The Afghan National Army (ANA) had disintegrated in the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal and subsequent civil war. The new ANA post-American occupation is a more recent phenomenon and has an interesting history. In the first few years after the U.S. arrival in late 2001, security was provided by militias of local warlords. The U.S. had no…
The recent revelation about use of Pegasus software for surveillance of mobile phones by several governments surprised very few. It simply confirmed what most of us believe that surveillance is now part of modern life. This information is not new. In 2013, details about National Security Agency (NSA) running an electronic surveillance program on massive scale…
Obituary of an Officer & Gentleman of a Bygone Era Brigadier Farrukh Bakht Ali (February 1929 – February 2021) passed away in Canada. He was one of the last of the generation of Pakistan army officers commissioned right after the Independence in 1947. He was a highly respected officer of Pakistan Army. His family was…
A Study of Attitudes and Values Within the Indian Army by Colonel (R) David O. Smith David Smith’s book The Wellington Experience is a detailed study of Indian army’s prestigious Command & Staff College that trains officers of the armed forces for higher ranks. This book is based on interviews of American army officers who…
The Indo-Chinese border known as Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been quiescent for decades. In late 1990s, both countries improved infrastructure near LAC raising suspicions on both sides. There were minor skirmishes along LAC and both sides changed the posture by allocating more resources for that theatre. India’s posture has been defensive along LAC…
Afghanistan is going through another transition with many uncertainties causing hope and fear. Pakistan has a long history of involvement in Afghan affairs. When President Donald Trump tweeted on 08 October 2020 that all American troops will be home from Afghanistan by Christmas, this surprised everyone in Washington. The Pentagon, the State Department and Central…
“As you prepare your breakfast, think of others(do not forget the pigeon’s food).As you conduct your wars, think of others(do not forget those who seek peace).As you pay your water bill, think of others(those who are nursed by clouds).As you return home, to your home, think of others(do not forget the people of the camps).As…
“A real friend is one who takes the hand of his friend in times of distress and helplessness”. Afghan proverb In September 2020, Afghan government and Taliban representatives met for the first time publicly in Qatar to start intra-Afghan dialogue. There were a lot of hurdles between the first step of signing of the agreement…
David Smith’s book The Quetta Experience is a groundbreaking and unique study of Pakistan army’s prestigious Command & Staff College that trains army officers for higher ranks. This book is based on interviews of American army officers who attended Command and Staff College at Quetta in Pakistan. Foreign Area Officers (FAO) of US army spent…
A well respected Israeli military historian Abraham Rabinovich’s book is a fascinating account of a little known chapter of naval history. Israeli air force and armored corps were ruling the roost as these two services played key role in June 1967 stunning victory against three Arab armies. Israeli navy was relegated to the back seat as no…
