Comment & Briefs

Japan’s quest for East Asian Community

Japan is seeking to forge an East Asian Community inline with the European Union. But the optimism that East Asia will realize the goal of European Union (EU) type integration does not seem realistic since historical issues still impede normal diplomatic relations.

October 28, 2009

  • Shamshad A. Khan
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    India-Pakistan Conflict Outcome Probability

    The Prime Minister in his address to the Combined Commanders conference of the armed forces exhorted the Services to remain alert, due to the unfolding situation in Pakistan. The armed forces would be monitoring the situation closely, because preparedness is a professional obligation and a matter of pride. Thus, if another 26/11 were to occur India’s military options would need to be considered. This commentary reinforces arguments against war as an ‘option’ by looking at the probability of breakdown in deterrence in the event of an India-Pakistan conflict.

    October 27, 2009

  • Ali Ahmed
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    China should not use water as a threat multiplier

    Water may not become a catalyst for a direct conflict, but China could leverage Tibet’s water as a politico-military tool vis-à-vis other riparian states. As the economies of India and China grow, both are bound to treat water as a strategic commodity.

    October 23, 2009

  • P. Stobdan
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    Re-strategizing the AfPak Campaign

    America’s new strategy in Afghanistan needs to be based on the concept of `connect–hold–build’, where the ground troops surely and silently `connect’ with the local population.

    October 22, 2009

  • Harinder Singh
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    India’s Afghan Policy Requires Rethinking

    Stability in Afghanistan is vital and the stakes for India are high, but the time is over for sitting on the fence. India requires a larger strategic vision, not a blueprint for town and country planning.

    October 19, 2009

  • P. Stobdan
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    Talibanization of Gilgit-Baltistan and Sectarian Killings

    The year 2009 has seen more sectarian killings in Gilgit-Baltistan than the previous two years put together. Although sniper shooting has remained the primary method of sectarian killings, owing to Taliban influences bomb blasts are also becoming common.

    October 19, 2009

  • Senge H. Sering
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    The beginning of the end of the dollar era?

    The ramifications of an end to dollar-based oil trade would extend far beyond the oil market and would herald the beginning of a new international political order.

    October 14, 2009

  • Shebonti Ray Dadwal
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    Shashi Tharoor in Liberia

    Ethnic tensions and political and economic corruption are rampant in Liberia, and dealing with these institutional problems is a monumental challenge for any outsider.

    October 14, 2009

  • Mayank Bubna
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    India, Maldives and the Indian Ocean

    The August 2009 bilateral pact will fortify the security of the Maldives as well as cater to Indian security concerns on the terrorism and geopolitical fronts.

    October 13, 2009

  • Balaji Chandramohan
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    US-Induced Privatization of Security in Pakistan

    Pakistan faces a new challenge with the United States advocating privatization of security to deal with the country’s internal security challenges, a move that would also increase the level of American monitoring and supervisory capabilities.

    October 13, 2009

  • Shantanu Chakrabarti
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