Iraq votes amidst mayhem
Iraq goes to the polls this week. However, there is uncertainty whether the elections will be successful given the renewed insurgencies in many parts of the country
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Courtesy: Arian Zwegers/Flickr
Save Damascus, now
If the violence in Syria shifts focus to Damascus, the destruction will be incalculable. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, a cultural and religious centre. It is a collective heritage. Forces on both sides, led by the U.S. and Russia, must get all parties to declare Damascus a weapons-free zone
Courtesy: United Nations
Decoding the UNSC Resolution on Syria
The recent UNSC Resolution, which mandates the complete destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons, demonstrates that after more than a year, a degree of international agreement on the Syrian issue has been possible. In the evolving situation, Russia will now emerge as a major player
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Obama: Syria, spying and sellouts
Twelve years since the Taliban attacked the country, U.S. President Barack Obama is preparing for yet another war with a country in West Asia, for breaching a ‘red line’ he had drawn. However, the red line he needs to draw is about where the moral fiber of his presidency lies in the waning months of his tenure.
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Protests in democracies – patterns and problems
Elections are meant to be a suitable recourse in democracies if citizens feel that the government does not represent them. However, the recent protests in Brazil, Turkey and India show that people feel political classes are too far removed from their every day realities to address their grievances
Courtesy: Jacques Delarue/Wikimedia Commons
Seeking dignity and direct democracy
The leaderless protests are upending traditional definitions of leadership and forms of hierarchy. Instead, the protestors are seeking some form of direct democracy and dignity.
Courtesy: European External Action Service/ Flickr
Why Morsi is wrong for his people
The downfall of Egyptian president Mohammad Morsi was partly contributed by those thousands of protesters who disagreed with his view of “Us” and “Them”. Leaders such as Morsi have focused on persecuting those who refuse to share their vision; continuing down this path would have had a negative impact on history
Courtesy: Semilla Luz/ Flickr
Brazil, Turkey, Occupy and India: What’s up folks?
The protests in Brazil, Turkey, Egypt and India are bound by a common thread of grievances against misuse of government power and corruption. These modern protests show a marked decline in government trust, even though may not always have clear objectives
Courtesy: MEAphotogallery/ Flickr
India finally reconnects with Iraq
In 2012, Iraq emerged as India’s second largest crude oil supplier thereby shifting focus back on bilateral relations. However, India’s historical and cultural connection with Iraq, as well as common geopolitical concerns, reveal that relations have the potential to go beyond oil
Courtesy: Ansarymehr/Wikimedia Commons
Will Rouhani plough a reformist furrow in Iran?
Hassan Rohani’s victory in the June 14 presidential election in Iran might allow more moderate voices in the political dialogue. But Iran's establishment decides positions on all major issues, including the nuclear programme, Syria, and dealings with the West. To what extent can Rohani change course?