Here’s How a “Slip of the Tongue” Strengthened Russian-Pakistani Relations

Here’s How a “Slip of the Tongue” Strengthened Russian-Pakistani Relations

A faux pas, especially when committed in the realm of international diplomacy and erroneously implying that a country’s new partner supports terrorism, usually has the effect of weakening bilateral relations between those two states, but a Russian official’s “slip of the tongue” paradoxically strengthened relations with Pakistan after Islamabad displayed political maturity by not overreacting…

US Revisits Vietnam Syndrome in Afghanistan After 17 Years of War and Destruction

US Revisits Vietnam Syndrome in Afghanistan After 17 Years of War and Destruction

It is America’s longest war, costing huge amounts of “blood and treasure” as US leaders claim. Yet, the signs are that Washington is finally accepting a historic defeat in Afghanistan comparable to the ignominious Vietnam War. Intensive negotiations between American officials and Taliban insurgents have produced the “biggest tangible step” towards ending the nearly 18-year…

Venezuela in Flames. Washington Is Working Hard for Regime Change

Venezuela in Flames. Washington Is Working Hard for Regime Change

There is a familiar smell about what is taking place vis-à-vis Venezuela. The official US government line is that the sanctions against the country and the decision to recognize the head of its national assembly Jose Guaido as interim president is based on a flawed election won by populist Nicholas Maduro last May. Guaido was…

A Rational Take on Why Daesh Is Targeting US Troops in Syria at This Specific Time

A Rational Take on Why Daesh Is Targeting US Troops in Syria at This Specific Time

Two Daesh suicide attacks recently took place in Syria over a period of just five days, suggesting that they’re part of a coordinated strategy being employed by the terrorists against the withdrawing American troops. The “qui bono” principle has led to many observers suspecting that the whole point is to either delay Trump’s promised drawdown…

Peculiarities of US Imperialism in Latin America

Peculiarities of US Imperialism in Latin America

Understanding imperialism as a general phenomenon loses sight of its modus operandi in any specific and meaningful context. While the exercise of imperialist power is a common strategy, its motives, instruments, objectives and engagement vary, depending on the nature of the imperial ruler and targeted country. Venezuela, the current target of US, President Donald Trump,…

Russia Might be Planning an Astana-Like Conference for Venezuela

Russia Might be Planning an Astana-Like Conference for Venezuela

Russia just dropped a huge hint suggesting that it might be trying to assemble an Astana-like conference for resolving the Venezuelan Crisis in the same spirit as what it’s been trying to do with Syria over the past two years, which could present the most peaceful solution available even if this initiative ultimately results in…