Turkey’s 2023 Elections: What You Need to Know
A complex state that has seen power juggle between its political and military institutes, Türkiye has seen years of struggle to get to its current political shape.
In 2018, Türkiye saw its transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system after the constitutional referendum in 2017. The initiative was planned by Tayyip Erdoğan of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) who remains a powerful political figure and has been President since 2014.
While both the presidential and parliamentary elections were held on 14th May, Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu will contest a run-off vote on 28th May to decide the winner of the 2023 presidential elections.
What Does a Stable Afghanistan Mean for China?
Despite being an underdeveloped country, Afghanistan seems to have gained China’s attention. China desires a stable Afghanistan so that it can safeguard its national and cross-border security.
Moreover, China needs to have stability in its landlocked neighbor so that it can further its economic expansion.
Muhammad Shaheer Mahmood sheds light on the importance of stability in Afghanistan for China and China’s attempts to make sure that it enjoys a stable neighborhood.
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 Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al Qaeda
Peter Bergen’s “The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al Qaeda” is a look into the conflict between Al Qaeda and the United States.
It details the comprehensive history of the war from both sides as well as the strategies explored by the US government.
A National Circus: The Game of Power and the Neglected Masses
“Why are people fighting on TV?”, an innocent child asked his mom, after watching the clash between the police and the protesters last week on TV.
This question prompted Zuha Tiwana, the mother of that child, to pen down the consequences that the national-level circus has had on the public’s welfare.
The Propaganda War Between India and Pakistan Post-Pulwama
After the Pulwama attack in India, tensions between both Pakistan and India rose rapidly. The escalation eventually culminated in an aerial dogfight where an Indian MiG-21 was downed by Pakistan and its pilot, Abhinandan, captured.
To save face, India began a propaganda campaign claiming that a Pakistani F-16 was downed by India. This led to a massive war of words between both countries characterized by lies, jingoism, hyperbole, and nationalism.
While both countries’ media were to be blamed for the preceding, the Indian media was more culpable for displaying such negative traits. Eventually, this propaganda war was settled by international news agencies and organizations that corrected many false Indian claims, especially the one relating to the alleged downed Pakistani F-16.
The final nail in the coffin was when a US inventory check asserted that no Pakistani F-16s were missing and therefore Pakistan came out as the victor in the dogfight as well as the propaganda war.
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.
Violated: The Sanctity of Courts
The courts are one of the fundamental features of any society. They are the protectors of rights, the rule of law, equality, and justice.
The courts are the voice of the silenced and protectors of the unprotected.
Huzaifah Sehgal ponders upon the recent violation of the sanctity of the courts and what this means for the country.
Understanding the Sudan Conflict for Solutions: SAF & RSF
Muhammad Shaheer Mahmood aims to give a detailed insight into the ongoing conflict between the two military factions in Sudan, the Rapid Security Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
He also discusses the impact of the Sudan crisis on both local and international political (and economic) spheres.
He then deliberates on the role of regional stakeholders who have a responsibility to find an indigenous solution to resolve the terrifying conflict.
Violent Protests in Pakistan: A Hollow Endeavour?
As Pakistanis, we’re accustomed to placing the blame on others and seeking remedies through sit-ins and protests that characteristically morph into violent and fruitless endeavours.
This time, however, it won’t just stop with arrests and economic contractions as the economy is closely inching towards a catastrophic collapse.
Maritime Disputes and International Law: Disputed Waters and Seabed Resources in Asia and Europe
Constantinos Yiallourides’ Maritime Disputes and International Law: Disputed Waters and Seabed Resources in Asia and Europe provides an extensive analysis of maritime conflicts.
Using international law, he recommends achieving joint development agreements.
It examines the legal principles behind maritime disputes and provides a framework for cooperation in order to use disputed resources for mutual benefit.
Pakistan’s Need for Civic Education
The paper emphasizes the importance of civic education for a truly democratic state. It is certainly Pakistan’s best bet for promoting active political participation, increasing civic engagement in political activities, and encouraging healthy voting behaviors, while improving the constitutional literacy of the populace.
This paper also tackles ways to improve civic education and engagement in Pakistan by analyzing the German model of civic education.
Remembering Iqbal Masih’s Story
The rampant child labor in Pakistan is the consequence of the living conditions due to poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and government inaction.
We remember the story of Iqbal Masih who relentlessly fought for his freedom from the chains of slavery. Even after his untimely death, Iqbal’s efforts against child labor continue to resound throughout the nation.
Paradigm Shift’s Magazine: April 2023 Edition
The April 2023 edition of the Paradigm Shift magazine contains 13 handpicked pieces. These explore de-dollarization efforts, the instability in South Asia, Israel’s judicial reforms, whether or not TikTok is China’s way of spying, and the incoming war between the US & China.
The April edition features two beautifully designed infographics: one on the biggest companies in the world, and the second offering a brief look at the Crusades.
This edition also has two very interesting book reviews, and an insightful interview (especially for CSS aspirants).
We have also included the details (guidelines, timeline, prizes) of our first writing contest again. The clock is ticking since submissions are only open till the 7th of May! Will you be the winner of Rs.50,000?
Affordable and Safe Housing in Pakistan: Addressing Inflated Prices & Misleading Advertisements
Muhammad Aslam Khan highlights the unethical and misleading advertising practices employed by many housing societies in Pakistan. He notes that they focus solely on investment potential and profitability, while ignoring basic safety features and building codes.
He stresses the need for the government to enact laws to regulate the real estate market. To provide safe and affordable housing options to people, there is a dire need for solid investment in the housing sector.
Exploring Pakistan’s Energy Sector: Sources and Trends
Similar to many developing nations, Pakistan has been experiencing a serious shortage of energy for almost 20 years.
The nation’s meager domestic oil and gas reserves are running out quickly, while coal and alternative sources of energy are difficult to harness.
Maryam Jilani gives a comprehensive overview of the regulators of the energy sector, the sources of energy production, as well as the patterns of energy consumption in Pakistan.
The Tuareg Rebellion and the Emergence of Jihadist Groups in Mali
The 2012 Tuareg rebellion in Mali precipitated the rise of jihadist armed groups in the Sahel region, which are now flourishing and expanding to other West African states.
Adam Abass argues that the relationship between jihadist groups and the locals is the primary reason for the groups’ expansion. The inter-group violence and the lack of state presence in local communities make the country more vulnerable to jihadist exploitation.