Russian Relations with the US Post-Cold War
After the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, the newly formed Russia, under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin, pursued democratic policies which led to somewhat cordial US-Russia relations. The author notes that while the two states cooperated on matters of regional security and nuclear proliferation, both exhibited a strong distrust in each other. Russia viewed the US denial of its sphere of influence and the American adventurism with suspicion and pursued hardline policies under Vladimir Putin. The author explains that despite Putin’s assertive stance, Russia has continued to build cordial relations with its neighboring states and the West. However, this cooperation ends when the American and Russian interests clash.
How the Taliban Came to Power: Tribal Islam vs. Settled Islam
On 15th August, 2021, the Taliban claimed victory over the US, the Afghan government, and the country’s national forces. The author explains the reasons behind this victory by drawing a parallel between the main actors and the concepts of Tribal Islam and Settled Islam.
The Taliban, according to the author, follow Tribal Islam, one that was initially practiced by the tribal peoples of North Africa. The Afghan government represents Settled Islam, which was established by the runaway caliph Abd-ur-Rehman in Andalusia (present-day Spain).
Those following Settled Islam lack ‘Asabiyyah’ – solidarity, responsibility, and social cohesion – which is a sustained feature in Tribal Islam.
US Interests in the Middle East: Foreign Policy Objectives & Failures
To incorporate the Middle East in its sphere of influence, the United States has either directly or indirectly intervened in the Middle East. The author notes that America’s foreign policy in the Middle East included meddling in the political affairs of many countries in the region, and installing and assisting in radicalization and sectarianism just for its own geostrategic and economic interests. This approach, along with the Israel-Iran rivalry and the Shia-Sunni rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has prevented peace from being established in the region. Ultimately, the Middle East has turned into a battleground for sectarian conflicts, proxy wars, and instability.
The Civil War in Yemen and the Violation of Children’s Rights
The ongoing civil war in Yemen has aggravated the plight of Yemeni children. Despite the state being a signatory of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the government of Yemen has completely failed to preserve the basic rights of the children. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has put the physical and mental health of an entire generation at stake. The author, Farhan Ijaz, notes that the warring parties have committed grave human rights violations, deprived the children of their right to an education, and forced them to take up arms. Furthermore, due to the war, the number of internally displaced children, the outbreaks of infectious diseases, child marriages, and child labor in Yemen have increased at an unprecedented rate.
Is the United States Still the World Leader?
The world is still considered unipolar, but the failing US foreign policy on several fronts tells some other stories: from chaos in Iraq, bloodshed in Syria, China and Russia challenging the status quo, to the looming civil war in Afghanistan.
Despite all these challenges, the US continues to maintain its position as the global leader. The author states that America’s military might, technological advancements, and academic prowess are some of the reasons why the US still holds a powerful position on the world stage.
The Russian S-400 Missile Deal with India: Implications for the Region
Technology has played an important role in shaping international politics. During the Cold War, both superpowers, that is, the Soviet Union and the United States were involved in the strategic rivalry and the arms race, with both trying to undermine the other’s defense capabilities.
Russia has built many surface-to-air batteries and has now developed highly advanced missile defense systems such as the S-400 missile defense system. During the 2018 summit in New Delhi, India signed a deal with Russia for 5 units of the Russian S-400 defense system which, the author believes, can negatively affect the strategic stability of South Asia.
Major Countries Versus Pakistan at the Olympics
After a year-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Summer Olympics are finally being held in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympic Games, which started off with only 13 participant states in 1986, have now become an international competition between 206 states. The author, Mahnoor Nafees, notes that in the history of the Olympics, the major powers, particularly the US, China, and Japan, have managed to win most of the gold medals. She explains that this can be attributed to their long standing participation in the Olympics, their budget allocation to sports, and their extensive training and practice methods. When the performance of Pakistan is compared to that of the major powers in the Olympics, it can be observed that the state has severely neglected its sports department and failed to provide adequate training to its athletes.
How Regional Powers Are Strengthening Relations with the Taliban
With a looming civil war and he Taliban’s growing control in Afghanistan, the author examines the interactions between the Taliban and many powerful nation states.
The Taliban’s alliance will China and Russia, among others, would signal a threat to the US’s hegemony and India’s influence in the region.
The September 11 Attacks & the Afghan War: Role of US Neoconservatives
The author, Muhamad Onais Baryal, explores how the pro-freedom ‘neoconservatives’ have orchestrated and presented the US’s war on terror since the 9/11 attacks.
These neoconservatives were committed to advancing freedom in Afghanistan. They also used the reductionist narrative, along with ‘us vs them’ notion, to create a dichotomy between Afghanistan and the US.
The US’s Assassination of General Qasem Soleimani: Causes, Impacts, and Legality
On 3rd January 2020, the United States killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. The assassination of Soleimani is attributed to the historic rivalry between Iran and the US, the US agenda to lower the influence of Iran in the region, and Trump’s aggressive and dominant personality.
His assassination has a huge impact not only on the politics and relations between Iran and the US but also in the region. This research paper seeks to find the reason for the US’s assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
The Perfect Dictatorship or Democracy?: Analyzing Countries Under Dictators
Democracy is dubbed as the only model of excellence for governments, while dictatorship is always viewed as a malicious model of governance.
The author notes that every form has its merits and demerits, and so explores the dictatorships that have advanced the economy and equality in the state.
The author makes reference to several instances of dictatorships – Iraq, Libya, Venezuela, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, China, and Pakistan – that worked in favour of the country and the people.
These countries experienced economic growth and better implementation of social rights throughout the course of dictatorship. Consequently, the author believes that even dictatorial governments are politically viable.
Sino-US Trade War During Trump’s Presidency
This article is aimed at explaining the fractured relationship between China and the United States during Trump’s term in office. The author explores different conflicts of this era which include the trade war and the 5G race, among others.
The future of Sino-US relations depends on how respective administrations will steer the conflict.
Thriving US and Indian Relations: Implications for Pakistan & China
Since the Cold War, the US and India have signed a series of strategic agreements, strengthening their alliance. The US-India nexus stems from the threat of a rising China in the international arena. The author, Muhammad Abubaker, notes that the US has capitalized on the Indian regional aspirations and effectively used India to advance America’s strategic goals in Asia vis-à-vis China. He explains that this strategic cooperation between the two powers has impacted China, Pakistan, and the Asian region as a whole. It has aggravated Pakistan’s security dilemma and forced it out of the American bloc. The insecurity caused by this has compelled Pakistan to strengthen its relations with China and look for an ally in Russia.
What Is Pegasus Spyware and How Will It Change Cyberwarfare?
Pegasus spyware is a spying software developed by NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance company. Many governments and political leaders have been accused of using the software to observe their targets’ movements – the targets being prominent journalists and important political figures like the current prime ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, and Morocco.
Earlier versions used a simple text message to prompt the installation of the malware on the targeted device. The latest versions are able to automatically install it by simply calling the targeted phone.
“Absolutely Not” To US Military Bases in Pakistan: The Possible Consequences
PM Imran Khan’s ”absolutely not” may be assertive, even liberating, but the political overtones of such a policy will certainly bring trouble to Pakistan in the international arena – where it is already in a vulnerable position.
While this policy of standing up to the U.S. may win points with China – another superpower – how beneficial that will be for Pakistan, remains to be seen.
Romancing Israel at Palestine’s Expense
The author believes that without a collective effort of the Muslim coumunity, any solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict will be one-sided and laced with unfairness. Israel, with the unwavering support of the United States, continues to gain acknowledgment and support from the rest of the world, excepting a select few.
The Financial Action Task Force and Pakistan: A Political Agenda
Despite complying and delivering on 26 of the 27 points of the FATF’s action plan, Pakistan finds itself caught in a spider web, spun by the United States and India. The FATF has now issued a new six-point action plan for the country, leaving Pakistan in a bind. The FATF’s discrimination against Pakistan raises concerns about the impartiality of the intergovernmental body.