Understanding President Ghani’s Peace Jirga
Afghans know that peace and counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan is inextricably entwined with international politics as also with Pakistan’s game of terror sponsorship.
Photo: RFE/RL
In Depth
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
One fifth of the world’s crude and oil liquids are transported through the strait, making it the world’s most important oil artery
Photo: Stratfor
As Saudi society liberalises, it reckons with hardline past
The Islamist takeover of Mecca’s Grand Mosque in 1979 has been turned into a television drama, spotlighting a controversial narrative Saudi Arabia is using to support social changes once deemed un-Islamic.
Photo: Reuters/Suhaib Salem
Iran rolls back nuclear pledges but stops short of violating pact
While stopping short of violating its 2015 deal with world powers for now, Iran threatened more action if countries do not shield it from U.S. sanctions.
Photo: iStock
Protests Challenge Gulf Counterrevolution
Middle Eastern autocrats are unlikely to respond to the protests in Algeria and Sudan any differently than they did in 2011.
Photo: Charlie Kimber?ROAPE
Ending the Myth of the Poor Terrorist
The jihadists who carried out the Easter massacre in Sri Lanka were educated members of their country’s elite, a background that’s closer to the terrorist norm than the exception
The Need for Religious Pluralism in the Muslim World
Among the most prominent reasons behind religious and sectarian clashes in the Arab world today is the belief in exclusiveness of the “right-to” the absolute truth, and the reluctance to accept diversity and respect religious pluralism.
Photo: theChive/Pinterest
China’s Belt and Road Forum: Continuing Doubts
under the BRI, the Chinese are essentially building a mercantilist system in parallel in which tenders and contracts are won only by Chinese enterprises.
Photo: Belt and Forum News
Afghan women push for voice in talks, fearing loss of rights
Women are worried that even religious conservatives, warlords and strongmen who dominate Afghanistan’s US-backed leadership – and whose attitudes toward women often differ little from the Taliban – will trade away their rights to reach a deal.
Russia’s Highest Civilian Award For PM Modi: Why Now?
One of the reasons for the award therefore is the recognition of PM Modi’s timely intervention to prevent the relationship from going haywire to the disadvantage of Russia.
Photo: PTI