OPINION
US ends Afghan War in confused retreat
The Taliban was back in power in Afghanistan and the US that invaded the country to fight the insurgents, had spent the last days cooperating with the group and even bombing its enemies now considered common adversaries. The final pullout came 11 days before the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks carried out by the Afghanistan-based Al Qaeda in the US in 2001.
Autumn's Shadow on the Arab Spring
While most of the Indian media has been obsessed with developments taking place in Afghanistan, it has nearly missed the country, which was the fountainhead of the so-called 'Arab Spring' about ten years back when people toppled a dictator that had ruled it for 27 years. Arab Spring had nurtured hopes that democracy might be able to get a toehold in many Arab countries based on the aspirations of the people.
'Uzbekistan's participation in Chabahar route is part of Tashkent's outreach to Eurasia'
In a free-wheeling interview to Aditi Bhaduri, Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov discussed Uzbekistan's strategic relationship with India and Tashkent's Eurasian and international outreach which includes forging special ties with Central Asian neighbours to fostering a unique "Central Asian spirit".
Why Afghan soldiers go to India for training, and not Pakistan, wonders Pakistan Army
"India poisoned the minds of the Afghan leadership, its intelligence agencies, as well as the army, thus giving rise to negative statements against Pakistan." He tried to explain how much Pakistan has done for the country and its people yet they have always been blamed for the Afghanistan mess.
Is China building nuclear missile silos under the guise of windmills?
Now, satellite imagery has revealed that in the desert of Gansu province, 120 new silos are being built near western China. The lack of any official Chinese confirmation or explanation, along with introduction of air-based nuclear capabilities and construction of more road-mobile ICBMs and strategic nuclear submarines, have all contributed to confusion and suspicions about Beijing's intentions.
Amid Afghanistan turmoil, India must increase focus on South Asia
A peaceful South Asia is critical for economic growth and overall stability for the countries in the region. While the global community's eyes are fixed on Afghanistan, the South Asian countries should use it as a window of opportunity to heighten engagements among themselves. And India must play an expanded role in strengthening this block as most countries are trying to decipher.
Why is Taliban surefooted in its geopolitical responses this time?
Having achieved its mission of taking charge of the country in quick time, the Taliban held its hands at the Kabul International Airport only to see the completion of the evacuation of US and NATO personnel -- it showed its true colours by clamping down on the exit of Afghan nationals from the country. Its leaders, meanwhile, were initiating moves to give shape to the future government.
Does US humiliation in Afghanistan spell curtains on forever wars?
Or, is there an urge in wounded hearts for some rearguard action in order to pick up shreds of prestige blown to smithereens? A military response to the residual imperialist yearning, pulsating beneath the ashes, may well provide Afghans with an opportunity to measure up to Vietnam's record. Vietnam defeated three permanent members of the Security Council in the battlefield: France at Dien Bien Phu, the US at Saigon, and China in Lang Son.
Blue Hats for safety of Afghan women, girl-children
The Taliban must instruct its ground soldiers to not attack any blue helmet-wearing UN peace keeping soldiers (their uniform includes a blue helmet) who will be giving escort and security to girls and women who are going out to study or work. The UN force could set up a system of cars, buses for transport of girls and children, accompanied by blue hats.
What will be the impact of India's China policy on its economy?
In fact, the most critical lesson that pandemic has taught us is that economic overdependence on any one country can be detrimental to any domestic economy. We witnessed an almost complete standstill in many manufacturing units, especially in Europe, when Wuhan shut down.
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