Islamic State’s Designs in Iraq
Rajendra Abhyankar, former Indian ambassador to Syria, Turkey and Egypt, outlines what the Islam State's designs are in Iraq, and analyses how this could reshape the region
Rajendra Abhyankar was the Indian Secretary of External Affairs from 2001-2004 and has served as the Indian Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxemburg, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, and Cyprus. He was also the Consul General of India in San Francisco, California. He currently teaches at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington and was former Chairman of the Kunzru Centre for Defence Studies and Research, Pune.
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India; International Relations
Last modified: June 19, 2017
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Will ISIS redraw the West Asia map?
The rise of the militant ISIS will alter the stability and future of all West Asian countries, and can impact India in multiple ways. India must re-evaluate its West Asia policy, and address the safety of its nationals in Iraq, the security of its oil supplies, and the fallout on South Asia of this resurgence of strife
Courtesy: al Riyadh
Assad: baptism by a brutal ballot
Basher Assad has been voted to power in Syria in an election which is widely regarded as lacking legitimacy. This will be Assad’s third term in office and his victory is an indication of the control he continues to wield despite growing western backing of opposition groups
West Asia & India: Expectations of continuity or change?
A Google Hangout Panel Discussion on the views on India's elections from West Asia and a foreign policy agenda for the next government's engagement with the region.
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Save Damascus, now
If the violence in Syria shifts focus to Damascus, the destruction will be incalculable. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, a cultural and religious centre. It is a collective heritage. Forces on both sides, led by the U.S. and Russia, must get all parties to declare Damascus a weapons-free zone
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
The Gulf comes to India
Talks between India and the delegations visiting this week from Saudi Arabia and Iran revolved around defence, energy, trade, and regional security. High level visitors to India from Bahrain last week also focused on the economy. It is in India’s interests to carry forward this momentum even after the general elections
Courtesy: United Nations
Decoding the UNSC Resolution on Syria
The recent UNSC Resolution, which mandates the complete destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons, demonstrates that after more than a year, a degree of international agreement on the Syrian issue has been possible. In the evolving situation, Russia will now emerge as a major player
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Syria: An unwarranted intervention
Despite rising international opposition, U.S. President Barack Obama is ready to penalise the Syrian regime for an alleged chemical attack in Ghouta, Syria, last month. The justifications given by the U.S. for an armed attack are questionable, and such retaliatory action will destabilise the entire region
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
Maliki’s visit lays ambitious goals
After Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s recent visit to India, cooperation in the energy sector could become the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. A lot depends on India’s response to the opportunities offered by Iraq, and on how India triangulates its foreign policy with Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia
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India finally reconnects with Iraq
In 2012, Iraq emerged as India’s second largest crude oil supplier thereby shifting focus back on bilateral relations. However, India’s historical and cultural connection with Iraq, as well as common geopolitical concerns, reveal that relations have the potential to go beyond oil