VOL 3 NO 2

By Arif Kemal[*] Abstract NATO expansion on Iran’s northern flank is a reminder of the latter’s encirclement which reached a pinnacle earlier in the decade with the US ventures in Iraq and Afghanistan.  However the driving force behind NATO expansion in the Eurasian region is energy and trade centred thereby signifying an obvious European dimension. […]

By Toheed Ahmad [*] Abstract (Pakistan does not seem to have grasped the meaning or significance of translation. A close nexus exists between translation skills and national development. The promotion of a translation culture is also important to foster values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among faiths, races and countries. The paradigm of Dialogue/Clash of Civilizations

By Iqbal Ahmad Khan [*] Abstract The present PPP-led coalition government faces problems of Himalayan proportions. The country, following eight years of military and quasi-military rule, sits on the brink of a precipice. The situation is not much different from that inherited by the founder of the PPP, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, in December 1971. Yet, despite

By Shahwar Junaid [*] Abstract With the end of the Cold War, NATO’s role has undergone a radical transformation from providing collective defence to Western Europe against a possible Soviet-led ground attack to dealing with threats such as those emanating from global terrorism and sub-national militancy.  Today issues such as energy security and even the fallout

By Prof. Hayatullah Khan Khattack[1] Abstract (Although rules applicable during armed conflict originated in ancient times, a universal system for regulating conduct during war and offering protection to civilians did not exist. With the advance of technology and the resort to aerial bombardment, war became more deadly and civilians could no longer be insulated from

By Farhana Ali[*] Abstract (Since March 2003, when the war in Iraq began, the participation of women in that country in suicide terrorism has increased by nearly 30 percent.  This year alone there have been eight attacks committed by women compared to six in 2007. The exponential increase in female suicide bombings suggests the trend

By Tanvir Ahmad Khan [*] Abstract. (Religious extremism as a source of violence has a long history and the three great monotheistic religions have grappled with issues of just wars and illegitimate use of force for centuries. Islam has clear injunctions on the concept of a just war and abhors coercion and violence outside their ambit.

By A.G. Noorani [*] Abstract (Historically intellectual stagnation in the Islamic world long preceded revivalism and its hideout offshoot, fundamentalism. Western imperialism inspired revivalism. Its opportunism aided fundamentalism. Accordingly, any reform in the Islamic world must grapple honestly with four related tasks: (i) interpretation of some Quranic verses in the light of the times, as against

By Ishrat Husain [1] Abstract (Broad-based economic growth and social development are inextricably linked to good governance. Through the years, various commissions and committees have been established in Pakistan to reform the administrative system. These have failed. The reluctance to grant adequate provincial autonomy and over-centralization impeded both good governance and development at the local level.

comment Despite the imperfections of the 18 February election, the outcome was consequential. Analysts have waxed eloquent about the rout of the so-called king’s party and the religious right as well as the ascendancy of moderates. Yet indecision typified the victors of the election who, for several weeks, procrastinated on government formation.  While politicians dithered