From a Formal to an Informal US-empire in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN’S seven-day “reduction in violence” plan negotiated by the US and the Taliban commenced on February 21. Subsequently, the two erstwhile warring parties signed a deal to bring peace to Afghanistan on February 28. America promised phased withdrawal of its military forces from Afghanistan. It is hoped that this will mark the beginning of end of the American involvement in nearly two-decade-old Afghan war which began after the September 11 attacks.

Another Devious Deal for Middle East

IN the midst of the ongoing impeachment trial of president Donald Trump and on the day Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was indicted on charges of bribery and fraud, the two maverick conservatives got together at the White House to announce the controversial new Middle East Peace Initiative, touting it as a mother of all plans to end one of the longest running disputes in the Middle East.

CDS, a Tri-Service Titular head

IT is well understood that the current ruling dispensation in New Delhi promises a lot, but delivers little. Driven by the single point agenda to grab headlines, the government rarely puts in the hard work to work out the details for implementing the policies.

Inching Towards Being a Cyber Colony of the US

THE rightwing nationalism is as cockeyed as its populism. At one end it talks about its indigenous moorings and claims to fight cultural imperialism imposed by English language and western values; on the other hand it is relentless in pursuing its deep seated desire to be a part of the Anglo-Saxon imperium.

Rainy Days! Auctioning Assets to Meet Defence Needs

SIX years back, Prime Minister Modi embarked on selling the "great power” dream to the Indian masses. In 2014, Modi announced his intention to make India a “leading power” in the international order. He assumed that the country was in a perfect position to manage global affairs to serve national interests. Many RSS sympathisers are convinced that the removal of Article 370 from J&K was undertaken at an appropriate time because Modi’s charisma has tilted the current global opinion in India’s favour.

Will India be Able to Avoid a Military Quad?

THE Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue (“the Quad”) between India, Australia, Japan and the US has got a fresh lease of life. In a significant development for the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region, Quad held its first minister-level meeting on September 27 in New York.

Is Modi Govt Efficient Enough to Build the Institution of CDS?

IN his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the government’s decision to establish the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a single head for the three services - army, navy and air force. The CDS, a four star officer is expected to be senior to the three other service chiefs.

Stop Using Wars for Domestic Political Ends

THE conflict in the mountains of Kargil sector in 1999, resulting from Pakistani infiltration, lasted around three months. India won. But the victory cost us 527 lives of young officers and men who fought gallantly to defend our territorial integrity.

After 20 years, the government is celebrating the victory in 'Operation Vijay', but it is hardly deliberating on the lessons that we need to draw from the conflict, which represented our failure on three fronts, intelligence and generalship.

Technology and the Decay of Liberalism

LIBERALISM is on the decline. The right-wing monster has re-emerged. The global response to the migrant crisis, and the speed at which racism and communalism is gaining legitimacy are clear symptoms of the decay of liberalism.

The truth is that the dictatorship of the oligarchs is back with a vengeance, legitimising racism, communalism, censorship and the surveillance state. Everything that the liberals found wrong with communism has come back to haunt them.

The Foreign Hand in Modi’s Re-election

PAKISTAN and China showered their respective bombs and benedictions on India in the midst of election season. The Pakistani establishment presented Pulwama on a platter for Modi to respond with Balakot air strikes. China filled Modi’s election kit by ensuring that Masood Azhar is placed in the international terrorist list.

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Peoples Democracy

Defense and Strategic Affairs