S Ranjan Afghanistan is going through a period of transition; though significant, it is only a prelude to the more critical things to come by in the near future. The recent initiative at Doha, Qatar, by the US to open talks with the Afghan Taliban has gone horribly wrong. It has set the pace for a confrontation that will have far reaching consequences in the entire … [Read more...] about It is time for India to assert itself with respect to Afghanistan
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The Taliban threat to India is potent and precarious
S Ranjan Utter confusion prevails with regard to the much touted talks between the US and the Talban at Doha, Qatar. The global super power is clutching at straws to get out of a situation that is getting nastier by the hour. The idea, however, is not to dwell on the trials and tribulations of the US but to see how the development will affect India. As is usual, the … [Read more...] about The Taliban threat to India is potent and precarious
Balkanisation of Pakistan and its aftermath
Prabhakar Gupta Recently the media was agog with reports of US and Pakistan considering a joint campaign against the Haqqani network and the Afghan Taliban. This startling revelation was made by none other than the ISI chief, Lt General Zaheer-ul-Islam, in his interaction with the head of the CIA, General Petraeus. Islam reiterated that Pakistan now recognises that the … [Read more...] about Balkanisation of Pakistan and its aftermath
The strategic importance of Pakistan’s western front
Prabhakar Gupta The US and Pakistan are now starting to look more like enemies than allies, threatening the global war against terrorism (GWOT) being played out in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan against Taliban and Al-Qaida militants. Long plagued by frustration and mistrust, the relationship has plunged to its lowest level since the 9/11 attacks that had forced the two … [Read more...] about The strategic importance of Pakistan’s western front
Pakistan’s lost war against the Taliban
Prabhakar Gupta Having suffered enough casualties and loss of face to an extent which threatens to derail his comeback bid, President Obama is in his hurry to find a `quick-fix’ solution to the Afghan imbroglio. By now it is evident that he is not even averse to courting the Taliban, his enemy number one, to achieve this objective. When seen in real terms, this policy … [Read more...] about Pakistan’s lost war against the Taliban