pacific islands2 Courtesy: mpeacey/Flickr
27 September 2012

The geo-strategic Pacific Islands

Traditionally, the South Pacific islands have been considered strategically insignificant. However, the need for resources, and the geopolitical shift towards Asia-Pacific have prompted nations to realize that these small island states control large resource-rich ocean areas and are increasingly geostrategic.

obama romney Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
26 September 2012

Romney and Obama’s international credentials

In the wake of the rapidly changing dynamics in the Arab world, and the fast-approaching U.S. presidential elections, there’s one question that dominates everyone’s mind: What kind of international leaders would a first-term Romney or a second-term Obama be as presidents?

Mending India-Sri Lanka relations Courtesy: PMO
24 September 2012

Mending India-Sri Lanka relations

It is evident that Tamil Nadu plays a large role in shaping India’s policy towards Sri Lanka. The recent visit to India by Sri Lanka’s President, coming promptly after aggressive rhetoric from Tamil Nadu, is yet another sign that foreign affairs cannot be outsourced to regional or state governments.

manmohan zardari_0 Courtesy: Cropbot, Russavia/WikimediaCommons
17 September 2012

Advantage: Pakistan

Manmohan Singh is likely to visit Pakistan later this year. As the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 8 years, it will be a significant event. The timing and the agenda of the PM’s visit, however, raise a few questions.

stockexchange 3 Courtesy: Clipgame/Wikimedia Commons
10 September 2012

Bourse Africa: A sparkling opportunity?

This October, Bourse Africa, the first Pan-African stock exchange is set to begin its operations. Apart from integrating all the African economies and boosting their engagements with international markets, it also aims to commodify diamonds. What does this mean for the future of commerce in Africa?

kurds in syria Courtesy: FreedomHouse/Flickr
7 September 2012

The Kurds: A historic opportunity?

In war-torn Syria, the historic dream for Kurdish nationhood has arisen yet again. Although the Kurds are presented with a historic opportunity, autonomy is still a far-fetched quest for the Syrian Kurds, today. Regardless of the outcome, no government in the region can wish away the Kurdish struggle any longer.

Pakistan: Supreme Court vs. Democracy Courtesy: Kashiff/Flickr
6 September 2012

Pakistan: Supreme Court vs. Democracy

The ongoing political chaos in Pakistan indicates that the Supreme Court is bent on weakening civilian authority and strengthening Army control in the country – which is unfavourable for Pakistan and its neighbours alike.

zenawi Courtesy: World Economic Forum/Flickr
5 September 2012

Time to overhaul African healthcare

The propensity of Africa’s leaders to seek medical treatment abroad illustrates the little faith they have in their own healthcare systems. Given how countless Africans don’t have the resources to follow their leaders’ steps, there should be increased political will to make affordable healthcare available at home.