A batch of emergency humanitarian aid donated by China arrived at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, September 29, 2021 28. Moscow meeting is a landmark event The United States regretted its inability to take part in the talks on Afghanistan in Moscow this week. The Russian side was pinning hopes on a meeting of the exclusive …
Narrative traps in India’s decision-making
Bhutan announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China on boundary negotiations, Thimpu, Oct 14, 2021 I read a stimulating essay recently co-authored by Paul Dolan, professor at the London School of Economics, and his research assistant Amanda Hedwood analysing, against the backdrop of the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic, how dominant narratives …
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Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-27
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov (left) escorted by Acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (R) and Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdus Salam (L), Kabul, October 7, 2021 27. Russia draws red lines for US Moscow has categorically stated that it will not accept a US military presence in the Central Asian region. This reiteration has …
A face-off over Nord Stream 2
Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin will deliver a major speech on October 13, 2021 on global energy issues The Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delivering “an informative and very important speech and then take part in a plenary discussion” on Wednesday in Moscow at the Russian Energy Week, an international forum on the …
US, Iran exchanging glances
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said his country’s dialogue with Saudi Arabia is “on the right track” While on a ‘farewell’ visit to Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday in Jerusalem at a joint press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett that negotiations in Vienna over the return to the …
Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-26
Taliban delegation led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (C) left Kabul for talks with US team of State Department, CIA & USAID officials through the weekend at Doha, Qatar, October 8, 2021 26. Taliban back in American swing chair The US state department admitted belatedly late last night that the first face-to-face meeting between …
Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-25
Taliban Dy Prime Ministers Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar (C) and Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi (R) met with British High Representative for Afghanistan Sir Simon Gass, Kabul, October 5, 2021 25. Taliban receives overtures from near and far The Taliban is getting many suitors lately. It is far from the “pariah” that the Biden Administration thought …
Biden-Xi Jinping summit is in the cards
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (L) held six-hour talks with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi, Zurich, October 6, 2021 The big question about the meeting between the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and China’s Politburo member Yang Jiechi in Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday is whether it will open the door to the pathway …
Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-24
Sir Simon Gass, British Prime Minister’s representative on Afghanistan, seated second from left, with Taliban Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, Kabul, October 5, 2021. 24. UK fires the first shot in the New Great Game While India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is doing a masterly job to canvass support for the Biden Administration’s …
Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-23
Friendship Bridge from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan 23. With eyes on Taliban, US to reset Uzbek ties When Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman lands in Tashkent on Sunday, she will be practically carving on a tiny piece of ivory. This is not to blame Sherman who is arguably a strategic asset for the Biden Administration …