UN report sees no active Syrian state links to Al Qaeda
United Nations sanctions monitors have seen no “active ties” this year between Al Qaeda and the Islamist group leading Syria’s interim government, an unpublished UN report said, a finding that…
Qataris search for bodies of Americans killed by Islamic State in Syria
A Qatari mission has begun searching for the remains of US hostages killed by Islamic State in Syria a decade ago, two sources briefed on the mission said, reviving a…
True riba-free Islamic banking
The motivation to provide interest- (riba) free financial services is derived from the desire of Muslim communities living in the modern age. The general perception of most of the critics…
India Hindu group toughens stance on mosque-temple disputes
A powerful Hindu group said several mosques in India were built over demolished Hindu temples, apparently hardening its stance in a decades-long sectarian dispute just days after a huge temple…
From ideological to functional state
Soon after terrorists attacked a Pakistan Air Force base in Mianwali, Pakistan lost four soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, in a firefight with terrorists in the Tirah Valley. The Pakistan…
Digitizing Islamic finance
Amidst the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – dominated by artificial intelligence and technological advancements – it is remarkable to witness the inclusive nature and expanded reach that technology…
Cultural imports and the state
OVER the past two years, online debates over mass cultural identity and the Pakistani state’s role in defining and shaping it have taken a new turn on account of the…
War and weak states
War is the most undesirable action to resolve interstate conflicts. Modern theories of international relations revolve around diplomatic means to resolve conflicts. International diplomacy is the art of preventing wars…
Weak states and war
War is the most abominable act committed by a state and the most undesirable action to resolve interstate conflicts. Modern theories of international relations revolve around diplomatic means to resolve…
An instrument of weak states
War is the most undesirable action to resolve interstate conflicts. Modern theories of international relations revolve around diplomatic means to resolve conflicts and attain peace without recourse to war. International…
