Afghanistan: Still too Early to Expect Peace
The immediate challenge before the Biden Administration is how to get past the 1 May withdrawal deadline peacefully and establish a new one. Its long-term challenge is to bring the Taliban around to the understanding that elections, democracy and an intra-Afghan concord are to Afghanistan’s advantage.
Is the Likelihood of War with China Increasing?
After years of appeasing China in order to gain access to its markets, the US now appears to be taking a much harder line against Beijing, emphasising national security over commerce. That could be dangerous.
Erdogan’s Misogyny Transcends His Moral Decadence
President Erdoğan’s decision to withdraw Turkey from the 2011 Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence against Women is by far the most despicable turn he has yet taken against women.
India’s Neighbourhood Connectivity is Improving, But Slowly
Due to troubled ties with its neighbours, India’s attempts at enhancing its transport connections in South Asia and beyond have not been entirely successful. With both the Pakistani and Indian economies facing difficult challenges, it makes sense to boost bilateral trade relations and explore new forms of connectivity. While better connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia would benefit India, Pakistan, too, would benefit from more harmonious relations, economically, politically and security-wise.
Reacting to China’s Provocations in the South China Sea
Washington’s reiteration that it will defend the Philippines and Taiwan if either were attacked by Beijing further heightens the chance of conflict between the two powers.
Israel’s Plight: An Absence of Leadership
The result of the fourth election in two years clearly points to the dysfunction of Israel’s political system and the many fault lines of its democracy. Sadly, personal rivalries rather than political platforms that address foreign and domestic policies rule the day.