Pakistan Geostrategic Review

Mr Umer Karim (Visiting Fellow at Royal United Services Institute, UK) shares his comments on the status of Pak-Saudi relations and Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to Saudi Arabia. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review. Its objective is to share comments by prominent senior analysts and commentators on select issues of geostrategic concern for Pakistan. Quoting statements made in this programme is permitted, subject to proper linkback/ citation. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/jBQk_G1tdHc

Mr Ahmed Quraishi (Senior Journalist and Middle East Affairs Analyst) shares his comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict and Pakistan's role. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review. Its objective is to share comments by prominent senior analysts and commentators on select issues of geostrategic concern for Pakistan. Quoting statements made in this programme is permitted, subject to proper linkback/ citation. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Dh30ySdbOWs

Talha and Zaki host Taimur Khan (Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad) to discuss his article for CSCR, 'Will the US-Turkey S-400 Crisis Constrain Pakistan?' This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review in association with Islamabad-based Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research. Its objective is to highlight articles of note authored by emerging research scholars from Pakistan. Through this video podcast series, we aim to provide them a platform where they can elucidate their perspective and defend their argument on different issues. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid. All rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/zZummZKx_FM

Talha and Zaki discuss the meeting between US Defence Secretary General (Retired) Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, a detailed analysis of the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy and conclude with comments on the heated debate between US and Chinese diplomatic leadership in Alaska. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/RyAh8SgTCeg

Talha and Zaki discuss the context and implications of Israel's reassignment to United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and what it means for Pakistan. They also discuss India's destabilising posturing during conflict with Pakistan and its overall bearing on South Asia. In the first segment, two statements need correction (the errors are regretted): 1. It was Admiral William McRaven (Votel's predecessor) who conducted Operation Neptune Spear (2011). 2. Senator Tom Cotton (Republican) represents Arkansas, not Kansas. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/GKoeSKy7YoE

Comments by Zaki Khalid (Editor, Pakistan Geostrategic Review) on India's participation in 'Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021' in north Indian Ocean (which it denies). Also some comments on Hybrid Warfare. These comments were made live in the show 'Your World Today' hosted by Mufti Yusuf Moosagie for Radio Islam International (South Africa). Dated 19 February 2021 at 8:15pm Pakistan Standard Time. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/gnbnEvyuMbw

Air Marshal (R) M. Ashfaque Arain, Director (Strategic Defence & Security) at Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies in Islamabad, comments on the proposed theaterisation of Indian Armed Forces and its implications for air warfare between India and Pakistan. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review. Its objective is to share comments by prominent senior analysts and commentators on select issues of geostrategic concern for Pakistan. Quoting statements made in this programme is permitted, subject to proper linkback/ citation. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/KZbDw9Fl2RA

Brigadier (R) Dr Tughral Yamin, Founder/ Associate Dean of the Centre for Intl Peace and Stability (CIPS) at NUST, comments on the proposed theaterisation of Indian Armed Forces and its implications for land warfare between India and Pakistan. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review. Its objective is to share comments by prominent senior analysts and commentators on select issues of geostrategic concern for Pakistan. Quoting statements made in this programme is permitted, subject to proper linkback/ citation. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/rj9exxq9tYQ

Talha and Zaki host Maryam Raashed and Rida Anwaar to discuss their co-authored perspective paper for the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research (CSCR) titled 'Pakistan’s Foreign Policy In Transition: Driving Factors And Emerging Trends'. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review in association with Islamabad-based Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research. Its objective is to highlight articles of note authored by emerging research scholars from Pakistan. Through this video podcast series, we aim to provide them a platform where they can elucidate their perspective and defend their argument on different issues. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid. All rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/oh2HiOX0n68

Talha and Zaki discuss the incoming US StateSec and SecDef, Russia's naval logistics supply centre in Sudan, France and Germany's relations with the US and consolidation of US Army's Europe and Africa commands, among others. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/kH6M3s8jCFE

Talha and Zaki host Hamraz Sarwani (Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research) to discuss his article that examines different analytical approaches to evaluating the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review in association with Islamabad-based Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research. Its objective is to highlight articles of note authored by emerging research scholars from Pakistan. Through this video podcast series, we aim to provide them a platform where they can elucidate their perspective and defend their argument on different issues. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid. All rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/5NApHmT04Xw

Dr Adil Sultan (Air University, Islamabad) shares his comments on the recent signing of Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) between India and the United States of America. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review. Its objective is to share comments by prominent senior analysts and commentators on select issues of geostrategic concern for Pakistan. Quoting statements made in this programme is permitted, subject to proper linkback/ citation. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/i03RWE3Wx1M

Talha and Zaki discuss the Pak-India trade tussle on basmati rice, Indo-Maldivian relations, US maritime force planning in the Pacific, developments in the Horn of Africa and C Raja Mohan's views on Asian nationalism. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Se_mAemjgZE

Talha and Zaki host Faizan Rai (University of Oxford) to discuss his paper for Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) titled 'Neutrality-cum-Balancing: Understanding Pakistan’s Foreign and Diplomatic Policy in the MENA Region'. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review in association with Islamabad-based Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research. Its objective is to highlight articles of note authored by emerging research scholars from Pakistan. Through this video podcast series, we aim to provide them a platform where they can elucidate their perspective and defend their argument on different issues. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid. All rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/epOr17xtv3U

Talha and Zaki discuss Dhruva Jaishankar's paper for Lowy Institute on Indo-Australian cooperation, the recent QUAD foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo, Indo-Maldivian relations and IRGC Navy's new base in Sirik Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/HA4NtgqokgU

Talha and Zaki host Kashoon Leeza (Quaid-i-Azam University) to discuss her article for South Asian Voices on Pakistan's economic diplomacy in Southeast and East. This programme is presented by Pakistan Geostrategic Review in association with Islamabad-based Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research. Its objective is to highlight articles of note authored by emerging research scholars from Pakistan. Through this video podcast series, we aim to provide them a platform where they can elucidate their perspective and defend their argument on different issues. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid. All rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/-BtKO4DQqDY

Talha and Zaki discuss developments pertaining to the SCO and Central Asia, Pakistani Prime Minister's Speech at UN General Assembly, developments in the Western Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Arab-Israeli reconciliations and Germany's Indo-Pacific policy. Intro music composed and produced by Zaki Khalid, all rights reserved. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/p2UsbgIsEy8

Hosted by Zaki Khalid and Talha Ibrahim. Visit: tinyurl.com/pgryoutube

Registration: tinyurl.com/pgrnewsletterregn /// Email: pakgeostrategicreview@protonmail.com

Comment by Zaki Khalid

> Mossad chief Yossi Cohen’s Back-Channel Deliberations on Palestine > Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s stance on Indo-China Standoff at the LAC > Deputation of India’s Naval Liaison Officers in the Madagascar and UAE

> Paper on India’s Foreign Affairs Strategy by former NSA Shivshankar Menon > Turkey’s Regional Assertiveness > Indo-Russian stance during the Sino-US tussle > Spike in Iranian Military and Cyber Activities during COVID-19

Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus i.e. COVID-19, we've been reading reports about how this pandemic has directly impacted the Operational Environment, whether it is higher defence planning, force posturing, annual military exercises, technology acquisitions or aspects related to strategic deterrence. By and large, we can say that the global security calculus itself has been disrupted. Pakistan is already situated in a turbulent neighbourhood; the onslaught of COVID-19 adds further uncertainties to its Threat Matrix. To understand these regional ramifications, I was delighted to host Dr Adil Sultan. Dr Adil Sultan is Director at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) in Islamabad and also the Founder of Strafasia.com, a prominent global affairs forum based out of the UK. Moreover, Dr Adil is a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London. Recorded: 22 April 2020

> Report on China's Logistics Capabilities for Expeditionary Operations > Xi-Putin defiance against politicisation of COVID-19 > Geopolitical actors rush to aid Sri Lanka amidst COVID-19 > Google's 'Blue-Raman' submarine cable linking India, Israel and Italy

> America's 'Indo-Pacific Reassurance Initiative' against China > COVID-19 and Indian Military's Regional Medical Diplomacy > Apache Helicopters for Maritime Strikes in the Persian Gulf

> India boosting influence in the Western Indian Ocean > Turkish-Russian confrontation in Syria > US budget allocation for the Indo-Pacific > China's criticism of US on Arms Control and Disarmament > Sri Lanka's push for SAARC revitalisation

> India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities in the Indian Ocean > Nepal debates concerns around US Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grants > US President Donald Trump's Middle East 'Peace Plan' > Australia to appoint 'India-hand' in Nw Delhi > Japan appoints liaison officer at US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)

> Upcoming SCO Heads of Government summit in India > Sri Lankan leadership's back-to-back meetings with reps from US, Japan, Russia and China > Oman after Sultan Qaboos > Egypt's new Ras Banas naval base in the Red Sea > Israeli Military Intelligence includes Turkey as a threat

> US assassination of Iran Quds Force commander Major General Qasem Soleimani - Implications for regional stability > New Delhi's developments in the Lakshadweep > Establishment of New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division within India's Ministry of External Affairs > Iran's diplomatic outreach to Russia and China > Libya - Battleground for Turkish and Arab strategists

> Instituting a Chief of Defence Staff in India - Implications for Pakistan and the Region > Turkey's new tri-continental network linking the Mediterranean Sea with Indian Ocean > India-Oman Maritime Transport Agreement and Implications for Western Indian Ocean > Sino-US soft power competition in Djibouti > Afghan Elections and India's Invitation to President Ghani

> Understanding the long-term implications of the US Senate's revised understanding of 'Western Indian Ocean' in the National Defence Authorisation Act (2020) > Highlights of the Indo-US 2+2 Ministerial and Indian Defence Minister's visit to US Navy's Pacific installations > India's nomination for membership in the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing network > India's COAS-Designate Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane > Geoplitical implications for Pakistan through about-face on 2019 KL Summit > Regional Security Dialogue in Tehran > Sino-Russia strategic convergence in Asia

> India procuring SiG-716 assault rifles > Indian amphibious ops capability > Iran's trilateral maritime exercise > Saudi-Iran rapprochement > Afghan peace talks > US assertiveness in the 'Indo-Pacific' and Western Indian Ocean Region