A Strategic Conundrum: Pakistan’s Transit Corridor to Iran as Lifeline or Liability
The US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz — disruptive to global trade and energy flows, and devastating for debt-burdened economies — has handed Pakistan an unexpected geoeconomic opportunity, one that may persist even if the framework agreement announced on June 14 results in a lasting peace and permanent reopening of the strait. But seizing it will have interlocking consequences for Islamabad’s ties with Tehran, Washington, and the Gulf states.
Russia’s Taliban Embrace Signals a New Power Shift in Afghanistan
Sometimes the only thing more frightening than Afghanistan’s problems is the Taliban’s solutions and the recently signed Russia-Taliban military-technical agreement may be the most alarming one yet. The partnership signals that Afghanistan’s security architecture is being rebuilt without the United States, and increasingly by America’s rivals. Washington should pay close attention because the deal hands one of the world’s most repressive regimes a pathway to becoming more capable and deeply entrenched in a regional order where Russian influence is expanding at America’s expense.
The Pakistani General Running Washington’s Backchannel to Tehran
As Washington and Tehran edge closer to escalation, the most critical line of communication keeping the crisis from spiraling is being run not by polished diplomats, but by an unlikely figure: a Pakistani general. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s powerful army chief, has quietly become the key intermediary in the U.S.-Iran standoff, managing what may be the most important backchannel between the two sides. The mediation has thrust Pakistan to the center of the crisis while exposing it to enormous risk.
In the wake of Pakistan’s recently concluded elections, this panel will offer insight and analysis into what the results are likely to mean for the future of the country and region. The speakers will reflect on the possible composition of a new government and the implications of the election for the future of Pakistan’s democratic system.
In the wake of Pakistan’s recently concluded elections, this panel will offer insight and analysis into what the results are likely to mean for the future of the country and region. The speakers will reflect on the possible composition of a new government and the implications of the election for the future of Pakistan’s democratic system.
In the wake of Pakistan’s recently concluded elections, this panel will offer insight and analysis into what the results are likely to mean for the future of the country and region. The speakers will reflect on the possible composition of a new government and the implications of the election for the future of Pakistan’s democratic system.
In the wake of Pakistan’s recently concluded elections, this panel will offer insight and analysis into what the results are likely to mean for the future of the country and region. The speakers will reflect on the possible composition of a new government and the implications of the election for the future of Pakistan’s democratic system.
In the wake of Pakistan’s recently concluded elections, this panel will offer insight and analysis into what the results are likely to mean for the future of the country and region. The speakers will reflect on the possible composition of a new government and the implications of the election for the future of Pakistan’s democratic system.
What Pakistan’s Democratic Future Holds for the United States
With elections set to take place on May 11, Pakistan stands at an important juncture of its history. The Election Commission of Pakistan, arguably the most independent and impartial that the country has had, is working diligently to ensure that the electoral process is free and fair. A democratically elected government could, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, relinquish power to another civilian government. Such a development, which marks a new phase in the Pakistan’s democratic struggle, indicates the need for a reassessment of U.S.
Along with countries such as Syria and Iraq, Pakistan has become a theater of doctrinal differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims, signifying that rifts between local groups have become linked to the wider violent sectarianism in the Middle East.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Next Steps and Challenges
Wed, 3/20/2013 12:00 pm to 1:30 pmLocation: The SEIU Building1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20 036 The Middle East Institute is proud to host Lieutenant General (Ret.) David W. Barno and Dr. Michael E.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Next Steps and Challenges
Wed, 3/20/2013 12:00 pm to 1:30 pmLocation: The SEIU Building1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20 036 The Middle East Institute is proud to host Lieutenant General (Ret.) David W. Barno and Dr. Michael E.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Next Steps and Challenges
Wed, 3/20/2013 12:00 pm to 1:30 pmLocation: The SEIU Building1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20 036 The Middle East Institute is proud to host Lieutenant General (Ret.) David W. Barno and Dr. Michael E.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Next Steps and Challenges
Wed, 3/20/2013 12:00 pm to 1:30 pmLocation: The SEIU Building1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20 036 The Middle East Institute is proud to host Lieutenant General (Ret.) David W. Barno and Dr. Michael E.
The oldest peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the study of the modern Middle East, MEI’s flagship journal covers politics, society, and culture in the region.
