Faster Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region
By Peter G. Hall
*
Vice-President and Chief Economist Export Development Canada
Enveloped in cloudless skies, brilliant sun and crystal waters, the delegates at the APEC-CEO summit in Bali had almost perfect conditions for clear communication. The conference didn't disappoint. Presentation after presentation took into account the fast-growth years, the ravages of the crisis, and offered thoughts on the way forward. Were there some key messages for Canadian exporters and international investors?
The Prospect of Nuclear Jihad in South Asia
By Musa Khan Jalalzai *
During the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the al Qaeda sought nuclear weapons assistance from Pakistan
The availability of nuclear materials in black market, specifically in Pakistan’s tribal regions, has put the country’s nuclear weapons facilities under threat. There is concern that TTP, Punjabi Taliban or its allies may possibly attack Pakistan’s nuclear facilities by detonating a small, crude nuclear weapon. In 1990s, Pakistan was deeply involved in nuclear smuggling; therefore, some nuclear and military experts understand that Pakistan is simply a state that cannot be trusted. Director General of Strategic Planning Division Lt General Kidwai once said that more than 70,000 experts are working in 15 atomic plants across the country, including 8,000 well trained scientists, of which more than 2,000 scientists have sensitive knowledge.
American Presence In Pakistan: Postcard From Hell
By Mahboob A. Khawaja *
Is America at war within itself? Its history offers alarming and dreadful signals to the whole of the mankind. In slightly over two centuries of its existence, America has fought more than two hundred wars. None seem to have had large scale global repercussions and disastrous consequences as is the unending Bush engineered “War on Terrorism.”
Opportunity in the ASEAN Powerhouse
By Peter G. Hall *
Vice-President and Chief Economist Export Development Canada
Enveloped in cloudless skies, brilliant sun and crystal waters, the delegates at the APEC-CEO summit in Bali had almost perfect conditions for clear communication. The conference didn't disappoint. Presentation after presentation took into account the fast-growth years, the ravages of the crisis, and offered thoughts on the way forward. Were there some key messages for Canadian exporters and international investors?
Afghanistan: Reconciling India’s and Pakistan’s Interests
By Shastri Ramachandaran*
Although the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan is well under way, there remain many uncertainties about the post-2014 situation. The presence and role of the U.S. military and mercenaries, outcome of President Hamid Karzai’s endgames as he prepares the pitch for the presidential election in April 2014 and the consequences of the Taliban’s opposition to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif aiding the reconciliation process are just a few of the uncertainties.
Bangladesh: Another Verdict
By S. Binodkumar Singh
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
On October 1, 2013, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) sentenced to death the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) standing committee member and six-time Member of Parliament (MP) [sitting MP from Rangunia constituency of Chittagong District since 2008], Salauddin Quader Chowdhury (64), for war crimes during the Liberation War of 1971.
Communal Violence In Bangladesh
By Ishtiaq Ansari *
On 4th October, 2013 an article ‘Political Islam and “Communal Violence” in Bangladesh’ by Mr. Taj Hashmi appeared on countercurrents.org. The article is a “masterpiece” of fact less observations with dubious motive and contradictory and baseless arguments.
BANGLADESH: News Briefs
Nine persons killed in street violence across the country during the week: At least seven people were killed in street violence across the country on October 25. Several hundred people were also injured in violence as the opposition and the ruling alliance tried to hold rallies at same places or tried to violate bans on gathering that had been ordered by way of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Karachi: Hitting the Police
By Tushar Ranjan Mohanty
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
On October 9, 2013, four Policemen were killed in two separate incidents of target killing in Karachi, the provincial capital of Pakistan's Sindh Province. The Station House Officer (SHO) of the Sir Syed Police Station, Syed Irfan Haider, and Station Investigation Officer (SIO) of New Karachi Police Station, Shahbaz Ali, were shot dead in the jurisdictions of the Sir Syed Police Station. In another incident of target killing on the same day, two Policemen, identified as Amir Khan (48) and Shabbir Alam (35), were shot dead at a Police post at Ismaili Apartment in the Metroville area of the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE).
Pakistan Following Indian Path In Making Draconian Laws
By Ravi Nitesh *
Pakistan and India, both are similar in so many things. Peace mongers and human rights activists actually take it in positive way and it is in fact one of the main base that makes a solid reason of similarity among the citizens of these two countries. Now, there is one more thing that is being 'made' by the government of Pakistan, and the same already exists in India as well. Unfortunately this thing, though in spite of being almost similar, is not a reason of any celebration, instead a cause that raise eye brow of human rights activists.
Peril on the Tracks
By Tushar Ranjan Mohanty
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
At least seven persons, including two women - one civilian and one Police constable - were killed and another 16 were injured when militants triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion targeting the Jaffar Express train in the Notal area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan Province on October 21, 2013. Reports indicated that the train, which runs between Rawalpindi in Punjab Province and Quetta in Balochistan, was carrying hundreds of passengers. The passengers were returning from Punjab to Balochistan after Eid al-Adha (festival of sacrifice) holidays. Meanwhile, claiming responsibility for the attack, the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) claimed that the train was carrying Security Force (SF) personnel who were returning to Balochistan after celebrating Eid in Punjab.
