Assessing the Implications of Pakistan-Russia Cooperation for India
Pakistan and Russia have had a long and complicated history, with relations only recently starting to warm up. But what impact will this newfound friendship have on India’s relationship with Russia?
As two of the world’s largest countries, Russia and India have maintained a strategic partnership for decades, working together on everything from military defense to space exploration. But with Pakistan now cozying up to Russia, could this threaten India’s standing as Russia’s top ally in the region?
Ayesha Javaid contemplates the answer to this complex question by considering the different factors at play, including historical ties, geopolitical tensions, and economic interests.
Why is Bakhmut Important in the Russia-Ukraine War?
Ayesha Javaid discusses why Bakhmut is important for both Russia and Ukraine, and what would happen if it were to fall.
For Ukraine, the city is a symbol of its struggle and resistance against the Russian forces. On the other hand, Russia seeks Bakhmut to gain control over the entire eastern Donbas territory and ultimately the liberation of the “Donetsk People’s Republic”.
As she describes the recent developments in the ongoing war for Bakhmut, she concludes that in the coming weeks, the city might completely slip through Russia’s fingers.
The Role of Hydropolitics in Pakistan’s Water Crisis
Ayesha Javaid discusses how Pakistan has been embroiled in politics over water resources since its independence – at both local and international levels.
Pakistan and India initially had disagreements over the Indus Basin, which was finally settled by the Indus Water Treaty in 1960. However, with India now demanding modifications in the 62-year-old treaty, serious water-based conflicts between the two countries are a likely possibility.
Pakistan also faces water troubles within, as provincial governments have failed to reach an agreement over the much-needed construction (& even usage) of dams.
Implications of Russia Stationing Nuclear Weapons in Belarus
President Vladimir Putin declared on March 25 that nuclear weapons along with a missile system for carrying them would be stationed in Belarus.
The stationing of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus would have profound effects on regional and international security, potentially leading to heightened tensions and diplomatic repercussions.
Suo Motu Legislation & Lawyers’ Movement 2.0
The Chief Justice of Pakistan’s suo motu powers have now been reduced by the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023.
This all began last month when the Chief Justice decided to take suo motu notice of the delay in elections in Punjab.
To counter this, the Sharif-led administration undertook judicial reforms to limit the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s unilateral power to exercise suo motu authority. They have now granted that power to a three-member committee comprising the CJP and two senior-most judges.
Energy Crisis in South Africa: Eskom & Blackouts
An ongoing energy crisis in South Africa is characterized by widespread nationwide blackouts of electricity.
These rolling blackouts have been attributed to the inadequate generation capacity by Eskom, the government-owned national power provider of South Africa.
A nationwide “state of disaster” was declared last month in the wake of daily power outages lasting up to 10 hours.
Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Elections
Nigeria, the giant of Africa, held its 2023 presidential elections on 25th February. This one marked the 7th election since democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999.
Bola Ahmed Tinbu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi were the front-runners out of a total of 18 candidates. On 1st March, Nigeria’s electoral commission declared Mr Tinbu as the victor with 8.7 million votes.
Nagorno-Karabakh Dispute: Diplomatic Developments
The most brutal and protracted ethnic war in the former Soviet Union is the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
The territory, which lies within the borders of Azerbaijan but is primarily populated by Armenians, is claimed by both Azeris and Armenians as their absolute historical homeland
Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Landmark in European History
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was celebrated exuberantly with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 by the free world. Ayesha Javaid reveals what caused the Berlin Wall to be built, and between its construction and eventual dismantling, the key events that occurred.