Political and security risk updates from the Open Briefing intelligence unit and Bradburys Global Risk Partners. Calls for Pakistani prime minister to resign as violent clashes continue, West warns Russia of heightened economic sanctions following incursion of Russian armed forces into eastern Ukraine, al-Nusra Front holds Fijian peacekeepers hostage in Syrian side of Golan Heights, and more.
Tag: Pakistan
India: Jostling for geopolitical control in Afghanistan
In this article co-published with openDemocracy, Open Briefing contributing analyst Shazad Ali argues that the international community has somewhat ignored India's role in Afghanistan's future, which, in fact, will be pivotal as US forces drawdown in the country by the end of the year.
2013: The year of the drone?
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism's new annual report reveals that for the first time since 2004 there were no confirmed reports of civilian casualties in Pakistan from US drone strikes. However, in this blog post, Open Briefing's Executive Director, Chris Abbott, argues it is not all good news and asks whether 2014 might, in fact, be the year of the drone.
US drone strikes in Pakistan: Ineffective and illegitimate
In this article co-published with SustainableSecurity.org, Shazad Ali and Chris Abbott argue that lack of transparency, dubious effectiveness, civilian casualties and negative consequences for US national security means that Washington needs to re-evaluate its drone strikes programme in Pakistan.
The weekly briefing, 21 October 2013
Political and security risk updates from the Open Briefing intelligence desks. Includes Al-Shabaab's video threat against British Muslim leaders and the string of bombings that threatens Burma’s reformist efforts.
Pakistan’s disappearing Hindus
Open Briefing: The political system works against minorities in Pakistan, dovetailing wealth, power and sectarianism. While Pakistan's Hindus feel the effects keenly, their elites have adjusted to the political apparatus rather than challenging it.