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Talibanistan
Elisabetta Iob, in her review of ‘Talibanistan,’ writes that this compilation of essays provides a timely and profound analysis of the various aspects of the conflict on the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier.
India-China: Borders & Business
Courtesy: U.S.Navy Imagery/Flickr
Looking beyond the string of pearls
An understanding between China and India not to develop a permanent presence on each other’s maritime territories may be helpful in reducing tensions between the two navies. Given the broader context of Sino-Indian strategic rivalry, however, this seems unlikely.
Pakistan’s potential as trade and transit partner
Pakistan’s national elections will take place in the backdrop of a troubled economy, severe energy crisis, and frequent terrorist attacks. Can these problems be solved if the next leadership agrees to open its territories for trade and transit purposes between India and Afghanistan?
Doha round analysis: A trilogy
The trilogy analyses three themes of discussions carried out at the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round – (i) agricultural tariffs and subsidies, (ii) non-agricultural market access and services trade, and (iii) trade remedies and facilitation.
Karl Eikenberry: “The Afghans can achieve their ambition…”
The military withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2014 is likely impact both South and Central Asia. Gateway House interviews former U.S. envoy to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, who also served as a military officer in Afghanistan, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in post-2014 Afghanistan.
Military Deployment in Afghanistan is not in India’s National Interests
In 2014, the departing U.S. troops will leave behind in Kabul, a frail government susceptible to attacks – and a potential collapse – from various insurgent groups operating in the nation, threatening stability in South Asia as a whole. How should India involve itself in the reconstruction process in Afghanistan?
Breaking Up Is Not Hard to Do
Overall, the U.S.-Pakistan alliance hasn't been pleasant. Despite their growing mutual distrust for each other, which has become evident in the past few years, the alliance still continues. Is it worth all the troubles it comes with?
Refusing to See the Obvious in Afghanistan
Although in the recent weeks, there has been an apparent goodwill in the Afghan-Pakistan relationship, there still exists severe volatility on the ground in both nations. Unless the two nations overcome their mutual distrust and work together, post-2014, one can expect dramatic instability in the war-torn nation.
Afghanistan’s military-industrial complex
Since 2002, a large amount of U.S. funds flowing into Afghanistan has been diverted to the Taliban by local strongmen, resulting in a continued presence of the militia. The challenge post-2014 will be to reverse the West’s top-down strategy, creating a grassroots-driven incentive for peace and development.
India and the OIC: To join or not to join?
India’s relations with Islamic nations, many of which are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have become even more prolific over the last decade. While India does not visualise becoming a member of a religious international body, many reasons militate against our formally joining the OIC.