afghanistan article_210x140 Courtesy: TheU.S.Army/Flickr
2 July 2011

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.

wagah border flag shastri article2_210x140 Courtesy: DanielHauptstein/WikimediaCommons
27 June 2011

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.

schengen spirit of openness Courtesy: FourthFloor/Flickr
23 June 2011

The Schengen spirit of openness

Despite their economic downturns, domestic tensions keep developed countries from embracing the revitalizing potential of foreign workers. Ambassador Neelam Deo argues that India should continue to leverage its history of diversity and capitalize on a world more open to the free flow of goods and services.

the latin road to arab democracy Courtesy: JonathanRashad/Flickr
17 June 2011

The Latin road to Arab democracy

As the Arab world remains engulfed in protests, there may be lessons to be learned from other recent democratic converts. Latin America’s growth story may provide the Arab world with some recommendations on how to address socio-economic issues in the post-revolution scenario.

brics leaders_210x140 Courtesy: dilmarousseff/Flickr
6 June 2011

BRICS: Convergence or dissonance?

As Europe stands united in its support for France's Finance Minister Christine Lagarde as a candidate to head the International Monetary Fund, many have begun to question if BRICS is truly an effective and united bloc. Will they be able to put forth a candidate all emerging countries can support?

christine lagarde_380x270 Courtesy: WorldEconomicForum/Flickr
31 May 2011

The IMF: Emerging economies aren’t ready for prime time

With the post for the head of the International Monetary Fund up for grabs, the emerging market countries are yet to unite and provide a suitable candidate who receives formidable support for his or her candidature. China, however, may boldly question the status quo and step ahead.

Courtesy: Sakucae/Flickr
10 May 2011

In praise of nuclear power

In the global hunt for energy security, nuclear energy has grown increasingly relevant as countries struggle to find sustainable sources of energy. The ambitious plans to build the world’s biggest nuclear plant in Jaitapur may prove to be the litmus test that defines the role of nuclear energy in India's future.

obama osama22_210x140 Courtesy: bkusler/Flickr
4 May 2011

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.