As one sees developments in Pakistan and Iran today, it is sad to note the inability of Pakistan to get out of its mindset and attitude relating to Iran formulated in the recent past, despite a highly altered environment that came into being post-9/11. The result is that Pakistan is unable or unwilling to take [...]
Watching the events of recent weeks an interesting, and could-be disturbing question comes to mind in terms of our foreign policy and strategies: Are we really stupid and mesmerised by the US or are we trying to be too clever by far? Or, as an appendage to the question: are the vested interests of the [...]
An interesting policy development has taken place in the US under the Obama administration. As one recalls, Obama made much of nuclear disarmament and on his commitment for this goal. Well, it appears being in office alters many perspectives and President Obama’s worldview on many issues has altered qualitatively from the positions he espoused as [...]
We are told nations get the leaders they deserve so have we really deserved what is being dished out to us especially since 9/11? I suppose to some extent the democratic set up that has come into play now has been the result of the people casting their votes, so why complain now? We may [...]
The much awaited - primarily by Pakistan - Pak-US strategic dialogue will begin today in Washington. The major players, including the COAS of Pakistan, are already gathered in that capital and are being feted like never before. The Americans are being clever by laying out the red carpet for their main Pakistani guests, including not [...]
President Obama has called a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in April (12-13) this year and more than 40 heads of state are expected to attend. This is a follow-on from Obama’s Pra-gue speech of April 5 in which he outlined his arms control and nuclear nonproliferation objectives with nuclear terrorism topping the list. Now [...]
The terrorist attack in Lahore targeting a Special Investigative Unit has once again highlighted all the things wrong with our government and the state structures, especially when it comes to dealing with the terrorist problem. The plethora of statements, coming from various segments of the state in the immediate aftermath of the blast, shows the [...]
It is fascinating to watch the Indian propaganda machine come into full play as it is a field in which India excels unlike in the realm of dialogue and peace where India has always been found wanting as the neighbourhood will testify - from the small neighbours to China. Once again, instead of seeking to [...]
The US duplicity in its dealings with Pakistan continues unabated and I have always maintained that the scale of their enterprise in destabilising Pakistan can only be understood by finding linkages in seemingly unconnected events and publications. Just when the Pakistan military has taken a strong position on its military operations in FATA and the [...]
Worst is that democracy has led us into more political instability as the democratic leaders opt for the usual authoritarian approach to governance alongside a feudal mindset that makes them regard the country as their personal fiefdom.
Is there a deliberate death wish the leadership has for Pakistan and its nationals? Otherwise, why would the president [...]
