The Iran-Israel War: A False Front of Power
The Iran-Israel war has been making headlines in April, and rightly so—the fear of a WWIII happening has the world glued to screens now, more than ever before.
Lt Gen (R) Tariq Khan has a different view of these attacks between Iran and Israel. He deems them only to be an act; a play that appears to show both countries as protagonists.
The Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project: Diplomacy and Pakistan’s Options
Pakistan is facing challenges in navigating its relationship with the United States and its neighbors, particularly concerning its energy project with Iran.
Tufail Abbas argues that the United States’ diplomatic brinkmanship vis-à-vis the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is an attempt to deprive Iran of breathing space and inflict damage on its economy. United States’ global image and standing have been on the decline due to its domestic irregularities, financial hardships, and eroding external influence.
He argues that Pakistan should adopt a non-adventurist external posture, engage with all major powers, and rally support for a more democratized, pluralistic, and multilateral global order.
The Most Sanctioned Countries Worldwide
Sanctions have been used as a popular tool by the international community to pressure countries. Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2023, Russia has become the most sanctioned country in the world. Other sanctioned states include Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Belarus.
The New Great Game: A Pakistani Perspective
Lt Gen Tariq Khan provides an in-depth account of the historical rivalry known as the “Great Game” that took place between the British and Russian empires in the subcontinent during the 19th century.
In his paper, he explains that the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan created a power vacuum, which set the stage for a “New Great Game” in the South Asian region.
This region is of immense importance due to its geo-strategic location which is central to China, Central Asian republics, Iran, and Pakistan.
[Video] The Untold Story of Border Clashes Between Pakistan & Iran
Join us as we uncover details of Iran’s unexpected missile attack on Pakistan’s Balochistan province on January 16th, while addressing Pakistan’s abrupt response to it.
Israel’s Heinous Targeted Killing Programme
The ongoing Israeli war in Gaza has brought to the fore the violations of international law committed by Israel. Sarmad Ishfaq discusses one such violation—Israel’s targeted killing program—and the moral and legal debates surrounding it. Highlighting the historical context and prominent operations, he outlines Israel’s use of targeted killings to eliminate perceived threats, including Palestinian leaders and Iranian nuclear scientists.
The Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran
The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran officially began on 25th August 1941 and concluded on 31st August 1941, a day after the Iranian government had agreed to surrender and establish a ceasefire.
However, the invasion was more than a mere military operation; it assisted in setting the stage for Iran’s role in global politics along with shifting the perspective of the Iranian government and its populace concerning the West.
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.
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.
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.
A Brief History of “Zan, Zindagi, Azadi’’
Iranian women have inspired women all across the globe with their courage and resilience in the face of tyranny.
Their dilemma is extremely complex as they’ve fought against Reza Shah’s exploitation just to be betrayed by Khomeini’s promise of emancipation.
Undoubtedly, the freedom of Iranian women is indispensable for the liberation of Iranian society.
The Power of Geography
Tim Marshall, a seasoned journalist, explores the geopolitical impact of geography in “The Power of Geography.” Focusing on ten key regions, including Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Türkiye, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain, and Space, Marshall delves into historical contexts and current challenges. He connects geography with political choices and global dynamics.
Navigating the Sino-US Rivalry: Pakistan’s Strategic Dilemma
Yashfa Ahsan reflects on Pakistan’s intricate position amid the Sino-US rivalry. The South Asian state’s strategic location demands a multifaceted and balanced approach in its foreign policy and international relations. The author acknowledges the implications of India and the US’s engagement in the Indian Ocean Region for Pakistan’s security and economy. Bearing this in mind, she emphasizes that, with key players like India, Iran, and Afghanistan drawn into this rivalry, Pakistan must establish itself as a reliable economic and strategic partner for the states involved.
BRICS’ New Members: Changing Tides & the Impact on the US
BRICS, a group comprising the world’s strongest economies, has been overlooked in the past. However, today, it has emerged on the global political stage as a formidable force.
Aqsa Shaukat assesses the changing dynamics of BRICS to determine whether it will pose a threat to the established Western political order.
From introducing its own currency to welcoming new members, the group is now on its way to achieving independence from Western influence.
Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power
“Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power” by Robert Kaplan is a captivating exploration of the geopolitics, history, and culture of the Indian Ocean. Published in 2010, the book seamlessly weaves together Kaplan’s personal travel experiences with strategic analysis and geopolitical insights. The title cleverly draws parallels between the region’s unpredictability and the monsoon, underscoring its significance in global power dynamics. Overall, it serves as a concise guide to understanding the past, present, and future of this crucial region
Restored Saudi-Iran Relations and the Role of China
Following a seven-year period of severed ties, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran have recently agreed to resume diplomatic relations, with the assistance of China.
Both countries have expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Iraq, Oman, and China for their positive role in facilitating, hosting, and sponsoring the talks.
To Afifa Iqbal, the restoration of diplomatic ties is a welcome development, but she believes that it is improbable that major disagreements between the two states polarized by religion, geopolitics, and geostrategic interests will be resolved.
Are China and Russia Replacing the US in the Middle East?
China and Russia are making strategic and economic deals with the Middle East, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, which will be detrimental to the domination of the US in the region.
Moreover, Western hostility has brought China, Russia, and Iran close to forming a triple axis.
To better understand China and Russia’s increasing relations in the Middle East, Sana Azhar explores the economic, strategic, and soft power domains.