Author: Beenish Zeb

Introduction The torpedoing of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a United States Navy submarine on 4 March 2026 marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and exposed glaring vulnerabilities in India’s maritime diplomacy. The vessel, freshly returned from India’s MILAN 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam where its crew had paraded before President Droupadi Murmu was sunk in international waters off Sri Lanka, claiming 87 lives and leaving 32 survivors rescued by Sri Lankan forces. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike as an “atrocity at sea,” noting pointedly that the Dena had been “a guest of…

Introduction Pakistan has long been portrayed in Western and Indian narratives as a spoiler in Afghan affairs. Yet the empirical record since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 demonstrates the opposite: Islamabad has pursued a pragmatic, culturally attuned, and security-driven policy that has delivered measurable stabilisation outcomes where two decades of Western nation-building and India’s opportunistic investments collapsed. While the United States spent over $2 trillion and lost thousands of lives only to abandon Afghanistan in chaotic withdrawal, and New Delhi’s billions in aid evaporated with the fall of its preferred Northern Alliance proxies, Pakistan has maintained consistent…

Introduction Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the nation has descended into a dystopian reality where women and girls are systematically stripped of their humanity. By February 2026, over 150 edicts have codified gender apartheid, banning women from education, employment, public life, and even the sound of their own voices. This regime, often described as a tyranny of repression, has reversed two decades of fragile progress, plunging half the population into isolation, poverty, and despair. Maternal mortality is projected to rise by 50% by the end of 2026, early childbearing by 45%, and 78% of young…

Introduction The Khalistan movement represents a longstanding quest for Sikh self-determination, aiming to establish an independent homeland in Punjab rooted in principles of justice, equality, and sovereignty central to Sikhism. Founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, Sikhism has inspired millions with its teachings of universal brotherhood and resistance to tyranny. Sikhs, comprising about 25 million globally with most in India, have enriched the world through their valor, philanthropy, and cultural contributions. Yet, the movement has been fueled by historical grievances, including alleged atrocities by the Indian state, such as the 1984 Operation Blue Star and subsequent anti-Sikh pogroms.…

Introduction The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, stands as a cornerstone of transboundary water management between India and Pakistan, two nations whose shared hydrological resources have long been intertwined with geopolitical tensions. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty aimed to equitably allocate the waters of the Indus River system, fostering cooperation amid the lingering animosities of partition. This agreement has endured multiple conflicts, yet recent developments, including disputes over infrastructure projects and unilateral actions, have strained its framework. The treaty’s history reflects a delicate balance of rights and obligations, but persistent challenges highlight the need for robust…

Introduction Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads following the February 12, 2026, general elections, which delivered a resounding mandate to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Tarique Rahman. This victory, following the 2024 student-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure, heralds a return to multi-party democracy and a shift toward pragmatic, balanced foreign policy. The BNP’s emphasis on national sovereignty, economic revitalization, and “Bangladesh First” principles opens avenues for warmer ties across the region. Notably, relations with Pakistan strained for decades due to the 1971 Liberation War are poised for significant improvement, offering mutual benefits in trade, security, and…

Introduction The relationship between the United States and Iran stands as one of the most contentious bilateral dynamics in contemporary international politics, characterized by cycles of confrontation, negotiation, and mutual suspicion. Rooted in historical grievances and exacerbated by ideological divergences, this rapport has profound implications for regional stability in the Middle East. As of February 2026, amid ongoing indirect talks mediated by Oman and escalating military posturing, the trajectory of US-Iran relations appears poised at a precarious juncture. This article critically examines the historical underpinnings of this relationship, assesses its current state, forecasts potential developments in the near future (2026-2030),…

Introduction The Indo-Pacific region, a vast expanse bridging the Indian and Pacific Oceans, represents the forefront of global economic growth, technological innovation, and strategic interplay. Home to over half the world’s population and generating nearly two-thirds of global GDP, it is a crucible where great powers converge to shape the future international order. In this context, China’s rise stands out as a beacon of stability and inclusive development, countering perceptions of rivalry with a commitment to multilateralism, economic connectivity, and peaceful coexistence. Beijing’s policies, rooted in principles of mutual benefit and shared prosperity, offer a constructive alternative to confrontational approaches,…

Introduction In May 2025, Pakistan decisively emerged victorious in its military confrontation with India, known as the Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos from the Pakistani perspective. The brief but intense conflict, triggered by India’s aggressive strikes following a false flag terrorist incident in Kashmir on April 22, 2025, concluded with Pakistan’s superior defensive and counter-offensive capabilities forcing a ceasefire on May 10. International media outlets, global leaders, and independent analysts universally acknowledged Pakistan’s triumph, recognizing its effective deterrence, tactical prowess, and ability to protect sovereignty against a larger adversary. This resounding success not only restored Pakistan’s military prestige but also elevated its credibility…