Afghanistan
Threats From Two Borders
This Article appeared in Daily Dawn on December 09th, 2008. THE government’s warning that it would have to withdraw troops from its western border in case of a threat on its eastern frontier with India was not only uncalled for, it was unrealistic as well. The continuous harping on this issue on TV talk shows [...]
Dealing With The Militants
This Article appeared in Daily Dawn on December 02nd, 2008. Pakistan is caught in the eye of the storm in the so-called war on terror between the US and its allies on one side and Al Qaeda and the Taliban on the other. Due to America’s faulty strategy in Afghanistan, the US and its allies have [...]
Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Afghanistan Interconnectivity And Spillover Effects
1. Introduction 1.1. Afghanistan particularly its area south of Hindukush range and Pakistan’s tribal area, North West Frontier Province and northern portion of Baluchistan, collectively constituting the Pathan majority land lying between the Hindukush range and the Indus river, have remained a focal point not only for historians but also for those trying to extend [...]
Jirga: An Exercise In Futility?
This Article appeared in DAWN on August 19, 2007 TO say that the situation in Afghanistan is grave would be an understatement. Every passing day sees the US becoming mired ever deeper in Afghanistan à la Iraq, because of its faulty strategy. In its desperation, it is looking for supporting planks and is leaning more [...]
Gathering Storm On The Western Frontier
This Article appeared in DAWN on March 11, 2007. American intrusions into Pakistan from Afghanistan, which until now have been occasional, are about to become frequent territorial violations. These inroads, be they in the form of targeted missile/air strikes or “enter-operate-leave” incursions are a rapidly approaching reality. What this entails for Pakistan is worth some [...]