Abstract The importance of civil military relations assumes seminal importance in ensuring the success of all phases of a counter insurgency campaign. In the true tradition of the Clausewitzian dictum that war is the continuation of policy and vice versa; Pakistan Army has been employed as a matter of policy in counter insurgency operations in […]
Month: June 2019
False News as an Instrument of War
Abstract Most militaries of the world consider surprise as one of the essential principles of war. Influenced by the dictum that all is fair in love and war, sages like Kautilya, Sun Tzu and Machiavelli have recommended the use of stealth and chicanery in warfare and statesmanship. Military commanders are trained in staff and war […]
The State of Medina and the Accessibility of the Leader
Abstract The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had a many splendoured personality. Tomes have been written on his personality traits (Uswa-i-Husna) and it has been impressed on the faithful, not only to follow the Holy Quran but also closely observe the traditions (sunnah) of the Holy Prophet.One element that stands out in his leadership qualities is his […]
Hybrid Warfare- Challenges for Pakistan
Abstract In order to achieve the political aims, the traditional means of kinetic warfare have always been supplemented by aggressive diplomacy, economic coercion, intelligence gathering, propaganda and proxy wars. A combination of all these tools is essential for a nation to achieve its political goals set out to win a war. All through the ages […]
Kashmir – An Outstanding Issue that Needs to be Resolved
Abstract The unrest in former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir pre-dates the partition of India but it did become main dispute between India and Pakistan, ever since these two states became independent. It is one of the longest disputes registered with the UN Security Council. Diplomatic means and wars have failed to decide the […]
Afghanistan Crisis and Pakistan-US Disagreements on Operational Aspects of Countering Terrorism
IntroductionFor the past seven decades, the relationship between Pakistan and United States (US) has been characterised by bouts of estrangement and inconsistency, interspersed with sporadic cooperative endeavours. For the most part, this relationship has been like a rollercoaster ride. There have been prominent highs and painful lows in this uneven partnership, entailing self-interest driven transactional […]
Escalation of the Crisis in the Persian Gulf
As an oil producing nation, the dominant western nations have done their best to keep Iran under their influence since the last century. The Anglo Persian oil company (founded in 1908) was created much on the same lines as the Saudi Aramco. In the famous Tehran conference (29 November-1 December 1943) the leaders of three […]