name of “westernization”.
India’s G20 Presidency: 2023 Summit in Jammu & Kashmir
The G20 is a strategic platform connecting the world’s major economies, with annual summits being hosted by one of the G20 member states. India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023. Needless to say, some of the meetings are expected to be held in the Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir. Huda Raza believes that this move disregards the sanctity of the internationally recognised disputed status of the territory.
The Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka Explained
Amid the food, fuel, and medicine shortages in Sri Lanka, the island paradise broke out into protests which soon turned violent. For months, the situation in Sri Lanka has been spiraling out of control. Maryam Yasmeen takes a look at the triggering factors of the crisis that led to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation. The 2022 Sri Lankan crisis is far more than just an economic matter. The state has been deeply influenced by political dysfunctionality, administrative negligence, ethnonationalism, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Legal Debate over the Ocean Mall Incident
In this article, Wasif Hassan provides a legal analysis of the incident at Ocean Mall where a boy lost his foot after it was stuck in the escalator. He discusses the possible legal implications and the potential for this case to develop the law of torts in Pakistan.
Biden Visits the Middle East
Last week, President Joe Biden made a series of visits to various political leaders in the Middle East. While this trip marked a diplomatic milestone in his tenure, being his first comprehensive visit to a region stained with American intervention and restructuring, Hassan Saeed Khan writes that the US was too absorbed in relieving itself of the oil crisis than resolving human rights violations.
How Taiwan Is Hampering China-Australia Relations
Since the 1980s, the People’s Republic of China and Australia have maintained strong economic ties regardless of their political dynamics. Asra Zahid examines the history of diplomatic relations between Australia and China and how they’ve transformed. In recent years, Australia’s ties with Taiwan and its alliance with the US have led Beijing to question Canberra’s commitment to its one China policy.
