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Gaza: Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis Amid 2023 Conflict

By
Adnan Sami
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0
humanitarian crisis

A home to more than two million people living in a small narrow strip of around 25 miles long and six miles wide, the Gaza Strip is one of two Palestinian territories. The other one, the West Bank, is occupied by the Israelis. The strip has bordered Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, the Gaza Strip has been dominated and ruled by many different empires.

During the 16th century, the territory was incorporated by the Ottoman Empire. However, during the First World War, the territory fell into the hands of the British. In 1948, the first Arab-Israel war was the territory occupied by the Egyptians but taken back by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under different agreements during the 1980s and 1990s, the territory was transferred back to the Palestinian authority.

The Gaza Strip, described as the world’s most densely populated territory, faces unprecedented humanitarian challenges.

In 2006, the Islamic militant group Hamas won the election in the Gaza Strip, and the territory fell under the control of Hamas. Since 2006, Hamas has ruled over the Gaza Strip. In October 2023, the Hamas attacked Israeli forces by missiles as well as ground attacks. According to reports, around 300 people were kidnapped by the militant group. Many civilians were injured in the attack.

However, Israel responds to the attack very brutally towards the Gaza Strip. To date, more than 40000 people have been killed by the Israeli forces including children and women. The attack was considered by the internationally a crime against the civilians and some called it genocide.

Since 2006, the people of the narrow strip have faced many brutality and crimes from the Israeli side. Some experts called it the prison of politics. The civilians of Gaza are isolated in the narrow strip and cannot go outside the territory without the permission of the Israeli forces. The Israeli forces have occupied every point of the Gaza Strip.

Since October 2023, more than 30,000 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in Gaza.

Historically, the strip was a politically disputed area between states. After independence, the First Arab-Israel war occurred, and the territory was incorporated by the Egyptian government. However, the Israeli forces took back the territory in the six-day war in 1967. Since political games are played over the narrow strip. Actually, the territory is part of the Palestine government and should be ruled by the Palestinian Authority with the West Bank.

But practically, the strip has never been ruled by the Palestinian Authority but for very little time. The Palestinian Authority reached an agreement with Israel in 1983 and 1993, where they decided that the Gaza Strip would be part of the Palestinian territory and should be ruled by them. However, the emergence of the Hamas once again changes the future of the narrow strip.

Hamas emerged against Israel and raised a voice for the independence of Palestine due to which never-ending clashes between Hamas and Israel started. Since 2006, Hamas has ruled over the narrow strip. The civilian people have spent a political life in prison and have no freedom of speech and freedom of movement. Sometimes, prisoner of Israel while sometimes a prisoner of Hamas.

The Israeli government’s actions in Gaza have been labeled as genocide by the Government of South Africa.

Since the independence of Palestine and Israel, the Gaza Strip has always been in war conditions. The territory faced many incidents of war in the second of the 20th century including the first Arab-Israel war, the Six Days War, and many small clashes with Israel. However, turn into the 21st century, the narrow strip is almost in war condition and the people of Gaza are facing the worst and most brutal war.

The people were isolated in a small narrow strip. After the recent war between Hamas and Israel started in October 2023, the Israeli forces brutally attacked and pushed the whole population onto one side of the narrow strip and isolated them inside a small area. According to reports from the Palestinians, the people are living in a war prison. The UN also declared the area, the world’s most densely populated territory. The civilian people are not allowed to leave the territory without the consent of Israel.

Although, living under the brutality of the Israeli forces, the people of Gaza also confronting the worst humanitarian crisis since independence, especially after the war started back in 2023. The Israeli forces are conducting genocide and war crimes against the civilian people. The Government of South Africa also filed petition of genocide against Israel in the UN Court of Justice. The UN also declared the Israeli forces are doing war crimes.

The UN has declared the ongoing events in Gaza as war crimes, urging global intervention.

In a war, children and women have special safety and security. But Israeli forces are bombarding the whole population and destroying the whole territory of Gaza. More than 30000 people including children and women have been killed since October 2023. Some photos showed that the forces have raped and brutally killed many civilian women. Moreover, Children are dying due to malnutrition and not getting enough food.

The Israeli government also cut the food and other things received by the Gaza civilians. Therefore, the activities going on in the small Gaza Strip can be called the worst humanitarian crisis and the world should give some serious attention to the innocent people. Especially, the Muslim leaders need to dismantle all the relations with Israel and force them to end the worst brutality over the civilians of Gaza.

Lula Hates High Interest Rates. He Is Planning For New Central Bank Chief

By
Info Desk
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0

BRASILIA – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a staunch opponent of high interest rates – is reportedly getting ready to nominate Gabriel Galipolo for the central bank’s governor.

Galipolo would be among the four nominations for the board of Banco Central do Brasil and are expected in the coming weeks.

If approved by the Senate, Lula’s choices will take office in 2025, giving the leftist president seven picks on the central bank’s nine-member interest rate-setting committee, known as Copom.

Galipolo, the central bank’s monetary policy director, has long been seen as a strong contender to replace governor Roberto Campos Neto, whose term ends in December.

RATE HIKES VS RATE

The upcoming change in command at Brazil’s central is very significant given Lula’s strong opposition to the higher interest rates. He has been very critical of Roberto Campos Neto, the current central bank chief, who was appointed by former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro stands for far-right political views, thus advocating deregulated economy with very limited government. It is complete contrast to Lula who advocates social justice and envisages a government that intervenes in market to protect the low-income groups from exploitation.

The difference of opinion shows the serious differences between the political leaders and the central banks around the world – especially in developing countries which need and want more economic growth – over how and when to slash the interest rates which were raised to deal with the historic high inflation.

NO EXPLANATION

Earlier in March, Lula said there was no explanation for keeping Brazilian interest rates at 11.25% [the level back then when he made the statement] apart from the “stubbornness” of Neto.

Brazil’s central bank, at one point, raised the interest rates to 13.75%, but the borrowing costs are now down to 10.50%.

Last month, the central bank warned that it won’t hesitate to raise interest rates if necessary to bring inflation down to its target.

“There is no economic explanation, no inflationary explanation. There is nothing, apart from the stubbornness of the central bank’s president over holding these interest rates,” Lula had said.

He added that Neto was contributing to a delay of Brazil’s economic growth.

It is worth noting higher borrowing costs negatively affects economic growth, as businesses become reluctant to invest for expanding the current setups or establish new ones.

Hence, the Federal Reserve is being blamed for possible economic recession by keeping the US interest rates higher.

SOMEONE IS PROFITING FROM HIGH INTEREST RATES

Later in June, Lula said the media frequently mentions Brazil’s fiscal deficit, but no one talks about high interest rates “in a country with 4 per cent inflation”.

“On the contrary, they celebrate with the central bank chief in Sao Paulo. Again, those attending the celebration must be profiting from the [Brazil] interest rate,” he said.

Book Review – Pakistan Wars: An Alternative History

By
Daniyal Khurshid
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0
book review

Pakistan Wars: An Alternative History, by Tariq Rahman, was published in 2022 by Folio Books, Lahore. The book revisits the wars fought in Pakistan taking a subaltern approach where the people with no power i.e. foot soldiers, spouses, porters, ordinary civilians, etc., were interviewed. Their recollection of the events helps the readers to understand the wars fought in Pakistan.

The book revisits Pakistan’s wars through the eyes of those with no power—foot soldiers, spouses, and ordinary civilians.

In the introduction, the author describes the purpose of the book is to bring an alternative history to Pakistan’s wars and to rectify the mainstream narrative surrounding it; explaining to the readers, who may not necessarily have a background in history, what a subaltern approach in history is. The book also delves into research methodology, specifically interviews, that were carried out to write the content.

In the following chapter, readers are immersed in the military decision-making process and how decisions are made to wage war. Unilateral views against India (motivated by the martial race theory), personal glory, honor, and respect for the institution are explained as the main factors in the decision-making with little room for rationality and cost-benefit analysis. The role of the clique (military) is also explored where the entirety of the armed forces doesn’t need to be informed or supportive of various decisions made in the closed quarters.

Chapter three focuses on the Kashmir war (1947 – 1948) fought between Pakistan and India and tries to answer the questions of what caused the state to be split and whether the decisions taken by the decision makers posed a risk to the newly formed state. The chapter explores the case of the use of non-state actors in initiating the war, the role of the clique which consisted both of the civilians and the military with an eventual fall down of the former. It concludes with the Pakistan high command excluding the civilian decision-makers in the subsequent wars that occurred.

Decisions to wage war in Pakistan were often made by a small clique, driven by personal glory and martial race theory, with little room for rational analysis.

Meanwhile, chapter four discusses the decision-making process that led to the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965; from the use of non-state actors in Operation Gibraltar to the Indian response on the border. Operation Gibraltar was the product of the overconfidence in the success of the Rann of Kutch and the belief that India would not respond, and even if they did, they would not stand to Pakistan. Besides the personal motivations of different individuals, the 1965 war established a system that did not allow dissenting opinions to be expressed.

Both chapters five and six discuss the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, with the former discussing the Pakistani experience of the war whilst the latter focusing on Bengali. On the Pakistani end, the civilian cabinet was not consulted and instead of carrying out a cost-benefit analysis, like the previous wars, a small clique of generals decided to suppress the Bengalis through military action.

The decision was well known amongst the West Pakistanis, who lent their support, without knowing the consequences of the action and the actual amount of suffering the Bengalis were facing. The few who did express opposition to the decisions were arrested by the military dictatorship of Yahya Khan. Although Pakistan did not learn much from the 1971 war, it had lost the moral right to rule over its east wing.

Taking from the Bengali experiences, in chapter six, the author traces the history of Bengali resentment towards West Pakistan from the inception of the country in 1947 to the 1971 war which was marked by the Bengali Language Movement, protests in the constituent assembly, and Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s six points. The author discusses the long-term effects the war had on the relations between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India to this day which remains sour.

The 1971 war saw the exclusion of civilian decision-makers, leading to a military-led suppression of Bengalis with disastrous consequences.

The chapter also highlights the Pakistani turn towards religious fundamentalism as a result of West Pakistan prisoners of war finding solace and passing time with religious materials, which, in the long run, assisted General Zia-ul-Haq’s s quest for political and moral legitimacy with an appeal to religion accepted at least among former servicemen. Lastly, the war promoted vengeance amongst Pakistanis which took shape in training non-state actors in Kashmir in a similar fashion as India trained the Mukti Bahini to fight Pakistan.

Although India took the aggressive step to initiate war in Siachen as described in chapter seven, the Kargil War of 1999 was another case of a clique (of four generals) deciding to fight despite the risks of escalating to a full-scale war without consulting the civilians’ sectors. The decision was also criticized by other military officers. The Kargil War was treated as a formal decision by Pakistan rather than a covert gamble by a clique; the international community considered the state itself risk-prone and irresponsible. Hence, the peace process between Pakistan and India couldn’t take place.

The low-intensity operations, the ones that are not as major as the wars fought between Pakistan and India are discussed in the following chapter. The author discusses the impact of the Afghan War (1979-1989) on the local populace including the military officers, who were exposed to the fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. The religious fundamentalists were given funds, weapons, and training for the war. After the war, with the Soviets withdrawing, the fundamentalists were still patronized despite annoyance and pressure from the United States, as a counter to India’s influence.

As far as Kashmir was concerned, the author shares his sentiment stating that India had lost the “moral rights to rule the Vale”. Pakistan, on the other hand, employed the same policy as it did in the 1965 war employing non-state actors, this time being jihadists instead of tribesmen. The decision was taken by the top military officers and the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI). Due to it being confidential, it could not be discussed meaningfully in the media, the civilian government, or the intelligentsia.

The Kargil War was treated as a formal decision by Pakistan, leading the international community to see the state as risk-prone and irresponsible.

Chapters nine and ten explore the relationship of war and gender with the former exploring the relationship of war with women while the latter with men. Women have played an active role in the war as either medical staff, helpers, or cheering for men in the war. They soon also got combat roles. However, like all wars, women’s experience has mostly been of losing loved ones, violations against themselves or other women in the family, trauma, anxiety, stress, and displacement.

The author notes that women do not necessarily follow the jingoistic narratives as compared to their male counterparts; they condemn the very institution of war, especially amongst the wives of military officers. The subaltern women take to the streets in their condemnation of war. Although the women were not included in the decision-making of the war, they did not show any form of support for the decisions in their capacities as family members.

The men suffered like the women did, however, their sufferings depended on their socioeconomic class. The author points out that the elite suffrage was comparatively less than the subaltern groups given the number of resources they had as well as their network of connections. The subaltern groups are marginalized, and their sufferings remain silent and unrecorded. As far as the war affected an individual soldier, the soldier displayed signs of panic, shock, and extreme anxiety; however, they were stigmatized by their colleagues for being ‘cowards’. Those who did show heroism in the war suffered from trauma, and although they were not shunned, they endured pain in silence or the hospital with their family and friends.

The second last chapter discusses the humanitarian side of the soldiers and others, despite being from the opposing side, by giving examples of how they try to keep human rights violations to a minimum and going as far as helping others at their own risk and personal well-being. The author notes that this is common among everyone regardless of background, and certain compassionate impulses manifest the idea of resistance to war and cruelty, fueling efforts for global peace, especially in South Asia. Despite the dominance of pro-war and anti-peace factions in the region, ongoing peace initiatives persist, offering hope for future success.

This book provides an insight to the readers into how decisions to enter wars are carried out by a clique driven by their interests and their unfounded beliefs concerning India. The book also provides first-hand accounts of those who were affected by the decisions of the clique and is kept in simple language, without much jargon, suited for mass readership. It also scrutinizes the power dynamics between the civilian administration and the military institution in decision-making. Lastly, the book provides, as the title states, an alternative view of Pakistan’s wars that deviates from the mainstream narrative.

The book calls for introspection from decision-makers, urging respect for international laws and caution against future conflicts.

Although the book covers most of the wars Pakistan engaged itself in, it briefly mentions the War on Terror which rose Pakistan to prominence. Language can be overlooked but as it is written in English, its reach to the non-English readers is limited, the intended audience, placing the book at a disadvantage. It can be translated, however, after one has seen what happened with the Urdu translation of The Case of Exploding Mangoes (2009) by Mohammad Hanif which got shelved, the expectation for it to reach the public is limited. The length of the book poses an issue for readers who are committed to their respective businesses. It could have been split into two or three books or volumes.

The book concludes with the last words from the author, who calls for introspection from the decision-makers regarding the risks of engaging in another war or conflict and that international laws should be respected.

Barriers to Women’s Political Leadership in Pakistan

By
Saba Kiran
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0
political leadership

When you probe an ordinary Pakistani woman about her aims and aspirations, you seldom find her mentioning political leadership. Women must put far more effort than men to be leaders. The challenges females face is totally related to the gender stereotypes formed by our society. The gendered perspective of political leadership roles in a society dominated by men impedes women’s entrance to politics.

The gender difference in education turns out to be the main barrier stopping women from using their right to an education.

From an early age, women have limitations on their capacity to attend school unlike their male counterparts. The cornerstone of the social and cultural attitude towards women, which is restricted to that of mothers and spouses, is slavery. UN Women Pakistan’s National Review of the Status of Women in Pakistan (2023) estimates that 22.8 million children between the ages of 5 and 16 are not in school; shockingly, 53% of women between the ages of 15 and 64 said they never attended, compared to 33% of men in the same age range. The gender difference in education turns out to be the main barrier stopping women from using their right to an education when compared to men of the same age.

Another problem affecting women in Pakistan is the lack of agency, which keeps them from growing into independent thinkers. A good quality of a leader is intellectual freedom. Girls are taught to be generous and selfless. This helps one to see that their deservedness depends on getting approval from others.

A lot of Pakistani women therefore struggle with the good-girl syndrome. This is evident from most women surrendering their estates to their brothers instead of their inheritance rights. Lack of agency and access to education leads women in Pakistan to be significantly under-represented in public and political spheres of leadership.

Women in positions of authority lack social acceptance; they are only appreciated by society if they do not challenge the ideas or skills of their male colleagues.

Women are often considered in Pakistani society as fulfilling spouses’ and mothers’ loving duties. Women who follow politics are considered as rebels as joining politics questions the conventional wisdom of the woman.

This discouragement largely from the families and communities they belong to dashes their hopes to join politics. Since the social narrative sees women in politics as the exception rather than the norm, it is more difficult for a woman to become regarded as a leader.

Moreover, women in positions of authority lack social acceptance; they are only appreciated by society if they do not challenge the ideas or skills of their male colleagues. She is nevertheless a major target for hate speech, misogyny, and gender-based violence even in circumstances where a woman succeeds in landing top leadership posts.

Our society’s ranking of gender based on position and power produces inequality. Men are seen as having greater strength and consequently, more influence as our society defines strength as power. This ranks men first in practically all sectors of life on the social scale. Women’s weaker social status results in fewer opportunities, separating them from men. The idea that many women in our towns would be caretakers, nurturers, and “beautiful souls” engaged in “dirty politics” discourages many of them from entering politics.

Many times, leadership is associated with masculine traits—which go against the traditional definition of femininity. Women in politics must suppress their feminine impulses and adopt tough and assertive traits if they are to thrive in such fields. This helps women to see that they must lose their feminine characteristics and adopt masculine ones if they are to thrive in politics, therefore alienating them from their own identities and valuable qualities.

Many times, leadership is associated with masculine traits—which go against the traditional definition of femininity.

Several female leaders are coming from Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was Pakistan’s first elected female prime minister chosen democratically in 1988. Fatima Jinnah challenged Ayub Khan for the presidency in 1965. Currently, Maryam Nawaz is Punjab’s chief minister.

These women were able to ascend to leadership roles because of their ties to well-known male leaders: Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto is the daughter of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and Fatima Jinnah is the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. However, it is impossible to expect normal women to pursue political professions considering their lack of financial means and influence.

Though only 24% of them are actively involved in the economy, women account for about 49% of Pakistan’s population. According to the 2020–21 Work Force Survey, women account for around 15.5% of the workforce; their engagement in the agricultural sector explains why their proportion is larger in rural than in urban areas. Women also suffer financial inequality as their salaries vary from men’s by around 82%. Women have traditionally been considered as inferior creatures who had to carry out their primary roles as domesticated animals, therefore separating themselves from the idea of equality. Men regard women’s salaries as a danger to their egos, so there is an economic difference.

Political parties reportedly sponsor and propose candidates for prominent leadership roles. Women who want to work in politics in Pakistan might find a major obstacle from political parties. In politics, developing networks is vital. Getting political support and financial backing depends on it, but since males predominate in politics, women are finding it more difficult to join this field. The problem is with the oversupply of guys in the region, not with the lack of suitable women.

The most basic flaw in the current political system is the lack of recognition for women or chances to follow political professions.

Models of gender equality are the Nordic countries. These countries have the highest percentage of female legislators as well as strong marks in terms of the well-being of the people and the happiness index. A few structural changes make this possible and support from society helps.

This implies that, in line with a progressive society, women’s political participation improves their position. Successful roles played by women like Asma Jahangir, Dr Ruth Pfau, and Bilquis Edhi have had long-lasting consequences for Pakistan’s welfare and society. greater women in these jobs drive greater attention to women’s problems and gender-sensitive laws.

In the end, one may question whether the political structure or women constitute the problem. Women clearly are equally as smart as men. The most basic flaw in the current political system is the lack of recognition for women or chances to follow political professions. It is time to quit seeing politics via the “malestream” lens. The government should provide level playing grounds and equal chances for both sexes. Education is the cornerstone of political knowledge and independence that enables women to be qualified for legislative positions.

Fake News Boosted? Meta Shuts Tool Used To Track Misinformation

By
Info Desk
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0
Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO — Meta Platforms – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – has shut down a tool widely used to monitor social media, mainly for tracking fake news and other posts spreading misinformation.

CrowdTangle was a favorite of researchers, watchdog organizations and journalists, interested in the ascertaining the source and dissemination of misinformation.

The latest move again raises some serious questions about the role and the working of social media platforms. They have already been under the radar for alleged manufacturing and controlling of narrative.

Read more: Ultranationalists Groups Using Social Media As A Weapon: Solangi

Meta had announced its decision earlier this year, which came into effect on Wednesday.

TRANSPARENCY IN QUESTION

Earlier in May, it was reported that dozens of groups had sent a letter to the tech giant, asking it to keep the tool running through at least January so that the US presidential election could be monitored.

It included the Center for Democracy and Technology, the Digital Forensic Research Lab at the Atlantic Council, Human Rights Watch and NYU’s Center for Social Media & Politics.

Read more: EU Warns Musk Against Promoting Hate Speech

“This decision jeopardizes essential pre- and post-election oversight mechanisms and undermines Meta’s transparency efforts during this critical period, and at a time when social trust and digital democracy are alarmingly fragile,” the letter said.

CrowdTangle, “has been an essential tool in helping researchers parse through the vast amount of information on the platform and identify harmful content and threats,” it added.

IT WAS A CHECK ON HATE SPEECH

In March, the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation sent Meta a similar letter asking it to keep the tool, which was available for free, functioning until January. That letter was also signed by several dozen groups and individual academic researchers.

“For years, CrowdTangle has represented an industry best practice for real-time platform transparency. It has become a lifeline for understanding how disinformation, hate speech, and voter suppression spread on Facebook, undermining civic discourse and democracy,” the Mozilla letter said.

CROWDTANGLE DOESN’T PROVIDE A COMPLETE PICTURE

Meta has released an alternative to CrowdTangle, called the Meta Content Library. But access to it is limited to academic researchers and nonprofits, which excludes most news organizations. Critics have also complained that it’s not as useful as CrowdTangle — at least not yet.

It said on Wednesday that CrowdTangle doesn’t provide a complete picture of what is happening on its platforms and said its new tools are more comprehensive.

Meta acquired CrowdTangle in 2016.

South America: An Untapped Market for Pakistan

By
Nawal Nawaz and Mohsin Ali
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0
stratheia

In the 21st century, the green economy— emanating from climate responsibility and green transition — is predominantly dependent on lithium for its consumption in batteries used in power grids and electronic vehicles. Nature has bestowed South America with vast deposits of such minerals, making the continent a pivot for great powers.

South America, endowed with vast lithium reserves, has become a pivot for great powers in the global green economy.

South America, the fourth-largest continent extending from the Gulf of Darien in the northwest to the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the south, is home to 12 sovereign states with a combined GDP of over $4 trillion.i

States of South America
Figure 1: The 12 Sovereign States of South America

The continent has immense potential with 400 million people, having an average per capita income of $12,000.ii Within South America, Argentina and Brazil enjoy G20 membership and aspire to materialize progressive policies in global trade.iii Additionally, vast oil and natural gas deposits in Venezuela, make it one of the largest oil producers. Besides, Brazil has one–fifth of the world’s iron ore reserves, and one-quarter of the world’s known copper reserves are in Chile and Peru.

The South American countries also forged regional and preferential trade agreements in their economic quest. Mercosur (Southern Common Market) — the largest South American preferential trade group — was established in 1991, creating a common market through a converging trade policy and standardized tariffs. Within this group, the trade balance tilts towards Brazil, the second-largest American economy, accounting for 62.1% of exports and 57% of imports of the southern market.iv In 2018, Mercosur’s exports reached $318.1 billion, primarily consisting of agricultural goods, while, imports amounted to $269 billion, including vehicles, electrical machinery, and petroleum products.

South America has experienced turbulence in its political and economic landscape since 2000 owing to external challenges. Still, new development strategies for regional cooperation pushed US aspirations to foster better ties with its former backyard, but Washington’s interventionist policies have already left some indelible marks in the memory of people in South America. This disillusionment allowed China to increase its influence across the region.

Pakistan’s trade with Mercosur represents less than 1% of its global trade, highlighting significant untapped potential.

The investment by Xi’s China in South America reached $315 billion in 2020 from $12 billion in 2000.v Therefore, China has imprinted its shadow, mainly over lithium reserves, in the region previously claimed by the United States as its backyard. vi In the South-South bond, depicting South American and South Asian exchange, Pakistan enjoys bilateral relations with South American countries, particularly Brazil and Argentina.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), lack of geographical divergence no longer restrains trade ties. South America and Pakistan are developing linkages with significant trade blocs in the region. Pakistan remained engaged with Mercosur and it attained observer status at the Pacific Alliance in 2021.

Pakistan’s missions in South American capitals opened with the establishment of diplomatic ties with Brazil in 1948. It is also accredited to Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia and Suriname. Moreover, bilateral consultation on political matters is a regular practice between Islamabad and Brasilia. In 2021, a Bilateral Political Consideration (BPC) round was held virtually between the two countries. Both countries established a 2+2 (Political-cum-Military) Structured Dialogued Mechanism in July 2019 for regular discussions on International, regional, and bilateral matters.

Depicting a bleak economic reality, trade between Mercosur and Pakistan is limited. It represents less than 1.0% of the country’s global trade, as it mainly imports agricultural goods from Mercosur and exports textiles. Still, Pakistan has a comparative advantage in top 25 exports to Mercosur due to their abundance, low production costs, and specialization.

Pakistan’s export potential of top-ranking products totaled at $2.6 billion, while Mercosur’s actual imports amounted to $30.0 million in 2018. Therefore, a well-negotiated trade agreement can considerably increase Pakistan’s exports to Mercosur.

Pakistan’s export potential
Figure 2: Pakistan’s export potential of top-ranking products

Meanwhile, the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Brazil stood at $156 million in FY 2022-23. The MOFA maintains that Pakistan and Brazil are collaborating by signing MoUs in education, agriculture, science, and technology. As far as diaspora is concerned, approximately 1,000 Pakistanis live in Brasilia and Sao Paulo, engaging mainly in small businesses.

On the other hand, Pakistan and Argentina have established diplomatic relations since 1951. The two nations established a Joint Trade Commission in 2021, and held 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in December 2022. Pakistan and Argentina recorded their bilateral trade in FY 2022-23 at $187 million. They are collaborating in pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, sports, defense, science and technology.

Mercosur’s exports reached $318.1 billion in 2018, largely driven by agricultural goods.

There are many unexplored trade opportunities for Pakistan and South American countries. Pakistan has a high potential to export textiles and vegetable products to Mercosur. Although, bilateral trade has been in favor of the Mercosur bloc from 2014 to 2018, its imports from Pakistan slightly increased in 2022.

As depicted in the graph, imports from Mercosur to Pakistan stood at $905 million in 2016, which later reduced to $259 million in 2022.

Pakistan-South America
Figure 3: Pakistan-South America Trade 2016-22

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s exports in 2016 totaled $399 million and jumped to $1453 million in 2022, depicting an increase over the seven-year period.

However, the trade prospects between the two sides still face multiple challenges.

The most profound hurdle in leveraging South American markets is lack of implementation of agreements. For instance, Pakistan signed a deal with Mercosur in July 2006. This agreement was supposed to initiate the process of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). However, this agreement has not been implemented due to a lack of political will.

Nevertheless, Islamabad, as a way forward, may negotiate on tariff concessions for top ranking goods to increase exports. Economic integration between Mercosur and Pakistan can increase Islamabad’s agricultural exports to the bloc, while technical assistance from the South American states can foster high levels of innovation in the country’s agriculture sector.

Moreover, automobile is another noticeable sector in which Mercosur has the potential to export public transport vehicles worth $2.6 billion to Pakistan. Therefore, the Ministry of Commerce may initiate the “Look South America” policy, mirroring Pakistan’s “Look Africa” policy of 2017 to capitalize on the continent’s untapped resources. Likewise, the MOFA can initiate the ‘Engage South America’ Initiative to nurture reciprocal relations.

 

References:

i https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/SMQ

ii Mahendra Kumar, “Trade Potential of Latin American countries: Chile, Argentina, and Brazil” Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, December 2021

iii https://www.chathamhouse.org/regions/americas/south-america

iv https://oec.world/en/profile/international_organization/southern-common-market

v Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc’. n.d. Council on Foreign Relations. Accessed 23 April 2024. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/mercosur-south-americas-fractious-trade-bloc.

vi Mahendar Kumar, “Trade Potential of Latin American countries: Chile, Argentina and Brazil” Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, December 2021

EU Warns Musk Against Promoting Hate Speech

By
Info Desk
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0
Elon Musk

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU) has warned Elon Musk – the X owner – against promoting hate, racism and other harmful content.

In a letter addressed to Musk, European Commission Commissioner Thierry Breton said that “freedom of expression and of information, including media freedom and pluralism, are effectively protected.”

However, “all proportionate and effective mitigation measures are put in place regarding the amplification of harmful content,” he added.

Breton started the letter on Monday by explaining the reasoning behind this conversation.

“I am writing to you in the context of recent events in the United Kingdom and in relation to the planned broadcast on your platform X of a live conversation between a US presidential candidate and yourself, which will also be accessible to users in the EU.”

He was referring to an interview hosted by Musk later in the day where he and Donald Trump had a two-hour long conversation on Spaces – the livestream services by X.

Read more: Ultranationalists Groups Using Social Media As A Weapon: Solangi

At the same time, the billionaire, who bought Twitter and renamed it to X, had earlier made a series of incendiary comments about the ongoing anti-immigrant protests in  the UK on his social media platform. He even suggested that the violence could end up in a civil war: “Civil war is inevitable”.

AMPLIFICATION OF HARMFUL CONTENT

In his letter, Breton warned against the “the amplification of harmful content”. Any failure to address the issue “might increase the risk profile of X and generate detrimental effects on civic discourse and public security”.

“This is important against the background of recent examples of public unrest brought about by the amplification of content that promotes hatred, disorder, incitement to violence, or certain instances of disinformation.”

DIGITAL SERVICES ACT

He was also clear about the course of action the EU could take.

“We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate and racism in conjunction with major political – or societal – events around the world, including debates and interviews in the context of elections.”

“I therefore urge you to promptly ensure the effectiveness of your systems and to report measures taken to my team,” he added.

Breton reminded Musk of due diligence obligations set out in the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) amid an ongoing investigation of X into potential breaches of the law.

The legislation requires social media networks and streaming platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech and other harmful content.

Breton warned Musk that they were prepared to “make full use of our toolbox” to protect EU citizens from “serious harm”.

MUSK IS FURIOUS

In his reaction, Musk responded with a meme from the movie “Tropic Thunder” that included an explicit phrase written in block letters over a frame from the film.

“To be honest, I really wanted to respond with this Tropic Thunder meme, but I would NEVER do something so rude & [and] irresponsible!” he wrote on X.

Similarly, X CEO Linda Yaccarino called said the warning was “an unprecedented attempt to stretch a law intended to apply in Europe to political activities in the US”.

“It also patronizes European citizens, suggesting they are incapable of listening to a conversation and drawing their own conclusions,” Yaccarino said it a post shared on X.

Ukraine Counteroffensive: Russia Extends Evacuation Orders To Belgorod

By
Info Desk
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Ukraine counteroffensive

MOSCOW – Russia on Monday issued evacuation orders for civilians from parts of Belgorod as a surprise counteroffensive launched by Ukraine gains further momentum.

Moscow also confirmed that the Ukrainian forces had marched 30 kilometers deep into Russian territory.

Last week, Ukrainian forces swept across some western parts of Kursk region in their biggest incursion into Russia territory since the start of the 2022 war.

Russia had earlier stated that 76,000 people had been evacuated from border areas in Kursk after the local authorities announced state of emergency.

THE INCURSION

Belgorod is located south of Kursk. The two regions border the western Ukraine which wants to minimize the increasing pressure in the eastern parts of country where Russian forces made some gains in recent months.

According to Russian war bloggers, Ukrainian forces in Kursk were trying to encircle Sudzha, where Russian natural gas flows into Ukraine. Major battles were underway near Korenevo around 22 kilometers from the border.

Ukraine says thousands of troops are taking part in the attack with an aim to stretch the enemy positions, inflict maximum losses and to destabilize the situation in Russia.

On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had launched an incursion into Russian territory to “restore justice” and pressure Moscow’s forces.

THE F-16s

Last week also saw Ukraine receiving the first batch of American-made F-16 fighter jets. It hopes to acquire more of these aircraft in coming months.

The fighter jets have now enabled Ukraine to carry out airstrikes deep into the Russian territory.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and now controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Russian forces, which have a vast numerical supremacy, have been advancing this year along the 1,000 kilometers front after the failure of Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive to make any major gains.

ATTACK IS BEST DEFENSE

One of the basic purposes of this counteroffensive is prevent Russia from launching a large-scale attack. Kyiv also wants Moscow to disperse its forces along the front, which can also enable to make gains on other fronts too.

Expanding the war theater into Russia may also fuel anti-war sentiments within the country. President Vladimir Putin has so far been able to maintain a massive support for the ongoing war which started a mere “special operation”. Things, however, can change as the Russians will now feel the heat right at their home.

Ultranationalists Groups Using Social Media As A Weapon: Solangi

By
Info Desk
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Social Media

ISLAMABAD – Social media has made xenophobia, right-wing nationalism and white supremacist ideology deadlier, said Murtaza Solangi, as he commented on the ongoing anti-immigrant protests in the United Kingdom.

An individual from Rwanda committed a heinous crime, but someone on social media falsely claimed that the accused was a Muslim who had entered the illegally, he added.

Solangi was expressing his views in the weekly program “The Weekend” which is hosted by Muhammad Ali.

The United Kingdom is witnessing violent protests after three children were stabbed to death on July 27 in Southport. Police later arrested a 17-year-old accused, but made it clear that the deadly incident wasn’t terror-related.

However, the far-right groups are using disinformation as a tool to incite violence. Many businesses owned by Muslims, people of South Asian origin and other people of color have so far been targeted.

DISINFORMATION IS A LETHAL WEAPON

Solangi said the white supremacists used the opportunity to further fuel anti-immigrant sentiments already prevailing in Western societies. Youngsters – because of being addicted to social media – are prone to this threat, he added.

Anti-Immigrant Protests in the UK and the Role Played by Social Media | Stratheia Eye

At this point, Muhammad asked him whether disinformation is limited to social media only. Some of the mainstream British newspapers also joined the bandwagon, he mentioned to argue his case.

In his reply, Solangi agreed and noted that newsroom across the world, including Pakistan, have stopped bothering about checking the material shared on social media. They promote the same disinformation by ignoring verification rules, he regretted.

The ultranationalist forces exist in Western countries, not only in the UK but also the US, France, Germany and others, he said while talking about the beneficiaries of organized disinformation mechanism.

However, he said the mainstream British parties had mainly acted responsibly and also praised the reaction of law enforcement agencies and judiciary to tackle the challenge.

SOCIAL MEDIA CREATING CHAOS

According to Solangi, multiple studies show how social media has deprived youngsters of their childhood and early adulthood.

Citing a book “The Anxious Generation”, he shared the findings and analysis which can be summarized as: All the mamals [including humans] go through a process from childhood to adulthood with a social experience by interacting with their peers in playgrounds and other similar places. But social media has changed it since 2010-11 when these platforms became dominant.

They are now glowed to screens, thus depriving them of that essential social experience, Solangi said.

“It is a global pandemic,” he warned, as he mentioned how youngsters are facing mental health issues and becoming part of crimes, terrorism and other illegal activities.

ARSHAD NADEEM

Highlighting the rise of Arshad Nadeem – the first Olympic gold medalist from Pakistan in an individual sport – Muhammad Ali asked Solangi whether being poor and technology-deprived can be a blessing in disguise.

Solangi replied that Arshad Nadeem was lucky that he wasn’t taught and fed by a small screen. “Sound mind is in a sound body,” he quoted and said a lot of mental disorders and social trends were a product of youth lacking opportunities to play with others in a social setup.

“Arshad Nadeem has proved that all you need is to have that appetite to do something great,” he remarked.

“His competitor from India Neeraj Chopra had everything, but Arshad Nadeem had nothing,” Solangi said and added he showed the youth in Pakistan the importance of focus, dedication and commitment.

BANGLADESH PROTESTS

The people of that region had always a played a leading role in most political movements, Solangi said. Even the All India Muslim League was founded in Dhaka in 1906, he recalled.

Banking on this historic tradition, Solangi emphasized, the Bangladeshi protesters didn’t go for anarchy and pushed for a democratic constitutional transition.

The young generation in Bangladesh have proved that “they are not a prisoner of history”, he said. Their forefathers might have been affiliated with the Awami League, but they revolted against the discriminatory quota system, Solangi noted.

None of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government are career politicians, he said, with most of them being technocrats as the current setup is transitory in its nature.

According to Solangi, the young people do not accept the one-party role in countries with a strong parliamentary system. A similar attempt by the then Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was rejected in 1975 and her daughter Hasina Wajid experienced a failure in 2024 too.

There is shock, despair and disbelief in New Delhi, he noted, as the Awami League has always been close to India.

Turkiye Suspends Key Military Exports to India

By
Prof. Andrea Francioni
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New Delhi’s diplomatic ties with Ankara seem to have suffered a notable drop in reaction to claims that the Turkish government has placed limits on defense goods and arms exports to India. A top government official revealed the decision at a recent meeting of the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee. Turkiye’s actions coincides with India’s decision to rescind a major shipbuilding contract given to a Turkish shipyard.

Mustafa Murat Seker, an official in the defense procurement department, has confirmed that the Turkish government stopped [key] arms exports to India. He told legislators that India was among the top five arms importers in the world, a sizable market valued around $100 billion. “But given our political context and our close ties to Pakistan, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers negative remarks on the transfer of any defense-related goods to India. As so, we do not grant any licenses to our companies in this respect.”

India cancelled a lucrative shipbuilding contract with Anadolu Shipyard, a TAIS consortium member, in April.

Approved defense exports in Turkiye are under the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), and the military. Turkiye’s relentless support to Pakistan in its struggle with India, especially with respect to the Kashmir issue, is mostly responsible for the strained relations between the two nations.

India cancelled a lucrative shipbuilding contract with Anadolu Shipyard, a TAIS consortium member, in April. Under technological and engineering support from Anadolu, the $2 billion deal comprised building five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for at Hindustan Shipyard. However, India decided to have the vessels built locally instead of involving Turkish interests. New Delhi said its policy of improving indigenous shipbuilding capacity was the reason behind the termination. Still, most people agree that India’s concerns over Turkiye’s close ties to Pakistan had a big influence.

The latest events between India and Turkiye point to a more general trend in strategic partnership and rivalry. Pakistan has worked recently to strengthen its diplomatic ties with non-Arab Muslim-majority countries such as Turkiye and Azerbaijan. India has, therefore, deliberately interacted with their enemies, including Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia. The Turkey-Greece and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations highlight this geopolitical chess game.

Islamabad seems to have decided to provide JF-17 aircraft to Azerbaijan produced jointly by China.

On the other hand, military cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye has seen a significant increase in recent years. The two countries came to an understanding in 2016 whereby Turkiye might refit Pakistani submarines. The first one was completed in September 2023. In 2018, Turkiye signed another deal agreeing to produce four corvettes for Pakistan. Furthermore, there are rumors of possible cooperation in drone production.

Furthermore, Pakistan is helping Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia. Islamabad seems to have decided to provide JF-17 aircraft to Azerbaijan produced jointly by China. Apart from improving Azerbaijan’s air capacity, this deal marks the increase of defense cooperation between the two countries.

The basis of Azerbaijan-Pakistan ties is similar interests and common strategic goals. Among the few countries actively supporting Azerbaijan’s military actions against Armenian forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was Pakistan.

Meanwhile, India has responded by developing closer ties to Armenia. It is trying to offset Pakistan’s increasing sway by coming closer to Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus. India and Armenia have agreed to provide the Armenian army Pinaka missile launchers, Swathi radar systems, and artillery ammunition. Though not all of these military supplies were sent before the latest Karabakh conflict, the move reflected New Delhi’s political posture.

India has responded by developing closer ties to Armenia.

Furthermore, Greece has been taking part in military exercises in India since 2021. However, India has also conducted joint military drills with Turkiye.

The Greek prime minister was Invited to give opening comments at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, the main meeting on world issues held in India. He said India’s engagement with Greece also implies economic collaboration since the Indian GMR Group is co-developing an airport in his country. These ties, which mirror a growing coalition, are undermining Turkiye’s regional aspirations.

At the same time, India is also improving ties with Cyprus, a country caught in a protracted territorial conflict with Turkiye.

Notwithstanding all the difficulties India faces, it is nevertheless committed to lowering its dependence on foreign defense imports and supporting its own manufacturers. This strategy fits the cancellation of the shipbuilding contract with Turkiye. Currently, the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is expected to deliver five fleet support ships for the Indian Navy mid-2027 in collaboration with the Larsen & Toubro. This project not only improves India’s maritime capacity but also boosts shipbuilding industry and fosters technical innovation.

Broader geopolitical events and regional conflicts have resulted in notable shift in India’s diplomatic and military contacts with Turkiye. The abovementioned developments in ties between the two countries highlight complex relationships when it comes to alliances and rivalries in the region. The geopolitical scene in South Asia and the Middle East is expected to remain dynamic and changing, as India is focusing on Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus, with Turkiye enhancing cooperation with Pakistan. No doubt, India’s ongoing phantom rivalry with Pakistan highlights the unstable equilibrium of strategic goals and power in the region as shown by their respective alliances.

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