Some things will change, more will remain the same The Statesman 24 Aug 2021 The entry of Taliban 2.0 into Kabul and ongoing talks to form an inclusive government projects a picture that the Taliban is willing to bend to display a positive image. This is being supplemented by statements from their spokespersons, aiming to prove that Taliban 2.0 […]
The fall of Afghanistan The Statesman 17 Aug 2021 The fall of Afghanistan in under 10 days to the ragtag Taliban, leaves more questions than answers. What led to the collapse of the Afghan army, funded by the US and trained by many nations including India, will be studied to draw lessons for the future. Issues assessed will include morale […]
Talking to the Taliban is Indian challenge The Statesman 20 Jul 2021 The world watches as the US withdraws from Afghanistan leaving the country in the throes of civil war. It will complete its withdrawal in the next few weeks by when clashes between the Taliban and Afghan security forces would be at its peak. David Petraeus, an ex-commander […]
Why is Pakistan concerned about Afghanistan? Bharat Shakti 30 Jun 2021 In an interview to Tolo News of Afghanistan last week, Pakistan Foreign Minister, SM Qureshi stated, ‘if you try and create this impression that violence is high (in Afghanistan) because of the Taliban…again, that would be an exaggeration. Why do I say that? Aren’t there other elements over […]
China in our neighbourhood NAAD Jun 2021 In the third week of May, the Sri Lankan parliament passed a law termed as the ‘Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill’ that converted 660 acres of reclaimed land on Colombo’s waterfront into Chinese territory. China had already taken over the Hambantota port, the construction of which was approved, by the current regime […]
What US withdrawal means for the region Bharat Shakti 08 May 2021 The US withdrawal, as announced by President Joe Biden, commenced on 01 May. The US will complete it by 11 Sept this year. It is currently handing over its bases and responsibility to the Afghan National Army. Simultaneously, the Taliban have launched their summer offensive. This is […]
The future of Afghanistan The Statesman 04 May 2021 A report stated that talks, sponsored by Turkey, the UN and US, aimed at reaching a power sharing agreement in Afghanistan, scheduled to be held last month in Istanbul, has been pushed to May, as the Taliban indicated their unwillingness to attend. There is a likelihood that these may not […]
Support for Taliban must cease for Afghan peace The Statesman 06 Apr 2021 Afghanistan, as a nation, has only witnessed wars and bloodshed for the past four decades. Its turmoil began with the Soviet invasion in Dec 1979 and continues to date. The US entered after the 9/11 attack. After two decades, the US is now firming its plans […]
India’s aggressive stance The Excelsior 04 Apr 2021 Indian response to Pak’s terrorist strikes had always been meek. The nation was used to hearing the words, ‘Kadi Ninda (strong criticism)’, as the standard response by Indian politicians post any terrorist incident. Indians were equally sick of hearing national leaders complain to the world on Pak’s terrorist strikes, while taking […]
Drawing lessons from the ugliness of the past The Statesman 23 Mar 2021 The golden jubilee of the 1971 war has begun. The Swarmin Vijay Mashaal marking the start of celebrations of the 1971 war is currently moving across the country, reminding the nation of the astounding victory, achieved by the Indian armed forces. The PM gifted memorabilia to […]