[Conn M. Hallinan] Trump’s disdain for international agencies and treaties, plus cuts in public health programs, and a relaxation of regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry could create a worldwide medical catastrophe.
Category: OpEd Articles
Iran on the Verge of Total Revolution
[Manish Rai] Iranian currency, Rial, has lost 40% value since May when Donald Trump pulled out of Iran deal and announced sanctions. Now Rial is one of the most worthless currency on earth. What’s more, Iran is experiencing its worst drought in 50 years, leaving electricity output from hydropower plants at a bare minimum. Capital outflow surpassed the inflow. Last year, Iran had a capital account deficit of $11 billion and unemployment is above 11%. All these numbers indicate that Iran’s economy has become fragile and is quickly moving into a death spiral.
Xi Jinping, the Revered
[Felix Imonti] During the National People’s Congress (NPC) in October of 2017, Xi's failure to mention his successor was an implied hint to his intention to remain the chairman of the Communist Party for as long as he chooses; and the NPC has granted him a limitless reign.
Indo-US Strategic Relations: Strengths and Limits
[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Strategic relations between the US and India evolved steadily and were steered by multiple factors like size and population of India, impact of Indian soft power on US's leaders and people, relative stability of Indian political and economic system necessary for bilateral trade-and-investment and the alignment of interests of these two countries in containing a militarily assertive and muscular China. However, the Indo-US strategic relations may not be as promising as some leaders and scholars from both sides epitomize such as natural allies or defining partners, but the history suggests that the relations will not decline rather will witness a steady rise.
In Coming Days, There will Not be Enough Food to Go Around
[Robin Limb] Although the global population is forecast to hit 9.4 billion by 2050 compared to just 7.2 billion today, the stark reality is: without the promised food supply productivity, the world's population will never approach 9.4 plus billion people, because there simply will not be enough food to go around.
Maiden UN Report on Human Rights Status in Kashmir Attracts Criticism from New Delhi
[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Despite India’s long-standing concerns over the Kashmir issue, human rights are no more considered domestic concerns with the growing institutionalization of international human rights laws and norms and, therefore, the UN report falls squarely with the Pakistani attempt at internationalizing the issue. However, even after several Pakistani attempts in seeking international support on the Kashmir issue, the major powers of international politics have preferred to stay off the course.
Sugar Coated Iceberg?
[Robin Limb] Without wanting to recycle the endless justifications for sugar's role in our diet, it is worth remembering its contribution to the food chain.
Houthis: Iran’s New Hezbolla in Making
[Manish Rai] Iran is transferring the know-how in ballistic missiles to Yemenis. Iran is also using Yemen as a testing ground for its missiles. The greater Iranian support to Houthis is not surprising. What's surprising is that the Houthis, who claim they are fighting to liberate Yemen (in name of Yemeni nationalism), have blindly chosen to take orders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, even when these orders completely contradict their agenda.
The Spanish Labyrinth
As the socialist-led government takes over in Spain, newly minted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces at least two daunting tasks: cleaning up the wreckage wrought by years of European Union (EU) enforced austerity and resolving the Catalan crisis exacerbated by Madrid’s violent reaction to last fall’s independence referendum. Unfortunately, his Party’s track record is not … Continue reading The Spanish Labyrinth
Afghanistan’s Continuous Strive for Independence and Neutrality
[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Although Afghanistan needs international assistance to rebuild as a state, attempts must be underway to restore its lost independence and neutrality.
Hard to Replace Khalifa Haftar in Libya
[Manish Rai] Khalifa Haftar, a veteran general and strongman in Libya has recently returned to his stronghold and headquarter in the eastern city of Benghazi following an extended absence, including reported treatment in Paris hospital for a stroke. General Haftar has been part of the Libyan political scene for more than four decades, shifting from … Continue reading Hard to Replace Khalifa Haftar in Libya
Understanding the Chinese Approach to Gulf Affairs
[Muhammad Zulifikar Rakhmat] China’s expanding role in the Gulf during recent years has prompted much analysis, from both inside and outside the PRC. While these studies have enriched our understanding to a certain extent, they often fail to provide a sufficiently nuanced interpretation. A more comprehensive approach is necessary. The existing literature on China-GCC relations frequently … Continue reading Understanding the Chinese Approach to Gulf Affairs
