Terror returns to Mumbai
On July 13, three bombs went off in the busy streets of Mumbai. While the authorities try to apprehend suspects, the city remains enveloped in rain and a blanket of terror.
Courtesy: PMO
The Bangladesh bilateral: Looking to the future
The constant engagement between India and Bangladesh in the recent past has garnered a more suitable political atmosphere for enhanced bilateral relations. Looking beyond political blunders and focusing on socio-economic cooperation is at the advantage of both nations.
Courtesy: TheU.S.Army/Flickr
U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan: Politics wins over policy
The 10-year old war in Afghanistan has reached a hazy stage as the U.S. announced a quicker withdrawal of troops, with NATO countries soon to follow. The South Asian region will undergo another makeover, hopefully opening doors for New Delhi and Islamabad.
Courtesy: DanielHauptstein/WikimediaCommons
India-Pakistan: The stabilising mantra
Although the Indo-Pakistan foreign secretary talks did not grab all the headlines, bilateral relations have seen notable developments. The former single-minded approach to discuss terrorism was modified, in turn allowing both nations to progress in terms of friendly and nuclear confidence building measures.
Courtesy: Kash_if/Flickr
U.S.-Pakistan: Allies or enemies
Even ardent supporters of Pakistan are unable to explain to Washington, and indeed the rest of the world, how Osama Bin Laden lived in a mansion with the Pakistani military and ISI as his neighbours. The implications on US-Pak relations are likely to be heavy.
Courtesy: bkusler/Flickr
Obama gets Osama
Osama Bin Laden’s death may not have an immediate effect on Al Qaeda’s ability to conduct operations nor may it deter the ‘democratic’ protests of the Arab Spring. Pakistan though, will now have to answer to global questioning and may reshuffle its stance with the Taliban and other terrorist groups.
Courtesy: openDemocracy/Flickr
Osama execution kills the Pakistan myth
The circumstances involved in the execution of Osama bin Laden make clear the connections between the Pakistan military and the Taliban-Al Qaeda. Will it finally slow the U.S. descent down the Wahabi-friendly trail?
Courtesy: PMO
India-Kazakhstan: Beyond energy II
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with Kazakh President Nazarbayev to strengthen ties and announced a Joint Action plan for 2011-14. Should the countries enhance their “arms-length transactional” relationship, a deeper alliance can be forged to include untapped sectors with immense potential
Courtesy: Lear21,ThomasWolf/Wikipedia
Germany: Charting its own course
Germany’s abstention on the UN Resolution on Libya heralds the mellowing of a nation blamed for last century’s most catastrophic wars. This time, Berlin may determine the history of Europe by choosing to pursue its national interests peacefully rather than subjugating an entire populace.
“India needs a maritime governance authority”
The Navy, Coast Guard, Police and maritime companies now encounter new threats, as piracy threatens the Indian seas and our trade routes. This calls for a united approach in combating threats and even more so, for a single governing body for maritime issues.