For democracies under pressure, the lesson is sobering. Institutions do not only collapse when attacked from outside; they can also be hollowed out from within by leaders who master the language of mass appeal better than the language of internal restraint.
Although the Yunus administration was replaced by an elected government in February 2026, the influence of Islamist groups, jihadist organizations, and religious extremists has reportedly remained largely unchanged. As a result, several prominent leaders of Islamist organizations and militant groups continue to gain strength.
August 6 is not a day for ceremonies alone. It is a day to remember why restraint was carefully created in the first place and to prevent another Hiroshima - Nagasaki. A third devastation, deliberate or accidental will take less than 43 seconds.
New Delhi's wariness is not really about the river, or even the defence talks in isolation. It is about what Chinese capital and now a nascent security channel, both sitting in a border-adjacent basin, imply for India's own economic and security position.
India’s Operation Sindoor is not just a military retaliation—it is a signal of strategic transformation. With an emphasis on long-term credible deterrence, operational depth, and multi-domain pressure, New Delhi is redefining the rules of engagement with Pakistan. Islamabad would do well to recalibrate its approach and recognize the new reality: any miscalculated aggression will now face an overwhelming and multi-layered response.
For the Modi government generally and the prime minister particularly, who has mastered the art of messaging and social media optics, deploying the two women is widely seen as a smart symbolism. Their gender and religions, incidental in the context of the armed forces, carried a strong message for Pakistan and the rest of the world.
But this time, the condemnation is unanimous and intense. I cannot recall another instance where all of Kashmir shut down in protest against terrorists who were not only Muslims but also backed by Pakistan, a country that once enjoyed sympathy among a significant section of the population.
If South Asia is to overcome its myriad challenges—from religious extremism to geopolitical rivalries—it must reaffirm its commitment to secularism, inclusion, and regional cooperation. The costs of continuing down the current path are too high—not only in lost opportunities but in human lives.
Terrorism cannot be fought through centralization and alienation. Disempowering local leadership and repeatedly failing in intelligence and security—as seen in Pulwama and now Pahalgam—are grave concerns. Kashmir, as an integral part of India, must be given the dignity of full democratic participation.
The original principles behind May Day—demanding an eight-hour workday, fair wages, and safe working conditions—are still far from being fully realized in Bangladesh. Without addressing these core issues, the country risks falling behind others in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Twenty-six people died. Civilians. Tourists. Possibly women, children, families. Innocents. Their stories never reached us. Not because of censorship, but because no one cared enough to look for them. In Pakistan, people were too busy winning the meme war to ask who the victims were—or what their lives meant.
A recent article by Pakistani Army veteran Adil Raza offers disturbing insights. He writes that Pakistan, gripped by internal military desperation, has teetered on the edge of conflict not due to provocation but due to the Pakistan Army’s desire to manufacture crises to mask its domestic failures.
The path to sustainable peace will not be easy. There will be setbacks, and there will always be those who seek to derail the peace process. Sometimes, even conflict is framed as a path to larger peace—but such actions must always be the absolute last resort. Nations must ensure that voices of hatred do not drown out those of reason and compassion.
The abrogation of the Indus treaty, on the other hand, can be done in one stroke, followed by a firm refusal to respond to any diplomatic or judicial proceedings launched by Pakistan. This one act will undo an unfair treaty, augment India’s water resources and parch Pakistan.
South Asian countries have reported multiple litigations related to climate change.There are 14 such cases in India, six in Pakistan, four in Nepal and one in Sri Lanka. These include the landmark Asghar Leghari v. Federation of Pakistan case where a farmer sued the Pakistan government for not implementing the National Climate Change Policy of 2012 and the Framework for Implementation of Climate Change Policy (2014-2030).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested personal time and effort to rework India’s ties with every country in the Middle East/West Asia. And the results are showing -- India's relations with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and others have improved dramatically. Cooperation on counter terrorism – once an irritant between India and countries in the region – is now remarkably smooth
The competition for rare earths in South-Central Asia is not just a story of mining—it is a story of power, politics, and people. Pakistan and Afghanistan sit on mineral treasure troves, but their benefit will depend on governance, peace, and equitable development. For India, the rare earth race presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It cannot afford to be a passive observer
The cancellation has far-reaching implications. Bangladesh is now exploring alternative markets and trade routes. Imports of raw materials from countries like China, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan are likely to increase. Meanwhile, export costs to the Middle East and Western countries have already risen due to longer, more expensive transport routes.
India’s active role in BIMSTEC aligns with its broader strategic objectives under the Neighborhood First and Act East policies. The organization’s goals—connecting South and Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and connectivity, and boosting cooperation in maritime and non-traditional security sectors—complement India’s own regional priorities
