And the nightmare unfolded…
The December 16 attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar was the worst terrorist act in Pakistan's history that claimed the lives of more than 149 people, including…
The Saudi-Iran showdown
The escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran over the kingdom’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric has intensified sectarian polarisation in the Middle East. This has far-reaching implications for…
Egypt dodges diplomatic flak over ‘Sisi tapes’
Despite months of embarrassment for Egypt over a series of alleged leaks of sensitive remarks including about Gulf allies, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi appears to have avoided a major diplomatic…
Of mermaids singing each to each
In a contested Greek legend, Phryne was publicly disrobed during her trial for alleged impiety. The jurors were outraged by her condition and declared her innocent. In another Greek story,…
French fighter jets find takers in a worried world
After failing for years to win a single order for the Dassault-built Rafale fighter jet, France has scored a string of multi-billion-euro wins in recent weeks and is on a…
Freedom of speech versus freedom to insult
What triggered the attacks was Paris magazine's repeated publication of offensive cartoons of the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. In 2006, it reprinted cartoons published by Danish daily Jyllands-Posten depicting the…
When we were wise
An idea can change the world. Who would know this better than the people of the UAE? This young nation is a living, thriving tribute to the compelling power of…
France looks for central role in Iraq after Saddam era
Eleven years after refusing to follow Britain and the United States into Iraq, France is now trying to take centre stage in a country overrun by jihadists with a leading…
Nato’s new missions won’t solve Ukraine, Iraq crises
Nato leaders emerged from a summit in Wales with a plan to protect eastern members from a resurgent Russia, a pledge to reverse the decline in their defence spending, and…
Stuff that dreams are made of
This is not an academic question. It popped up in my mind during an interesting conversation I had with the Pakistani cabbie who rushed me to the Dubai International Airport…
