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Iran at the Crossroads
Oct 28, 2004

Iran at the Crossroads

Iranians are political creatures, love to politic, enjoy its uncertainties, and delight in manipulating it. These traits are in evidence as the stage is being set for a presidential election in May 2005 when Mohammad Khatami's second term of office comes to an end. The Iranian Constitution prohibits more than two successive terms.

Iran bargain brings global benefits, but some out in cold
Feb 26, 2014

Iran bargain brings global benefits, but some out in cold

Opening up to Iran would give the US some leverage over Tehran, while also ensuring that its current allies in West Asia do not take it for granted. Meanwhile, once Iranian oil flows into the market, oil and gas will get cheaper, and US companies will get more opportunities to invest in Iran.

Iran calls for "new paradigm" in international relations
Feb 27, 2014

Iran calls for "new paradigm" in international relations

Delivering the 5th RK Mishra Memorial Lecture on Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif called for a "new paradigm" in international relations to usher in an inclusive world where each State played a role.

Iran nuclear agreement: Unclear and extremely vague
Apr 04, 2015

Iran nuclear agreement: Unclear and extremely vague

Iran and the major powers have reached a very preliminary and extremely vague agreement on principles for an agreement, released in the form of a brief joint statement of less than 500 words. Whether this 'agreement about an agreement' would lead to an actual deal is anybody's guess, but it's not going to be easy.

Iran Nuclear Deal: A significant step
Apr 04, 2015

Iran Nuclear Deal: A significant step

Though Iran and P5+1 negotiators have only agreed upon the parameters for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the "implementation details" are yet to be worked out, this nevertheless is a significant step.

Iran nuclear deal: Mountain of uncertainties
Jul 17, 2015

Iran nuclear deal: Mountain of uncertainties

From a non-proliferation perspective, the Iran nuclear deal is a good one provided it is complied with. A lot will depend on Iran?s adherence to the commitments under the deal but it is difficult to have much faith in Iranian commitments because of its repeated failures in the past. And, from a regional security perspective, the deal is disastrous.

Iran nuclear deal: The promise and the peril
Jul 20, 2015

Iran nuclear deal: The promise and the peril

The American justification that delaying any possible Iranian nuclear weapon programme is itself a benefit might be short-sighted because the balance of power will have shifted in Iran?s favour by then.

Iran opportunity
Jun 16, 2015

Iran opportunity

Iran is critical for stabilising India's northwestern marches, providing access to Central Asia and in meeting India's future energy needs. The pursuit of these separate but significant interests in the West Asia is bound to produce multiple contradictions. Managing them will be a great challenge for Indian diplomacy.

Iran President-elect hints at foreign policy shift
Jun 25, 2013

Iran President-elect hints at foreign policy shift

After garnering more than 50 percent of the votes, Centrist candidate Hassan Rohani won the presidential election in Iran, receiving 18,613,329 out of 36,740,156 votes.

Iran rejects West's demand to stop enrichment
Oct 17, 2013

Iran rejects West's demand to stop enrichment

The Iranian deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs has said that Iran will not withdraw from its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Iran has said that uranium enrichment and protection of the rights of the Iranian nation

Iran steps up fight against Extremism
Dec 15, 2014

Iran steps up fight against Extremism

Iran recently organised the first international conference on 'World against Violence and Extremism (WAVE)' as per the proposal made by President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly in September. Most significantly, the conference brought together the Foreign Ministers of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen - four of the most troubled states in the region.

Iran turns the bend?
Apr 28, 2014

Iran turns the bend?

This year, India's and China's crude oil imports from Iran has risen sharply - up by 43% year-on-year basis and 36% year-on-year basis respectively, according to a Reuters report. World's oil giant companies have also shown interest to return to Iran. Do these indicate that Iran has turned the bend and worst phase of sanctions is over?

Iran's Dangerous Dabbling Irks the US
Nov 14, 2003

Iran's Dangerous Dabbling Irks the US

On 6 November 2003, US President George W. Bush made an 'excellent¿ and ¿noble¿1 speech (much acclaimed by analysts and the media) at the 20th anniversary of the National Endowment for Democracy, whereby he launched a new ¿forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East'.

Iran's N-talks: Two steps forward and another act of sabotage
Nov 06, 2014

Iran's N-talks: Two steps forward and another act of sabotage

While the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 are on track and when Iran is conceding most of the demands, why should there be an explosion in a crucial Iranian nuclear site, that too a missiles and munitions centre -- Parchin.

Iran's nuclear deal stands hostage to the vagaries of the US Congress
Apr 22, 2015

Iran's nuclear deal stands hostage to the vagaries of the US Congress

Senator John Kerry has been at pains to convince his Iranian counterpart that the Congressional act of voting on April 14 to appropriate to itself the power to reject the final deal is merely symbolic and President Obama can easily over-ride these hurdles. But what it reveals is an ugly side of the Congressmen who still live in a world of 'sanctioning' the rest.

Iran's nuclear deal: Costs and benefits
Nov 26, 2013

Iran's nuclear deal: Costs and benefits

Being a pragmatist, Iranian President Rouhani simply accepted the reality and made a deal, that ensured Iran's respect and dignity and gave relief to his people. His next 100 days will be equally crucial and that may bring about tectonic changes in the region.

Iran's nuclear issue: A breakthrough in sight?
Oct 01, 2014

Iran's nuclear issue: A breakthrough in sight?

A significant thaw is happening in the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Once Saudi Arabia decides to mend its ties with Iran, the US should hardly have any reason to go on punishing Iran. In this scenario, it seems the resolution of Iran's nuclear negotiations is not far off.

Iran, Afghanistan and US's South Asia dilemma
Jun 07, 2012

Iran, Afghanistan and US's South Asia dilemma

The SCO has so far not been a major factor in discussions about Afghanistan's stabilization. But there is a good possibility that Afghanistan will obtain observer status in the SCO. Given the differing agendas of the SCO and the US/NATO, Afghanistan's embrace of the SCO could greatly complicate reconstruction efforts.

Iran, Pakistan and nukes
Mar 05, 2004

Iran, Pakistan and nukes

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently investigating Iran's nuclear program, especially the possibility that Pakistan helped it with substantial transfers of technology and materials in the past. There has been no conclusive evidence so far, except for a piece of evidence that Pakistan

Iran: An Open Letter to Seymour Hersh
Jan 18, 2005

Iran: An Open Letter to Seymour Hersh

I read with great interest your article titled "THE COMING WARS: What the Pentagon can now do in secret" carried by the "New Yorker" in its issue dated January 24, 2005, which is already on sale. The article is about US preparations for a possible covert operation against Iran's suspected military nuclear installations set up with Pakistani complicity.

Iran: Building on the Revolutionary Agenda
Nov 07, 2005

Iran: Building on the Revolutionary Agenda

In a prescient view, when the region and the world were still sizing up the Iranian President-elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Xinhua despatch from Teheran featured by People's Daily in early August reported: "The successful play of the class card and religion card at a critical juncture has brought an unknown mayor to the office of the president.

Iran: stirring the pot?
Mar 28, 2005

Iran: stirring the pot?

Modalities of statecraft have abiding relevance. In a celebrated letter to Moghul Emperor Akbar, Shah Abbas the Great commented on a predecessor's misrule and said that "internal diversity of opinions made the foreigner covetous and caused anarchy in the country."

Iranian nuclear deal: At a critical juncture
May 15, 2014

Iranian nuclear deal: At a critical juncture

Now, a lot depends on how the fourth Vienna meeting between Iran and the P5+1 goes and whether or not Iran is able to complete the set of actions it has agreed to under the Framework for Cooperation with the IAEA by the May 15 deadline.

Iranian nuclear deal: Crossing hurdles with positive attitude
May 23, 2014

Iranian nuclear deal: Crossing hurdles with positive attitude

The recently concluded fourth Vienna meeting, between Iran and P5+1, has revealed that Iran and the international community will have to cross the major hurdles for the successful conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear deal.

Iranian Presidential Dark Horse
Jun 20, 2005

Iranian Presidential Dark Horse

The unexpected good showing of the conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former Mayor of Tehran, in the first round of the Iranian Presidental elections held on June 17, 2005, and his emergence in the No.2 position with 19.5 per cent of the valid votes polled as against 21 per cent for the favourite Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani throws open the possibility that in the second

Iranian voters' hope on Rouhani
Jul 01, 2013

Iranian voters' hope on Rouhani

In voting for a moderate President, Iranians have demonstrated their desire to overcome continued political isolation, marked by significant economic deterioration and disappearing democratic accountability. Can Mr. Rouhani overcome challenges and deliver?

Iraq - the Dynamics, ten years on
Mar 11, 2013

Iraq - the Dynamics, ten years on

A decade ago this month, the United States and its British auxiliaries abused international law by invading Iraq. India looked on helplessly then, but is it in a position to affect another unjust invasion, this time directed at Iran?

Iraq after the pullout
Dec 26, 2011

Iraq after the pullout

Last week the curtains came down on the 21st century's first unjust war - the US involvement in Iraq. But worse may follow after the American pullout. The implications for India of further turmoil in the Persian Gulf, particularly Iraq are enormous.

Iraq and After
Jun 30, 2004

Iraq and After

It may not be the story that Paul Bremer or Iyyad Allawi would want to muse over for their grandchildren: ¿I was among the handful there...¿ Yet, that¿s truth about power-transfer in Iraq, America¿s testing-ground for western democracy in the feudalistic Gulf Arab region living in a decadent past.

Iraq Continues To Bleed
Dec 29, 2003

Iraq Continues To Bleed

Police and Army are perceived to be low . The mercenaries of the Iraqi members of the governing council such as Ahmed Chalabi are better paid. The staff of the Iraqi Police and Army were till recently not entitled to the war hazard allowance. A proposal to grant that allowance even to them was under consideration.

Iraq crisis and regional implications
Jul 04, 2014

Iraq crisis and regional implications

The old colonial borders drawn in the Middle East appear headed for a major overhaul and the fresh re-drawing of the map will set out tremors far beyond the region.

Iraq opposed to PKK pullout from Turkey
May 13, 2013

Iraq opposed to PKK pullout from Turkey

A fragile peace process between the Turkish state and the outlawed Kurdistan Worker?s Party (PKK) resulted in the first signs of retreat of PKK rebels as they make their way to Iraq?s Kurdish region.

Iraq's deepening crisis and India's interests
Jun 19, 2014

Iraq's deepening crisis and India's interests

India's interests in Iraq and the region should be seen in the larger context of the seven million Indians working in West Asia, of which nearly 18,000 are in Iraq. Safety and security of this population should dominate the Indian policy.

Iraq: Terrorism and Resistance
Feb 12, 2004

Iraq: Terrorism and Resistance

Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr., Commander of the US 82nd Airborne Division ( January 6,2004):"We've turned the corner."

Iraq: The Pace of Reconstruction
Dec 23, 2004

Iraq: The Pace of Reconstruction

The invasion of Iraq by the ¿Coalition of the Willing¿ was supinely endorsed by the UN Security Council in Resolution 1483 of May 22, 2003. It bestowed legitimacy on the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). Paragraph 8 of the Resolution, and sub-paragraphs (d) and (e), specifically referred to the work of reconstruction that the Secretary General¿s Special Representative was to coordinate with the CPA. One year later

Iraqi PM makes rare visit to Kurdish north
Jun 12, 2013

Iraqi PM makes rare visit to Kurdish north

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki led a landmark cabinet meeting in the country's Kurdish region, in an effort to diffuse tensions between Kurds and the central government, a dispute that is the biggest threat to Iraq's stability.

Iraqi Taliban Strikes in Mosul
Dec 31, 2004

Iraqi Taliban Strikes in Mosul

Nineteen US troops and three others were reportedly killed on December 21, 2004, in an attack on an improvised dining hall of an American military base at Mosul in northern Iraq. An organisation called Jaish Ansar al-Sunnah (JAAS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

IRNSS: India's Own Satellite Navigation System
Jun 29, 2013

IRNSS: India's Own Satellite Navigation System

India's own satellite-based navigation system, similar to the well-known American Global Positioning System (GPS), is being readied. The first satellite of the seven satellite constellation is scheduled to be launched on July 1 from Sriharikota.

Ironclad laws needed
Jul 17, 2006

Ironclad laws needed

The Mumbai blasts were an act of war against the Indian state; it would be naïve to term it as anything else. It was an act of terror to kill as many Indians as possible. It was an act enabled, to a large measure, by a growing perception among the terrorist groups, especially those operating from Pakistan, that the Indian state was soft and indolent.

Irresolute on the world stage
Sep 23, 2013

Irresolute on the world stage

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip to America will show if there is any political energy left in the UPA government for purposeful international engagement. If the answer is in the negative, the rest of the world will simply wait for stronger leadership to re-emerge in Delhi. India might pay a price for the wasted moments, but the ruling party may not much care, having grown rather comfortable with a do-nothing foreign policy.

Is a Mid East war on the cards?
Jul 07, 2012

Is a Mid East war on the cards?

Hillary Clinton has for the past year been exhorting "Assad to get out of the way". But Assad won't listen. He sits on a system quite as durable as the one Saddam Hussain supervised in neighbouring Iraq. Without the US commitment as in Iraq, Assad cannot be pushed out.

Is air of permissiveness back here?
Mar 24, 2014

Is air of permissiveness back here?

Going by the Sri Lanka-related events and developments on the global arena, it looks as if the international community has not learnt any lessons from the recent past in and of the country. Be it the Indian neighbour, or the distant Norway, or whoever had attempted to help resolve the ethnic issue, had to give up after a point.

Is banning cycle traffic in Kolkata sensible?
Oct 30, 2013

Is banning cycle traffic in Kolkata sensible?

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like . This 35-year old rock hymn from "Queen" might evolve to the protest song of those cyclists in Kolkata who were recently banned to use their own means of transport in any of the city's 174 busiest streets.

Is China nervous?
Jul 29, 2013

Is China nervous?

It is the unease arising from China's domestic, political and economic considerations at a time of the ascendancy of a new political leadership in Beijing that could contribute to Chinese adventurism and recourse to hyper-nationalism.

Is China practising new form of imperialism in Africa?
Feb 10, 2015

Is China practising new form of imperialism in Africa?

Many see China to be practicing a new form of imperialism in Africa as it imports primary goods from Africa and exports manufacturing goods to Africa, without transferring skills to the continent. And China-Africa ties are not free from challenges. There is also immense potential.

Is China's assertiveness landing it in a strategic trap?
May 10, 2012

Is China's assertiveness landing it in a strategic trap?

China's aggressive postures in the disputed South China Sea regions have not only increased the unease and apprehensions of the affected countries but have also drawn it to the US strategic trap, placing China in a no-win situation.

Is China's dealings with the world set to change?
Dec 02, 2014

Is China's dealings with the world set to change?

At a major conference on foreign affairs in Beijing recently, President Xi Jinping called on his colleagues to create a "more enabling environment" for China's development, seeking to distance China from its brash and assertive posture.

Is Commodities Transaction Tax removal in the offing?
Feb 12, 2015

Is Commodities Transaction Tax removal in the offing?

Policy reforms in the field of taxation in the commodity futures market is of critical significance as various taxes and levies are a significant component in the overall cost of transaction.