The dying days of the Obama administration have seen a concerted, bi-partisan drive by the Washington political establishment and the Pentagon to further cement the Indo-US “global strategic partnership.” Because of its size, proximity to China, commanding geographic position within the Indian Ocean region, and rapidly expanding military power and ambitions, India has long been…
The Trump administration enters office in an unsettled time. For a variety of reasons (some directly connected to Trump’s rhetoric), the great powers face more uncertainty than at any time in recent memory. In the first few months of Trump’s presidency (indeed, perhaps even before his presidency begins) the United States will have to navigate…
The US is drawing down in Afghanistan. When the Soviets drew down in Afghanistan, this is what happened to their Kabul client: Embarrassing. To be avoided. So the Obama administration is doing all it can to ensure the continued survival and viability of the Ghani administration in Kabul. Even though the Taliban is feeling its…
There was one word missing from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani’s speech at the “Heart of Asia” conference at Amritsar concerning Afghan security and Pakistan. So let me say it: ChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChinaChina The last few months have seen Ghani and the US government working assiduously to construct a “light at the end of the tunnel” narrative foretelling…
The government of Pakistan has released what it says is a summary of a phone call between its prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump—offering a candid look at the commander-in-chief’s unusual style of diplomacy. The conversation allegedly took place on Monday, and the “readout”—described by Vox as “usually a fairly boring summary…
For the past month, while the attention of the world has been fixed on every dramatic twist in the US presidential election, the renewal of armed conflict between India and Pakistan has barely touched the headlines. In the past few weeks, the two nuclear states have, between them, killed two dozen civilians and injured scores…
