South & West Asia
As sanctions intensify, Iran seeks partnerships in Southeast Asia
- Monday, 14 May 2012
- Despite continued US hostility, over the last few years Iran has developed strong economic ties with several Southeast Asian countries.
- The imposition of tough US and EU sanctions is having a serious impact on Iran’s economy, but Iran is trying to circumvent the sanctions by either trading in foreign currencies or resorting to a system of barter.
- Although there are indications that Iran is willing to engage in negotiations over its nuclear programme, the impact of the sanctions has forced it to consider further strengthening relations with countries outside the sphere of influence of the US and EU.
Potent and Capable: India’s Transformational 21st Century Navy
- Thursday, 03 May 2012
Motivated by a desire to safeguard its critical sea lanes, counter China and also project its project its influence internationally, the Indian Navy has embarked on a historically unprecedented quest to develop sophisticated blue-water naval capabilities. In doing so, India’s strategic decision-makers are hopeful the Navy’s multi-billion dollar modernisation and expansion programme will ultimately cast India onto the world stage as a true great-power.
Pakistan-US Relations: Cross-border Cooperation Resumes
- Wednesday, 16 May 2012
In a sign of tensions easing between Pakistan and the US, over the weekend Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Kayani met with ISAF commander US General John Allen and Afghan army chief General Sher Muhammad Karimi to discuss border security at the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. The meeting led to the signing of an agreement to establish a border control mechanism, which was an important step forward that has led to the resumption of the NATO transit and supply route through Pakistan.
Pakistan’s 21st Century Naval Modernisation Programme
- Wednesday, 09 May 2012
In spite of progress being made to enhance bilateral ties, geopoltical rivalry between Pakistan and India continues to escalate. The most recent example was demonstrated by the launch of India’s Agni-5 nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, which was closely followed by the launch Pakistan’s Hatf 4 Shaheen-1A nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile. While this strategic rivalry has been notable on land, escalation in the maritime domain has made Pakistan increasing concerned at India’s unprecedented plans to modernise its navy.
Russia’s Afghanistan Bind
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated recently that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was a relic of the Cold War, notwithstanding that it was in Russia’s interests to continue to support the alliance’s presence in Afghanistan, and assist in maintaining stability in the war torn country.
Maldives: Democracy, Back In Transition Mode?
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
With the People’s Majlis, or Parliament, clearing President Mohammed Waheed Hassan’s vice-presidential nominee, Waheed Deen, after the “majority” Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) group stayed away, the Indian Ocean archipelago seems to be back in democratic transition, for the second time in three years. A new element has been added this time, with a National Inquiry Commission (NIC) probing the circumstances surrounding the resignation of then MDP President Mohammed Nasheed and his succession by Vice-President Waheed. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has given the Waheed Government four weeks in which to make the probe team credible.
Implications of India's Long-Range Missile Capabilities
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
As the latest addition to India’s expanding arsenal, the launch of the Agni-5 long-range missile on 19 April is another step forward in the diversification of India’s nuclear strike capabilities. While India celebrates its technological achievement, the development of a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, with an estimated range of 5,000 kilometres or 3,100 miles, is likely to intensify strategic competition between Pakistan and China, which have viewed these developments with reservation.
Iran: New Talks or More of the Same?
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
In addition to the programmed talks with the six world powers in Baghdad on 23 May, Iran has proposed engaging the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a new round of talks.
Opinion is divided over whether this new round will lead to an outcome that conclusively supports Iranian claims that it has no interest in developing a nuclear weapons capability.
The Long Goodbye: Déjà Vu in Afghanistan
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
On 17 April 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that all Australian combat troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of 2013, stating that their current role of training and mentoring the 4th Brigade of the Afghan National Army (ANA), based in Uruzgan province, is on schedule.
This dovetails with the announcement by United States President Barack Obama, on 22 June 2011, that US troops and, by implication, all foreign coalition combat troops, would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. This will end a war that began in October 2001, to defeat the Taliban Government and rid the country of al-Qaida.
Continuing Shia Unrest Worries House of Saud
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
Sectarian unrest continues in Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern Province, with violent clashes reported between Shia protesters and security forces in both February and March. The recent upheavals remain a serious cause of concern for the House of Saud, which is wary of the ongoing uprisings in neighbouring Bahrain and Yemen.