The Chinese Mediated Saudi - Iran Deal

Assessing the recent Saudi-Iran agreement to re-establish diplomatic relations through the Chinese mediation, and its potential implications for Pakistan

The Saudi-Iran agreement, signed on March 10, has a potential to alter the Middle Eastern geopolitics. It may bring the two states in sync with the emerging complex multi-polar order and create no space for non-alignment.

The deal, between the two rival states of Iran and Saudi Arabia, through the Chinese mediation, is more likely to defuse than end intra-state conflicts between different groups supported by Iran or Saudi Arabia. The situation in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon is expected to be positively influenced by the deal. The US air force bombed Iran backed positions on March 24 and the Iran backed forces firing drones at US bases there, if repeated may endanger the whole process. It may not end competitive relations between Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran, but start a process of normalisation and economic interaction in the coming days. At best, the two states will use their influence over their supported groups to stop violence and encourage dialogue 

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Need for revisiting Pakistan’s Afghan policy

Pakistan’s reluctance to act decisively against the Taliban and/or other related targets inside Pakistan made Pakistan’s demands to have a strong say in the Afghan solution not trustworthy

Need for re visiting Pakistan’s Afghan Policy and Role in finding Peace

Published in two parts on 19 and 20 August 2013

Need for Re Visiting Pakistan's Afghan Policy

Pakistan tried to bargain a solution for Afghanistan that will ensure an upper hand to groups it considers friendly to it. Pakistan’s diplomacy relied on US plans/ needs to disengage militarily from Afghanistan. Pakistan also depended on the strength it gained from its location and history of the past two and half decades which gave Pakistan a real influence in Afghan affairs. Pakistan has been using that influence as a bargaining chip. If played appropriately, it could have got Pakistan a much better deal. However, it appears Pakistan has not just failed to gain much, but has lost in terms of domestic security; is facing a crisis of existential proportions, economic meltdown, and international and regional (almost) isolation with a very negative image. It’s getting late but if Pakistan is somehow able to make some quick adjustments in its demands and methods can still clinch a favorable deal. At least, it can minimize the loss.

Searching for Peace in Afghanistan as Dec. 2014 comes nearer: Perceptions, Wishes Apprehensions and Policies

As the December 2014 deadline for the withdrawal (from active combat) of foreign troops in Afghanistan draws near, the search for a peace deal in and on Afghanistan has become crucial. Diplomats from various capitals of the world, especially the West, are getting desperate to find a quick solution. The regional states, including India, Pakistan and Iran, are pushing for a situation that will suit them. China and Russia are also becoming quietly active. There is widespread apprehension that the Taliban will run over Kabul within a short time of the drawdown of forces and withdrawal from active combat. This appears to be a misplaced fear, or for some a wish. Most analyses of such a scenario try to draw parallels between the Soviet withdrawal and the curr - See more at:
http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20130628&page=13

A Step Forward on The Democratic Road?

My questions that begs answer, to be able to say yes Pakistan has moved forward on the Democratic Road as a result of May 11 2013 elections. Answers will become clear within few months. We must watch carefully

A Step Forward on the Democratic Road?                              

Daily Times May 27 2013

 May 11 elections are generally hailed as a major step forward in the direction of Democracy in Pakistan. Arguments can be forwarded both in favor and against this position. Democratization means transfer of real powers to people. It is a process of including the secluded. People exercise their control through elected representatives. Elections are the key to Democracy. It can be claimed without fear of reasonable rebuttal that these elections have generated the most controversies; keeping aside the 1977 elections, which will need a different debate. Having said that, one must also understand that democracy never comes neatly and disciplined. It is noisy and the road to it is bumpy. Democracy also does not come at once; it comes gradually through a continuous process. So, despite many controversies and legitimate questions about its fairness, elections have taken place after five years of an elected government, which is positive occurrence in its own right. A new government is ready to replace the outgoing one at center. In two provinces government will change hands while in two those in power earlier have returned. Despite the controversies this can become a step in the right direction. However, challenges and dangers to the process have not finished. The new elected governments, especially at the center have the task of consolidating and furthering the democratic gains. This write up focuses on the federal government

Pakistan's Strategic Culture and Foreign Policy Making

Pakistan's Strategic Culture and Foreign Policy Making: A Study of Pakistan's Post 9/11 Afghan Policy

Author: Dr. Ijaz Khan, Professor, Dept. of International Relations, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Publisher: Nova Science Publishers New York.

https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=29337

Date: December 2007

Those wanting to understand Pakistan's role in 'War against Terrorism' must read this new book. It explains Pakistan's foriegn policy with the help of studying its Strategic Culture; the historical developmkent of its security perceptions and why it considers the policy it has been pursuing till at least 9/11, that is relying on religious extremists to achieve its foreign policy/secuiryt objectives. How much it has changed, and how much it has not. To really understand Pakistan's self view and the world view based on it, this book offers an alternative non centrist and mainly Pashtun perspective.