Election Outlook-IX: Power politics
That electricity expansion always proves popular in the context of developing and least developed countries in particular is a strong reality that has found its best expression in a war-ravaged…
The left-right muddle
We stand, yet again, at a division – this time between the left and the right. Unable to match the momentum in the election campaigns of the PML-N and the…
From Astana to Amritsar
On April 26, Kazakhstan hosted the third Ministerial Conference of neighbours and ‘near-neighbours’ of Afghanistan (somewhat awkwardly designated as the ‘Heart of Asia’ countries) within the framework of the so-called…
Mexico, US commit to getting beyond stereotypes
US President Barack Obama and his host, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, emphasised this week a new phase in ties between the two countries, one that focuses more on their…
Syria spillover risk as Assad turns desperate: analysts
Syria's neighbours face a growing risk of the conflict spilling across their region as Bashar al-Assad turns to ever more desperate acts to halt rebels - including the alleged use…
Unanswered questions
A day or so after last week’s Boston marathon bombings, a local luminary solemnly declared that there could be no possible justification or explanation for the outrage. The first part…
Blood, pride and hope
Modern analyses of the comparative strength of states utilise metrics such as population, GDP, military spending and other `objective` criteria. The `human` factor the sentiments and emotions of the concerned…
Cooler China, tougher US seek balance on North Korea
When the United States trumpeted its outline agreement with North Korea to end Kim Jong Il's nuclear arms programme in September 2005, some analysts predicted that China's long-term communist ally…
Why break the relationship?
The US agenda with Pakistan pre-9/11 was, in order of priority viz (1) nuclear non-proliferation (2) terrorism and (3) drugs, with the Taliban government in Afghanistan figuring prominently in the…
Boston bombs: No 100 percent safety in sport
The Boston Marathon bombs are a gruesome reminder that there will never be 100 per cent safety and security for fans, officials and participants at sports events. From the Munich…
