Political audit of Afghan policy
THE latest clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces are yet another sign of the deepening rift between the two neighbours. Just three years after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul — a moment that…
Compulsions of grand strategy
Pakistan’s leaders and policymakers generally suffer from thinking in tactical terms with short-term considerations in dealing with national issues at the expense of a sound strategy which can guide on…
Silence, succession, strategy
When Nawaz Sharif took over the presidency of the PML-N from his younger brother, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, it sparked hope for the party’s revival and reactivation. However, ten months…
Bond vigilantes spare France for now, but political crisis will bring more pain
Bond investors are likely to spare France the dire financial “storm” Prime Minister Michel Barnier has warned of, but the fallout from the political crisis will hurt businesses, consumers and…
Climate change & finance strategy
This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country. But like any insurance policy – it only works – if premiums are paid…
An ode to the political worker
PAKISTAN’S history is replete with the heroism of political workers who have repeatedly demonstrated that their commitment to democratic ideals is total and that they will risk life, limb, and…
Dream of political stability
IT is often believed that engineering political stability is the solution to a nation’s economic and security challenges. The idea of this so-called stability is used to justify the suppression…
PTI strategy — or the lack of it
AS if on cue, a day after PTI chairman Gohar Khan made public the decision of the party and its founder to initiate a dialogue with political parties currently on the treasury…
Reviewing CT strategy
THERE was nothing in the communiqué issued after the latest National Security Committee meeting that we have not heard before. Phrases like ‘zero tolerance for terrorism’ and ‘violence will be dealt with,…
Season of political realignments
WHAT does the recent flurry of political activity signify? A new and more intense phase of political manoeuvring? Stepped up efforts by political parties to mobilise support to strengthen their…
