Latest news with #Mujahedeen
Saba Yemen
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Mujahedeen: Golan remarks highlight need to accelerate sanctions on Israel
Gaza - Saba: The Palestinian Mujahedeen Movement considered the statements of the leader of the Israeli Democratic Party, Yair Golan, in which he acknowledged that "the enemy army kills children in the Gaza Strip as a hobby," further damning evidence that must accelerate the imposition of serious sanctions on the usurping entity and its terrorist army by all parties and international institutions. "Mujahedeen" said in a statement on Tuesday that Golan's statements reveal once again that the enemy government is responsible for the continuation of the brutal war in the Gaza Strip and for obstructing all mediation efforts. It noted that the reactions of various Zionist parties reveal the collective, criminal, fascist mentality that controls the usurping entity, which rejects any criticism of its brutal crimes. The Movement emphasized that the continued international impotence and silence toward the fascist entity constitutes complicity and encouragement for it to continue its crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. Whatsapp Telegram Email
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
After Khawaja Asif, Bilawal Bhutto admits Pakistan's shelter, support to terror outfits
In a sensational admission, Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto backing the Pakistan Defence Minister on admission of supporting terrorism. In an exclusive interview to Sky News, Bilawal Bhutto said, 'As far as the Defence Minister said I don't think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past…, and as a result we have suffered, Pakistan is suffered. We gone wave after wave extremism. We gone through the extremization, militarization of our society. As a result of what we suffered, we also learnt lessons. We gone through internal reforms in order to address this problem not only for us but there is also concern of the international community. As far as India's relational are concerned it will be helpful if India provides specific, concrete evidence with the Pakistan and with the international Community.' On the question that Pakistan is victim of terrorism and its agency provides support to terrorist organization he replied, 'As far as Pakistan's history is concerned it is history and it is not something we are taking today. It is true it is unfortunate part of our history. We no long with this history, when for example first Afghan war and the Pakistan state, the Pakistani dictatorship funded and supported in every way supported the Mujahedeen to take on the communist in Afghanistan. We did that in coordination and collaboration with western power…' Show more Show less
Asia Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Trump brings perestroika to America
In 1989, the Soviet army withdrew from Afghanistan after a ten-year losing battle with the Mujahedeen. Two years later, in 1991, the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact dissolved. Afghanistan solidified its reputation as the 'graveyard of empires.' Fast forward 30 years to 2021, the US army withdrew from Afghanistan after a 20-year battle with the Taliban, the Mujahedeen's successor. Four years later, in 2025, President Donald Trump placed a bomb under NATO, effectively ending the Atlantic alliance. The parallels between the Cold War superpowers extend beyond Afghanistan. In the 1980s, the Soviet economy stagnated, leading to widespread disillusionment with communism. In response, President Mikhail Gorbachev launched 'perestroika', a restructuring of Soviet society. Similarly, after the Ronald Reagan era, a growing segment of the American electorate grew skeptical of the system. Inequality increased and the system seemed rigged by an entrenched ruling elite impervious to the result of elections. In 2016, Trump was elected to 'drain the swamp', promising a drastic overhaul of the American system. Perestroika, initially proposed by Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1979, aimed to modernize the stagnant Soviet system. In the 1980s, Soviet citizens frequently faced breadlines and empty store shelves, eroding faith in communism. The Soviet government provided housing, education, transportation and free medical care, but military spending consumed 12%–17% of the national budget, draining resources from consumer goods and needs. Meanwhile, the suppression of entrepreneurship made capitalist life dull and uninspired. Brezhnev's successor, Mikhail Gorbachev, introduced 'glasnost', or 'openness', alongside perestroika. However, entrenched bureaucrats resisted reforms, fearing loss of power and the weakening of the Soviet state. Gorbachev's attempt to mix socialism with limited market liberalization backfired, creating confusion, supply shortages, inflation and worsening living standards. His successor, Boris Yeltsin, under the guidance of neoliberal American economists, abruptly transitioned Russia from central planning to full market liberalization. The consequences were devastating: the economy shrank by 50% in the 1990s, pushing millions into poverty. The rushed privatization of state assets led to a fire sale of industries to well-connected insiders, who then funneled their billions abroad. The looting of national wealth only ceased after Vladimir Putin took power, reversing neoliberal excesses and implementing 'Russia First' policies that spurred economic recovery. Three decades after Russia started its reform, Donald Trump was elected on the promise of upending Washington's bureaucracy—the 'swamp' that many voters believed controlled the country regardless of whom held office. Since the 1980s, disillusionment with the US political system had grown, with polls showing that over 60% of Americans felt the country was on the wrong track. Neoliberal policies introduced under Reagan led to unchecked globalization and the deindustrialization of key American sectors. While the USSR marginalized entrepreneurs and elevated workers, the US did the reverse: wealth concentrated at the top, and wages stagnated. By the 2000s, millions of American workers needed two jobs to make ends meet, while CEOs earned over 300 times more than the average worker. Despite being a billionaire with global business interests, Trump resonated with working-class frustration. Re-elected in 2024, he has since escalated his earlier war on entrenched bureaucrats, slashing government jobs, restructuring departments and initiating an unprecedented cost-cutting campaign. On foreign policy, Trump has made waves by shifting America's stance on Ukraine. While he sent military aid to Ukraine during his first term, he has come to agree with Putin's view that prolonging the war is futile and should not have erupted in the first place. As the world transitions to a multipolar order, Trump must navigate numerous domestic challenges. Chief among them is America's $36 trillion national debt. For four decades, US government spending increased exponentially. In 2025, interest payments on the debt will exceed $1 trillion—more than the defense budget. The debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 120%, far above sustainable levels. Trump faces difficult choices. Reducing the debt requires slashing military and social spending. Taxing the ultra-rich would only marginally offset the debt. Failing to reduce the debt would result in hyperinflation, devastating not only the poor but also the middle class. His handling of the national debt may ultimately define his legacy. Trump and Putin, both successors to neoliberal globalists, now find themselves as key players in shaping a new multipolar world. Globalism will not end, but the ideological battle of the 20th century—capitalism vs. communism, left vs right, conservatism vs progressivism—is giving way to pragmatism and national self-interest. China recognized this shift early, with Deng Xiaoping's 1980s reforms blending central planning with market liberalization. Entrepreneurs thrived within government-set boundaries and strategies that aimed at long-term common prosperity. Trump recognizes the Chinese advantage. The biannual election cycle in the US prevents long-term planning. Asked about a drop in the stock market recently, he told an interviewer: 'What I have to do is build a strong country. You can't really watch the stock market. If you look at China, they have a 100-year perspective. We have [a perspective of] a quarter.' The US rightly prides itself on democracy, its Constitution and personal freedoms. However, if Trump's version of perestroika fails to bring systemic political reform, his efforts will bring mostly pain and very little long-term gain.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
From friendship to estrangement: the changing trajectory of Pak-Afghan ties
Those once united by shared culture, geography, history, and religion are now walking on thin ice. Former allies in tackling a common adversary, Afghanistan and Pakistan are gradually drifting apart. Two neighbouring nations are now charting separate courses. Mistrust, border disputes, fencing, and sporadic armed skirmishes have placed them in a contentious zone. This exemplifies how geopolitics reshapes relations between states. However, hopes for renewed amity remain strong, requiring serious diplomatic efforts from both sides. Since Pakistan's independence, its relations with Afghanistan have experienced both highs and lows, but their mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement have never reached a point of complete severance. Their relations began with contention; in 1947, when Pakistan was founded, Afghanistan refused to recognise it as a member of the United Nations. Additionally, the contested Durand Line drawn by colonial powers, the Pashtunistan issue, political confrontations, media propaganda, refugee crises, and periodic border tensions have all played a role in shaping their interactions. Despite these challenges, diplomatic ties have persisted, reflecting the complexities and resilience of their relationship. Relations eased in 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United States, supported Afghanistan against the invaders. Notably, Pakistan trained Mujahedeen and provided logistical support, enabling them to counter Soviet forces. Pakistan also hosted millions of Afghan refugees. Its role in resisting the USSR has been widely appreciated globally. Despite this, non-congenial sentiments have emerged between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both countries have accused each other: Afghans perceive Pakistan as meddling in their internal affairs and imposing conflict on them, while Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of colluding with India and providing safe havens to anti-Pakistan militants. These historical occurrences have strained their friendship. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have generally remained stable, with the exception of a brief severance from 1961 to 1963 due to Afghanistan's support for armed separatist movements in Pakistan. However, ties were eventually restored, marked by high-profile meetings, delegations, and ongoing cross-border trade. Although Pakistan and Afghanistan have cooperated in the past, particularly during the Soviet invasion, their relationship has frequently been marred by mistrust and conflicting interests. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, tensions have intensified. On 15th August 2021, when the Taliban assumed control, their relations with Pakistan were expected to improve. However, a surge in terrorist attacks dashed these hopes. Reports indicate that terrorist incidents in Pakistan rose by 28% in 2024, with most attributed to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose leadership resides primarily in Afghanistan. Furthermore, a 2023 UN Security Council report revealed that the Taliban's resurgence has strengthened the TTP, resulting in the highest levels of cross-border terrorism in Pakistan in eight years. This underscores the growing complexity of Pak-Afghan relations in the post-Taliban era. Firstly, addressing the Taliban's rigid behaviour and ongoing support for the TTP requires more than just diplomatic engagement. Understanding their underlying grievances and motivations is crucial. What do they seek? Why has their behaviour shifted so drastically? To address these questions, Pakistan must promote open communication channels and seek common ground. Establishing dialogue can help mitigate misunderstandings and pave the way for joint efforts to combat mutual threats, such as extremism and cross-border terrorism, which affect both nations. Secondly, reconciliation can be facilitated through soft power initiatives in areas where mistrust often obscures shared history. Engaging religious scholars from both countries could foster discourse based on shared values, promoting coordination and understanding. Religious diplomacy can strengthen communal ties and counter extremist ideologies. Similarly, sports diplomacy, particularly cricket, can reduce tensions, especially among the youth. Cricket, a passion in both nations, can serve as an effective tool for fostering peace and understanding. Hosting cricket matches, competitions, and cultural exchanges can improve public perceptions on both sides of the border and create opportunities for closer interpersonal connections. Reopening borders for trade is another critical step towards economic stability and fostering mutual trust. Increased trade can alleviate poverty, promote stable economic growth, and create job opportunities on both sides. This move would also benefit families divided by the border, especially Pashtuns with cross-border familial ties that have suffered greatly. Additionally, the gradual return of Afghan refugees should be handled humanely by Pakistan. With a well-orchestrated strategy carried out with patience and respect, their reintegration into Afghan society can be facilitated while maintaining friendly bilateral relations. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan face common challenges, such as persistent terrorism threats from groups like the TTP and ISKP. Conflicts exacerbate high unemployment and poverty, making economic stability precarious. Political instability in both countries, marked by shifting alliances and governance challenges, further hampers peace and progress. Continuous cooperation and frequent communication are essential to address these shared issues. Pakistan and Afghanistan stand at a crossroads, where mistrust and cross-border tensions threaten to overshadow their shared history, culture, and religion. However, by adopting strategic measures such as engaging religious scholars, promoting sports diplomacy, and implementing humane refugee policies, these long-time allies can rebuild their relationship. Recognising their mutual interests, interdependence, and geostrategic significance is key to forging a path towards peace and prosperity for both nations.
