INTRODUCTION: Sectarianism is often treated as the primary cause of conflict in states such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq where previously many political forces and tribes had their own loyalties to a particular affiliation. In Syria, the classic case is the present Assad Government which has the loyalty of the tribes of the Alawite sect, a large number of which originate from Syria’s Mediterranean coast—particularly Qardaha, the hometown of the Assad family. Now they provide… Read More »West Asia crisis is deepening on sectarian line

INTRODUCTION The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), currently being developed by HAL and DRDO in which Indian Air Force is a partner and a lone customer, should be given top priority for mass production and export. The LCA, which has taken enormous time and had undergone immense technological changes, is a potential platform for IAF. Therefore even if there are shortcomings and delays, the project should be taken to a logical conclusion. Right from the beginning… Read More »LCA as a game changer for Indian Air Force

INTRODUCTION: The US and North Korea have made a good start but uncertainty still persists. Singapore summit is, in fact, the beginning of a great gamble for both sides. Now it turns out in real terms, North Korea continues to be under economic sanctions and the US continues to be suspicious of Pyongyang’s commitment to complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearisation. Washington will lift sanctions only ‘when nukes are no longer an issue’. Both leaders can… Read More »US-N Korea relations: Mutual suspicion still exists

INTRODUCTION: North Korea is now the leading newsmaker of the world after Iran. The impact of North Korean talks is quite highand if unsuccessful then can also lead to a disaster. Ever since North andSouth Korea began a summit in April to discuss the denuclearization of theKorean Peninsula and a possible peace treaty between the two countries, as theUS maintains pressure on the communist North to end its nuclear weaponsprogram, North Korean President Kim Jung… Read More »President Kim of North Korea is playing smart game too

The One Belt One Road mega event known as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)in Beijing concluded with much fanfare which has marked a journey for China into global stage as a big power. It could be a step towards achieving China’s long cherished dream to get back that lost glory of Middle Kingdom. The BRI has signaled China’s intention for future. It appears Beijing is ready to dump BRICS and other initiatives, intends togo solo.… Read More »OBOR: China wants to lead from front but solo

As the status of Kashmir is once again being debated due to changing geopolitics and economic interests, the British are back at the game. Recently, the British Parliament has passed a resolution criticizing Pakistan’s plan to annex Gilgit and Baltistan as part of its fifth province. This move, many Pakistani experts feel, could legitimize its territorial claim and supremacy of Pakistan constitution to govern the region legally. This will in turn keep Indian argument of… Read More »Change of Kashmir’s status can lead to war

While United States, under the presidency of Donald Trump, is looking for revitalizing its prowess and attempting to regain lost glory, China is in a hurry to attain the new global superpower status by showing off its military and economic strength. The catching up time between China and US may not be too long before they can be near equals at least at some levels. Earlier it was predicted that by 2040 China can be… Read More »US-China relations facing new flashpoint

The US president elect Donald Trump is going to alter the geopolitics in near to medium term paving the way for China to grab the vacuum space. This was perhaps longdue and change never waits for any approval. Like the fundamental forces of nature, change has its own dynamics. Therefore, global order will witness a massive change leading to confusion and chaos. This is not only going to alter the strategic thinking but realignment of… Read More »American withdrawal may become more forceful

The entire region of South Asia and adjoining areas could soon witness their path to development may get overpowered by growth of terrorism. To tackle this is a huge challenge by itself. But if states get into sponsoring such activities it can be far more dangerous. The Asian regions most of them are smaller countries are looking for better life for their citizens and opting for a strong economic growth. Only a handful of them,… Read More »Victims of terrorism and geopolitics in South Asia

The recent verdict given by the Permanent Court of Arbitration has changed the geopolitics in the entire Asia-Pacific region as well as the whole of Asian continent. The verdict may be a legal one but it has enormous political and strategic implications for global geopolitical order. All through the history change often starts with small. In comparison to China’s might, the Philippines was too small to withstand any Chinese move in the arbitration issue which… Read More »PCA verdict could be the turning point