Two years after the US struck the Al-Qaeda chief in Afghanistan, Israel has allegedly carried out an offensive covert operation in Iran, killing its most wanted Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in a mysterious, sophisticated bomb blast, one of the critical successes in the global terror landscape after the US. However, Intelligence work in complicated situations has always led to playing a zero-sum game where conflict can go in two ways: either all hell breaks loose, or it can be strategically controlled and minimise escalation.
Category: Middle East and North Africa
How Far Have University Student Protests Influenced Solidarity with Gaza?
Student protests in solidarity with Palestine have surged at universities worldwide following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Protesters are demanding that their institutions sever ties with Israel and divest from companies supporting the conflict. The protests, largely organised by coalitions of student groups, have spread across the United States, Canada, Europe, and even Australia. Students have set up encampments on campuses to pressure universities into taking action. Protesters argue that universities should not maintain relationships with entities linked to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and that such ties are inappropriate.
Integrating Oman and Egypt into the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
As the Israel-Palestine conflict persists, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced in the backdrop of the G20 summit held in Delhi in September, 2023, remains a non-starter. The resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict is nowhere in sight. As opposed to delaying the implementation of IMEC until the crisis is resolved, the participating nations could look at additional routes that would connect India to Europe bypassing Israel. One such route can connect India to Europe via Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries can be connected to the corridor via branch routes.
Examining Allegations of Apartheid in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
I noticed that many people who refer to Israel as an apartheid state use the term to describe all of Palestine, including the State of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, instead of addressing each part separately. I believe that focusing on each part individually is the best strategy, as the West Bank and Gaza have their own respective authorities and government institutions. It would be unfair to lump them together with Israel. When we consider Israel, there are no signs or indications of apartheid aside from the inflammatory language used by some Knesset members. All citizens, whether Arab or Jewish, are free to do as they please. Similarly, in Gaza, in the absence of any Israelis, it is impossible to speak about apartheid.
Role of Information Warfare in Israel-Hamas War
The Israel-Hamas war serves as a poignant example of how information warfare has become critical component of contemporary conflicts. In context of Israel-Hamas, IW has emerged as a pivotal tool for both sides to influence public opinion and shape international perceptions
Assessing the Prospects of India-Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation
India and Saudi Arabia conducted their maiden military exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ from 29 January 2024 to 9 February 2024. The 12-day exercise has proven to be an indicator of a growing defence relationship between both nations. Saudi crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman paid a state visit to India during the 2023 G-20 summit hosted by India. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2019, the two countries signed a landmark memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation which entailed joint military exercises between the two countries.
World Economic Forum’s Role in Addressing Conflict in the Middle East
The 54th annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) kicked off in Davos, Switzerland, with the overarching theme of “Rebuilding Trust.” Bringing together more than 2800 participants from 120 countries across business, politics, academia, and civil society, the forum aimed to address pressing global challenges amidst geopolitical tensions and rapid technological advancements.
Silent Adjudicators Amidst the Iran-Pakistan Cross-Border Strikes
States are the primary actors in international relations, driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. In this context, the Iran-Pakistan conflict can be understood as a struggle for influence and security along their shared border. The volatile region of Baluchistan province is being heightened by the recent airstrikes between Iran and Pakistan, posing concerns about potential escalation of tensions. The ongoing conflict is influenced by power dynamics and national interests, while China’s GSI is playing a stability role.