tank Courtesy: Chanakyathegreat/WikimediaCommons
1 February 2013

Can a war be limited?

After each terror attack in india, there are strident demands for military action against Pakistan. ‘Surgical’ strikes and limited war in a bilateral nuclear age are not really options. What is needed is more decisive action on non-military fronts

afghan soldier 1_0 Courtesy: Matanya/WikimediaCommons
31 January 2013

Afghanistan’s military-industrial complex

Since 2002, a large amount of U.S. funds flowing into Afghanistan has been diverted to the Taliban by local strongmen, resulting in a continued presence of the militia. The challenge post-2014 will be to reverse the West’s top-down strategy, creating a grassroots-driven incentive for peace and development.

Www.Oic-Oci.Org Courtesy:
23 January 2013

India and the OIC: To join or not to join?

India’s relations with Islamic nations, many of which are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have become even more prolific over the last decade. While India does not visualise becoming a member of a religious international body, many reasons militate against our formally joining the OIC.

mg marg sikkim Courtesy: Kukster/Flickr
22 January 2013

Growth, Gangtok style

‘Sikkimisation’ is a term often used by the Chinese and Nepalese politicians to refer to India's purported Himalayan expansionism. However, Sikkim's economy has set an example that India's Himalayan neighbours would do well to follow, rather than deride

WikimediaCommons Courtesy: WikimediaCommons
15 January 2013

India-Pakistan: No takers for a solution

Pakistan’s recent violation of the ceasefire, by killing two Indian soldiers and beheading one of them, has triggered knee-jerk reactions by the government and armed forces, media frenzy, and public outcry. What makes this 60-year old problem tough to resolve, and how can those obstacles be overcome?

U.S. Department of Defense Courtesy: U.S. Department of Defense
11 January 2013

Chuck Hagel: Revising U.S. strategic postures?

The nomination of Chuck Hagel for the post of the U.S. Defense Secretary has garnered severe criticism from Israel and the Jewish lobby. Given the geopolitical changes unfolding in the Middle East and the rest of Asia, what will Hagel’s assumption of office mean for Israel, India and the rest of the world?

john kerry seema piece Courtesy: Officer/WikimediaCommons
3 January 2013

John Kerry: To the job born

U.S. Senator John Kerry will officially take office as the Secretary of State, later this month, replacing Hillary Clinton. Given his background of foreign policy, and his proven competency in related matters, what can India and South Asia look forward to, during his term in his new office?