Opinion

Opinion | Pak Is Finally Back In Middle East's 'Good Books'. But Can It Stay There?

This is both an enviable and challenging space to be in for the only Islamic nation in the world that has nuclear weapons.

Opinion | War Ally To Mere Bystander: Is This The Loneliest Day For Netanyahu?

Israel, the US's closest partner in the region and which lured Trump to take on Iran, was ultimatelt a mere spectator to the ceasefire agreement.

Opinion | Shadow Wars: The 'Inside Networks' Helping Israel Target Iran And Its Leaders

Over the past four weeks, with Tangsiri being the latest example, Israel has showcased that its war with Iran was being waged over the years in the shadows of espionage, intelligence, and covert operations.

Opinion | Iran-Israel War, And The 'War Logic' Behind Bombing Oil Depots

The thinking presumably was that targeting economic interests may, in some sense, galvanise and mobilise the Iranian public against the current administration. But that didn't happen.

Opinion | 'Insider' Info? Why US-Israel Couldn't Have Struck Khamenei Without Help

The only way actionable intelligence would reach Israel and the US on Khamenei's whereabouts, movements, and schedules, is if the calls were coming from inside the house itself.

Opinion | Trump Might Not Actually Have A 'Real' Plan For Iran

Sure, the US is very capable of another military-driven 'hit-and-run', this time in Iran. But the question would remain, to what end?

Opinion | Two Years After October 7, Why Can't Israel Defeat Hamas?

Even two years after the October 7 attack, Hamas continues to exist, and the probability of Israel being dragged into a long war of attrition remains palpable.

Opinion | After Missiles, The Anxieties Taking Hold Of Iran Now

The events of the past few months and Israel's application of outright military dominance over its skies may shake up and reshape the way in which Iran's polity has functioned over the past 46 years

Opinion | Operation Sindoor: There's A Unique 'ISIS' History To Pakistan's Drones

What ISIS started - and arguably perfected - almost a decade ago today shapes frontline mechanisms of state militaries, Pakistan included.

Opinion | There's A New Negotiating Table In Town: Middle East

The Saudis are not stopping just at giving space to the US and Russia to debate Ukraine. As per reports, Riyadh is also open to hosting talks between Iran and the US over the former's nuclear programme.

Opinion | With Trump, Taliban Gets A Familiar Face In Washington

While Trump's gaze is not expected to land in this part of geography anytime soon-including on Bagram-his presidency will be a test for the Taliban's political and diplomatic acumen.

Opinion | Who - And What - Will Fill The Vacuum In Iran's Resistance Axis?

History is littered with examples of how non-state militant actors, driven by ideology, are easily able to bulldoze their way to power before regional or international consensus-led political alternatives even start materialising.

Opinion | Pager Attacks: What Next For Hezbollah?

In the short term, if not tactically, Israel has been managing to secure at least psychological victories against Hezbollah and its ilk.

Opinion | Why The Killing Of Hamas Chief Haniyeh Is Shocking But Not Unexpected

Regional tensions are expected to remain significantly high in the days to come as Iran and its proxies decide upon a response.

Opinion | What's Behind Saudi Arabia's Silence On Gaza? An Image Makeover

Despite Saudi Arabia's growing clarity on the war in Gaza and Israeli actions, the past seven months have been something of a balancing act for the Kingdom.

Opinion | Middle East Is Becoming A Nuclear Tinderbox, Thanks To A Dead Deal

The impact of US President Donald Trump's erroneous decision to withdraw from the JCPOA deal in 2015 was multi-layered. Beyond diplomacy and realpolitik, the issue of Iran's nuclearisation threatens to become more uncontainable than ever.

Opinion: How Hamas, Taliban Are Gaining From Russia-China's Growing Influence

Amid an increasingly divisive narrative of "us versus them (West)", both Russia and China have reoriented their risk assessments about more volatile geographies and issues

Opinion: Iran's Strikes In Pak Reveal Islamabad's Strategic Collapse

Iran's missile strikes in Pakistan showcase Islamabad's strategic collapse, Tehran's widening tactical challenge.