The army has to decide, not (hapless) civilians
We should be able to cut through the simulated confusion. If Pakistan gets into any part of the Yemen mess, if Pakistani troops are sent or not sent, if Pakistan…
The federation in crisis
Pakistan’s federation confronts an extraordinary convergence of threats that, if not addressed with diligence and resolve, could undermine its unity. Three concurrent crises — the resurgence of TTP terrorism in…
Sino-Pak cooperation
IT is expected that the train hijacking incident in Balochistan will trigger a robust response from the state — quite likely in the form of military action on several fronts. Nevertheless, discussions…
Washington’s weapons, Pakistan’s problems
In the aftermath of the withdrawal of the US and Nato forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, a significant security concern has emerged for Pakistan. Large stockpiles of military-grade weaponry,…
America’s Afghan congeries
In the annals of warfare and strategy, it would be difficult to find a tale of more woe than America’s Second Afghan War. What to call the US presence in…
A most important election
The US presidential election takes place every four years –on the first Tuesday of November, whatever the day and date might be. The next one is due in five days,…
One history, two futures
HOW a country is organised as a polity casts a long shadow on its economic development. Egypt and Indonesia offer two contrasting examples from recent history. Both these countries have…
What’s the point?
ONE of my favourite parts about teaching is learning from students. Whether it’s something inane like who is Ducky Bhai to important issues like climate change and all things related…
PML-N’s uphill task in Punjab
WHETHER countrywide elections are held within three months to coincide with the elections to the Punjab Assembly, after its dissolution, or separately on the completion of the term of the…
Give peace a chance
LACK of awareness within civil society, weak political manifestation, institutional gaps, misconceptions, and over-expectations from peace talks and amnesty schemes have cast a shadow over a pragmatic approach to dealing…
