Pakistan-Azerbaijan Relations: A Strategic Alliance
An alliance that is secured by mutual support and burgeoning trade relations, Azerbaijan and Pakistan relations have amplified remarkably since the past two decades. With a possibility of a full-scale war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, support from its allies, especially Turkey and Pakistan, just might embolden Azerbaijan to conclude the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
Azerbaijan and Armenia: The Conflict Explained
The South Caucasus pulsates with the sounds of an incipient war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh region remains the main area of contention between the two states since 1918. A more worrisome matter is that their respective allies could further ignite the aggression.
The East Timor Conflict: When Military Intervention Works
Indonesia invaded and occupied East Timor in 1975. Tensions escalated to a boil in 1999 when East Timor voted for independence. The ensuant violence between Indonesia and East Timor led to the intervention of an Australian-led international taskforce which eventually freed East Timor from Indonesian occupation.
Domestic Abuse in Pakistan: A Ticking Bomb
According to research, 90% of women in Pakistan have faced domestic violence. Although the number does not come as a surprise, it is difficult to shake away the unsettling feeling. COVID-19 has probably not only increased the numbers, but it may also have intensified the abuse.
The Social Exclusion of Transgenders in Pakistan
Transgenders have invariably been ostracized in Pakistan and hence suffer economically and mentally. Although recognized as citizens by law, they have yet to be accepted by society.
Recommendations for the Intra-Afghan Peace Process
Although the intra-Afghan peace process sounds promising on paper for Afghans and vested parties alike, fulfilling it will require serious work. The author considers five possible recommendations that could help achieve the objectives of the Intra-Afghan peace agreement.
Pakistan & The November Lockdown? Possibilities & Prevention
Will Pakistan’s decision of re-opening educational institutions cause another wave of COVID-19? If so, that will surely propel another lockdown, possibly in November.
The Libyan Civil War: Another Battlefield for Foreign Powers
The highly divisive civil war in Libya, wherein the standoff is between some of the central UN member states and the UN itself, could either decimate Libya or pave a democratic path for the people of Libya.
India vs. China in Ladakh: A Case of Indian Military Frailty
The ongoing skirmish in Ladakh against China has exposed the Indian military’s capabilities. Although India has the third-largest defense budget in the world, its conventional and outdated military approaches might cause the state to suffer substantial security losses.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Strengthening Ties, Tourism, & Trade
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the star project of the Belt and Road Initiative, holds immense potential for improved ties, increased tourism, and enhanced trade between the two countries. Moreover, due to the changing global travel policies and SOPs, particularly in the United States, Pakistan may become a more lucrative tourist destination for Chinese travelers.
The War In Yemen: The Largest Humanitarian Crisis in the World
Yemen is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world with around 80% of the population requiring humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately states such as Saudi Arabia and non-state actors have continued to spoil Yemen for their own advantage. The article considers regional stabilization to be the panacea for Yemen.
The George Floyd Protests: A Nation Struggling For Breath
George Floyd’s death was fuel for the Black Lives Matter movement across America and the world. However, it remains to be seen whether the outcome will impact years of policy inertia. The protests have achieved a few things: from banning chokeholds to raising the issue of police brutality in the national and global consciousness. The coming American elections are likely to show how years of oppression and injustice galvanize change.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey: A Deteriorating Relationship
Both nation states are in the way of each other’s objectives, prompting both Saudi Arabia and Turkey to maneuver astutely and find their trump cards.
The GCC and Israel: An Unholy Alliance
In recent years, diplomatic relations between the Muslim Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Israel have expanded – which was previously thought to be impossible due to Israel’s mistreatment and annexation of Palestinian lands. Most recently and shockingly, however, the UAE recognized Israel as a state and both countries have officially began diplomatic relations upsetting many Muslims around the world.
The Demise of the Indian Media Under BJP Rule
India’s media today is characterized by prejudice & jingoism. The BJP is cited as the main culprit for this sordid state of the media. From the use of threats and violence to the use of bribery and fame, the BJP and its trolls have succeeded in making the media its veritable arm.
Pakistan: A Struggling Economy Amidst the Coronavirus
Like all economies, Pakistan’s too has fallen ill to the coronavirus pandemic. The article specifically focuses on the impact the virus has had on Pakistan’s tourism sector, food & agriculture, SMEs, & also the manufacturing & mining sector.
Getting Away With Murder: The Illegal Israeli Settlements
Although Israel has repeatedly contravened international law, it has carefully avoided accountability for its violations regarding Palestine. Its construction of settlements on occupied West Bank and Gaza is a breach of international law and another grave injustice against the Palestinians.
