Articles

Generals in the Muslim world are a nasty lot but the Pakistani generals are a breed apart. They are not only criminal-minded but are also totally subservient to the US. They are masters at flattery and are putting this to good use by sucking up to Donald Trump.

Many countries are plagued by military dictatorships but Pakistan’s experience has been most debilitating. The foundations of this disaster were laid by General Ayub Khan, a mediocre soldier but master of intrigues. His policies led to the break-up of Pakistan.

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow’s involvement in Syria is not part of a foreign policy objective but a practical extension of its internal security strategy. Putin wants to contain the takfiri terrorists in West Asia before they pose a threat to his domestic order.

President Donald Trump wants the Bagram Airbase; the Taliban have refused. Are last month’s deadly clashes between the Pakistan army and Taliban forces part of US coercion tactics to force the Taliban to comply with Trump’s demand?

The Turks claim many Sahaba (companions of the Prophet) are buried in their country. This is not true. Yet, the grave sites of these “Sahabis” are not properly maintained compared to the grand mosauleums of the Sultans. It provides a glimpse into the nature of Turkish nationalism.