Operation “Raadul-Fasaad”

Chairing a high-level security meeting in Lahore on Wednesday attended by all the Corps Commanders in the Punjab, the COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa announced the launching of “Raadul-Fasaad” (elimination of violence). Focussed in the Punjab this offensive by the Pakistan Army constitutes the decisive phase of countering militants of the terrorist-kind. Aimed at “indiscriminately”…

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The Recent Spike in Terrorism

Introduction “Terrorism is (largely) a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society.”—Patrick J. Kennedy The specter of resurgent terrorism has become the most threatening challenge of the twenty-first century. The monster of terrorism coupled with militancy has continued to wreak havoc in most…

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Afghan Peace Processes Sans Peace

Another Afghan peace process has caught international attention, albeit belatedly. Russia, China and Pakistan got together in Moscow on December 27 for the third round of secretary level talks. Though earlier two rounds went almost unnoticed, the recent one invoked an overreaction from Kabul, while Washington also radiated a feeling of unease. Nonetheless, the outcome…

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