The 27th GCC-EU Joint Council in Oman
The 27th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – European Union (EU) Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting took place in Muscat, Oman on 9th and 10th October 2023.
Chaired by H.E. Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, and H.E. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, the meeting aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two organizations.
From Manifesto to Mandate: Understanding the Road Ahead for Argentina
Muhammad Karam delves into Argentina’s recent political landscape, focusing on the 2023 general elections that resulted in the election of Javier Milei, a far-right anarcho-capitalist, as the new president.
With his landslide victory, Milei’s unconventional approach and economic promises are analyzed in depth, along with an exploration of his background, campaign strategies, and the challenges his administration may face.
The Pakistan-Iran Border: A Conduit of Culture, Trade, and Geopolitical Dynamics
The Pakistan-Iran border of about 900 kilometers serves more than just an average natural barrier function; it’s an energetic artery for economical, traditional, and geo-political significance.
In fact, the contemporary contacts with Iran date back to ancient migrations of Persian monarchies, Mughal emperors, and Safavid shahs who laid the historical borders that persist to this day.
INTERPOL at 70: Navigating the Dual Role of the Leading International Policing Organisation
Tayyaba Atiq studies the role, effectiveness, achievements, and failures of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
She also provides a brief analysis of the ways in which both states and individuals have used INTERPOL as an instrument in order to achieve personal benefits.
Towards the end, few solutions have also been proposed to overcome the challenges hindering the core purpose of the international police organization.
Examining Iran’s Missile Offensive Against Pakistan
Iran conducted missile strikes about 50 Kms deep into Pakistan on 16th January, 2024, striking Panjgur. The news was first broken on social media and then by the international press with a public statement made by Iran. Pakistan then retaliated within 48 hours and undertook a drone attack on Saravan in Iran along with other stand-off weapons and loitering munitions.
Coloniality of the P5: Decoding the Power Dynamics in the UNSC on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Fatima Arshad Warraich shares how the permanent membership status and the absolute and unaccountable power to veto wielded by the P5 nations in the UNSC undermines democratic principles of the majority. She also adds that it compromises the Council’s ability to impartially address and maintain global peace and security.
She illustrates this by citing how the US, one of the P5 members of the UNSC, vetoed the resolution that demanded immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza on grounds of inadequate condemnation of Hamas and the ceasefire’s inability to create durable peace in the region.
Why Is the Middle East Such a Complicated Region to Study?
A culturally, politically, and historically diverse area, the Middle East has been quite an enigmatic region for scholars to study. This is mainly because of past and present complexities in the region itself and also due to the obscure picture painted by the methodologies employed by scholars in the past. Although there are copious amounts of problems, Mr. Ishfaq has only briefly elucidated several major ones i.e. history, definitional issues, Islam, the West-dominated field, orientalism, and a lack of theoretical focus.
Shadows of Lyari Town: A Tale of Street Power and Media
In the shadowy alleys of Lyari Town, a neighborhood in Karachi survives with its history of culture and resilience. Dictated with its stories of gritty street life, identity, and the ubiquitous influences of organized crime. Today the Gangs of Lyari hide in the shadows yet their fear lurks at every corner. The gangs have woven themselves into the multi-colored fabric of the community, depicting the careful portrait of the struggle to survive while balancing the dark intricacies of power.
Privatization of Government Schools in the Suffocating Educational System of Pakistan
Protests over the government’s decision to privatize schools have erupted across Pakistan, a nation already grappling with the world’s second-largest population of out-of-school children.
The interim Punjab government initially dismissed the news as a rumor, but details about the schools slated for privatization had already been released.
This essay explores the prospects of privatizing government schools, highlighting why it may not be the opportune time for Pakistan and suggesting alternative measures until the country is better prepared.
Seeking Rights: The Story of Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit Baltistan, a region in Pakistan, is celebrated for its natural wonders, including the world’s second-largest non-polar glacier. Despite its strategic significance, the area has faced persistent challenges. The constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan has been contentious since its inception, with the local population advocating for greater autonomy.
The Origin of Zip & Postal Codes in Pakistan
Sadia Iqbal delves into the significance and history of postal codes. Postal codes, often used interchangeably with zip codes in Pakistan, have evolved significantly since the 19th century. Since the British rule until today, Pakistan’s postal system has continued to modernize, marking the relevance of postal services and codes in an era dominated by digital communication.
Foreshadowing: Venezuela and Guyana Conflict
Venezuela and Guyana, countries situated in Latin America, may encounter the probable escalation of a land dispute into a military confrontation. Venezuela claims the Essequibo region that currently lies within the boundaries of Guyana.
In 1841, Venezuela disputed British control of the Essequibo region, objecting to the Schomburgk Line. The conflict arose over territorial boundaries and escalated with British claims fueled by a gold discovery. The dispute resurfaced again but as both countries are committed to asserting national sovereignty over the disputed territory, the lack of military action indicates their reluctance to intervene.
Jinnah’s Pakistan: A Professional Approach to Good Governance
What does it take for a country to prosper? Good leadership. It’s unfortunate, however, that competent leadership has always been beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Dr Sadiq Ali states the criteria—one in line with the Quran, the constitution, and the two founders—that he would like the next leader of Pakistan to meet.
Paradigm Shift’s Magazine: December 2023 Edition
The December 2023 edition of the Paradigm Shift magazine contains 12 handpicked pieces.
The last edition of 2023 covers everything important that has happened in the last year.
From Israel’s war on Gaza to the military coups in Africa, 2023 has been characterised by instability and genocides.
Freemasonry’s “Jadoo Ghar” Once Existed in Pakistan
The Freemasons, an enigmatic and often myth-shrouded organization, have sparked curiosity in the people of Pakistan. Unknown to most, Pakistan was home to several Freemasonry lodges, and even though the organization has been banned since 1972, traces of its existence can still be found in the country.
What to Expect from the 2024 Taiwan Elections?
China’s growing influence around the world and its emergence as the rising superpower of the globe has inflicted fear in the people of Taiwan who have presidential elections on 13th January.
The major presidential contenders, along with an increasing majority of Taiwan’s population, reject the idea of Chinese governance. However, distinct differences among these parties may result in significantly diverse political landscapes.
Forced Conversions and Religious Chauvinism in Pakistan
Pakistan remains a country invariably enveloped in religious chauvinism. Sadaf Shabbir analyzes the phenomenon of forced conversions against minorities, and how this has become a weapon for those who want to reiterate their religious supremacy.
Additionally, the plague of forced conversions and forced marriages is not just confined to religious supremacy but has something significant where men’s criminal actions are justified because of the prevalent sense of impunity based on both religion and gender.