The US Assassinates Ayman Al-Zawahiri of Al-Qaeda
On 31st July, the CIA was successful in assassinating al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri at his residential house in Kabul. Huda Raza details the life of the notorious Egyptian terrorist and his association with Osama bin Laden. She also muses on the advantages that Joe Biden could possibly obtain from this counterterrorism operation.
The Sociopolitical Freedoms in North & South Korea
There is a marked difference in the political systems of South Korea and North Korea, but human rights issues prevail in both countries. The paper analyzes certain laws that limit freedom in South Korea, and the overall political system in North Korea. Momina Munir Khan concludes that both countries limit individual autonomy in terms of freedom of choice and expression, but the framework of South Korea is still lenient. North Korea, however, has designed its system through mass internalization, to limit the freedom of any sort – humanitarian, social, and political.
The Youth’s New Role in Pakistan’s Politics
Do the youth now have political clout in Pakistan? If the results of the 2018 general elections are anything to go by, then absolutely. Shuraim Ahmad Malik sees the youth making strong headway in the political arena, which has long been controlled by dynastic politicians. It now seems that the political party that inspires the youth will be the one to stand victorious in the upcoming 2023 general elections in Pakistan.
Stealth War: How China Took Over While America’s Elite Slept
“Stealth War” showcases a retired US Air Force officer and White House advisor’s outlook on China’s rise to great power. Robert Spalding, the author of the book, views China’s rise as a threat to the ideas and status of the US. He believes that China is using silent tactics and strategies to exert its influence across the world and counter the US, without resorting to military aggression. He discusses how Beijing has been trying to dominate every field – be it the economy, military, diplomacy, technology, education, or infrastructure.
New Wave of Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
On 5th August, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza because of what they believed to be an immediate threat from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The three-day assault flattened homes in Gaza and killed 49 people – including kids. Huda Raza laments the predicament of the Palestinians because, unlike Ukrainians, they have nowhere to turn for safety.
Turkey’s Opposition to NATO Expansion & the Madrid Summit
Ever since the Madrid Summit recognized Turkey for its role in NATO and lifted the arms embargo on it, Ankara has sought to redefine its foreign relations. While Turkey is seeking an arms deal with the US, its decision to oppose Finland and Sweden is a clear indication of Erdogan’s uncompromising attitude towards his goals. Tiejun Huаng addresses the cause of Turkey’s opposition to Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership. The author explains that the Scandinavian states have utilized vague wording and lack of proper implementation procedures in the 2022 Madrid Summit agreement to avoid extraditing Kurdish militants to Turkey.
What Transpired in the SCO Meeting in Tashkent?
At the end of July, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Foreign Ministers held a two-day meeting in Uzbekistan’s capital – Tashkent. The foreign ministers of the member states deliberated on matters of regional and global security, cooperation, and SCO’s membership. Amna Walistan notes that the conference provided Pakistan, represented by FM Bilawal Zardari, the opportunity to participate in the discussion of several issues, including the economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Bringing Stability to the Pakistani Rupee
This opinion-based article by Myra Imran Rafiq discusses the rupee’s stabilization against the dollar. She highlights the measures (i.e supporting startups, diversified alliances, currency swap agreements, and the maintenance of political consensus) that can be taken by the state to ensure that the rupee doesn’t end up devaluing later.
Pakistan’s Performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
With a total of 8 medals, including 2 gold, the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a relatively successful sporting event for Pakistan. The indomitable spirit of the 68 Pakistani athletes was reflected both in their winning and losing matches across 12 sports. Pakistan’s glorious victories in weightlifting, athletics, judo, and wrestling exceeded expectations and uplifted the people of the nation.
Why Flooding in Balochistan Is a Climate & National Security Issue
Hafiz Bilal Waseem Satti links the flooding in Balochistan to the national security of Pakistan, calling it a “threat multiplier.” He argues that the floods in the province, on top of the political and economic turmoil, have aggravated the grievances held by the Baloch community. He asserts that the government has done nothing to improve Balochistan’s condition and that the floods will impact the country’s economy.
Girls’ Education under Taliban
In this opinion piece, Shuraim Ahmad Malik stresses the need for girls’ education in Afghanistan. He discusses the reasons that have led to Afghan girls and women being deprived of this fundamental right, before concluding with possible solutions that the Taliban and the international community can take.
The India-US Nuclear Deal & Its Implications for Pakistan
In its quest to contain the Chinese influence by supporting India, the US has compelled Pakistan to seek an alliance with Russia and China. Huda Raza and Sher Ali Shahid analyze the Indo-US strategic partnership, particularly in the realm of nuclear technology, and its impact on the balance of power in South Asia. The authors note that the India-US nuclear deal represents a shift in the US foreign policy from Pakistan to India. Although the two parties claim that the deal is for peaceful purposes, it poses a threat to the stability of South Asia and elevates Pakistan’s security dilemma.
Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit & the Worsening US-China Relations
Hassan Saeed Khan explains how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was driven by both domestic and international politics. With inflation encircling the US, the Democratic Party views the protection of Taiwan’s freedom essential to its success in the midterm elections. However, even Taiwan is currently witnessing a political race between the pro-Taiwan party and the pro-Beijing party.
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.
India and Central Asia: The Strategic Dimension
“India and Central Asia: The Strategic Dimension” presents an Indian diplomat’s perspective on Indian foreign policy. Phunchok Stobdan, the author of the book, analyzes the significance of Central Asia for India and the different ways of connecting the two to solidify India’s regional influence. He evaluates the security challenges in the path of linking India and Central Asia, and proposes solutions to overcome them.
Pegasus Spyware: A Case of National Security & Modern Warfare
Hamna Binte Waqar examines the change in the cyber security realm with the advent of the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. After targeting several countries, governments, and individuals, the software has created an uproar in international politics and media. It is now seen as a threat to the national security of states and as an unconventional weapon capable of extracting private information and generating propaganda. While Pegasus has faced continuous backlash, the need to adapt to the transition in the modes of warfare has slowly made it a sought-after weapon in the contemporary security market.