Category: Country Reports
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March 2019
Overview. The rift between India and Pakistan over the Pulwama terrorist incident in Indian-administered Kashmir has been the hot topic under discussion on almost every Pakistani forum since 14th Feb. The country is facing challenges on many fronts; peace negotiations in Afghanistan, a deteriorated relationship with Iran over the terrorist incident on inside its neighbour’s…
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March 2019
Overview. Egypt once again made the headlines in February as it assumed Presidency of the African Union and hosted heads of state at the Sharm el Sheikh Arab-European Summit. President Sisi continues to be the power player of the Middle East while ignoring critics and silencing opposition. His Parliament approved a constitutional change which could…
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March 2019
Overview. Economic conditions worsen for ordinary Iranians and the country’s armed forces suffer their worst domestic terrorist incident for years in the restive south east. Limited good news came in the form of an FATF reprieve as counter-measures on the banking sector remain suspended until at least June. In practice, Iran’s banks remain isolated and…
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March 2019
Overview. The last month exposed some of Bangladesh’s traditional weaknesses as a fire broke out in a crowded market in Dhaka, and a hijack scare took place on a Dubai-bound Biman aircraft. The Chawkbazar Tragedy, as the fire incident is now known, was caused by the explosion of a (compressed natural gas) CNG cylinder…
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February 2019
Overview. The first month of 2019 proved to be vital for Pakistan on many fronts. There was a slight increase in terrorist activity by previously dormant or defunct organisations, coupled with various threat alerts issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Internationally, Pakistan played a key role in Afghan peace negotiations, whilst internally the…
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February 2019
Overview. As Iran marks the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah, tension has mounted between it and its adversaries, with each ratcheting up rhetoric and actions.In the face of US hostility Iran should bedoing all it can to keep the EU close, but its ballistic missile tests and further allegations of…