Indian Ocean
Peaceful Transitions in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
- Wednesday, 17 April 2013
With elections soon to be held in Pakistan and Afghanistan, regional political stability is at a crossroads. These elections, combined with the ISAF drawdown in Afghanistan, will help reshape regional relations
India’s UN Peacekeeping Presence: Responsible Global Citizen or Aspiring Security Council Member?
- Wednesday, 17 April 2013
An attack on 9 April by 200 armed rebels in Jonglei, South Sudan, against a United Nations escort has left 12 dead including five Indian peacekeepers, placing pressure on India’s contributions to UN operations.
The Modi Factor in India’s 2014 Elections
- Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Narendra Modi, Gujarat’s Chief Minister, has the populist vote in his home state. Allegations he knowingly permitted violence against the Muslim minority there in 2002, however, has polarised public opinion in the rest of India about his suitability for the role of Prime Minister.
Increasingly Cosmopolitan Malaysia Heading for Close Elections?
- Wednesday, 17 April 2013
The Malaysian electorate for the upcoming national election is very different, in geographical location and age, even from that which voted in the 2008 election. These changes have made the result the most difficult to predict in years.
North Korea, the Current Crisis and India
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
The current crisis on the Korean Peninsula seemingly demonstrates Beijing’s growing exasperation with Pyongyang. But does this give India strategic room to manoeuvre?
Off and Rocketing: The Brewing India-China Space Race
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Despite denials from both sides, a nascent space race between China and India is in the offing.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Agenda: Weapons or Energy?
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
In late-March, information was leaked about a Chinese Pakistani nuclear deal, reached between 15 and 18 February this year; the deal signals a consolidation of China’s growing relationship with Pakistan. The deal may alienate its relationship with India and fuel competition.
Progress as Usual: Six Party Talks with Iran Stall Once Again
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
The 5-6 April Six Party talks with Iran have once again failed to live up to expectations. The conference on nuclear proliferation held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, did, however, indicate that progress, albeit limited, was made.
Taliban Office Established in Qatar as Negotiations Inch Forward
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Afghanistan and Qatar have finally agreed to establish a political office for the Taliban in Doha. The establishment of a Taliban office was seen as a vital prelude to the negotiation process and should facilitate peace talks, though a number of obstacles remain.
Sultan of Oman Pardons Activists and Bloggers
- Wednesday, 10 April 2013
On 21 March, the Omani Sultan Qaboos issued a decree pardoning the activists arrested in an earlier government crackdown on civic dissent. This decision has been met by praise from Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders.