Diplomatic language, not so diplomatic
In the eyes of the public, diplomacy conjures up the image of dignitaries offering polite handshakes accompanied by kind words and smiles at fancy photo-ops. Once diplomats go behind closed…
‘Double column’ saves the nation
Tony Blair may have been called Dubya’s poodle in blindly following him from one blunder into another. But the ‘junior’ partner in the war on terror coalition has had an…
The elusive Afghan peace process
Statesmen and diplomats often pretend to know more than they actually do. A majority of the participants in the November 2 Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan were unfamiliar with the complexities…
Further progress
Last week I had identified some steps that Pakistan had taken to promote reconciliation in Afghanistan. I had suggested that there were further measures that Pakistan should also take, urgently, since…
Pakistan and the FMCT
Pakistan is blocking the start of negotiations of a global halt to the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. The Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) can’t begin, Pakistani diplomats…
The elusive Afghan peace process
Statesmen and diplomats often pretend to know more than they actually do. A majority of the participants in the November 2 Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan were unfamiliar with the complexities…
Strengthening relations
I grew up with the notion that the only good Indian is a dead Indian and I mean the South Asian variety. However, as I grew older, a number of…
Palestinian dreams and reality
As Palestinians celebrate the vote at the UN upgrading their status at the world body, spare a thought for Israeli and American diplomats who have been labouring for months to…
