Editorial Team Region

The Education of Afghan Girls: Are We Forfeiting a Whole Generation?

Amidst political upheavals, societal norms, and ongoing conflicts, Afghan girls have faced significant challenges in accessing quality education. The question that arises is whether, due to these challenges, we are on the brink of losing an entire generation of Afghan girls. Education is a foundational right that serves as a key catalyst not only for personal development but also for the fulfillment of various other human rights. These include the right to employment, the right to a decent standard of living, the right to health, the right to active participation in society and communities, the right to equality under the law, and the right to fundamental freedoms.

Editorial Team Human Security, National Security, Region

Navigating the Climate-Water-Food Security Nexus in South Asia

The South Asian region is highly susceptible to the ramifications of climate change due to its heavy dependence on agricultural practices, densely populated areas, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient adaptation strategies. The adverse consequences of climate change are readily apparent in numerous domains, encompassing the disruption of livelihoods, the escalation of poverty, the increased frequency of natural disasters, the depletion of glaciers, an increase of food insecurity, the disruption of water resources, the decline of biodiversity, and the emergence of health-related challenges. According to the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the process of glacial melting in the Himalayan region presents a substantial danger to the water resources upon which about 1.9 billion people living in South Asia heavily rely on this glacial melt. This issue not only endangers the accessibility of water supplies but also presents concerns about the production of hydropower, agricultural practices, economic activities, and overall livelihoods in the area.

Editorial Team Diplomacy, Region

Rising Tides: How India-Pakistan Peace Can Lift Up 1.5 Billion People

India and Pakistan are two neighboring countries with a history and past full of tense relations. Both countries have been locked in bitter geopolitical struggles. The long-standing animosity and hostility have resulted in multiple conflicts and disputes, hindering progress and development. However, if the two states make peace with each other, then their benefits and advantages will be multifaceted and far-reaching. From economic prosperity and human development to joint action against social evils, the potential gains are immense. One of the central pillars of peaceful coexistence between India and Pakistan is the potential for robust economic collaboration and expanded trade ties. Likewise, the advent of peaceful relations could serve as a bulwark against shared social challenges that have long plagued both nations. Crucially, an atmosphere of peace has the potential to catalyze remarkable advancements in human development indices for both countries. So, the urgency to seek reconciliation and foster mutual understanding has never been more crucial than at present. The time has come for both nations to rise above historical grievances and embark on a transformative path toward a brighter future filled with shared aspirations and progress.

Editorial Team Diplomacy, Region

Beyond the Deadlock: Rethinking India-Pakistan Relations for a Prosperous South Asia

South Asia stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a multitude of challenges that hinder its progress and potential. Three prominent factors contribute to the complexities faced by the region. Foremost among them is the long-standing and highly significant Kashmir dispute. Both Pakistan and India recognize the complexity of the Kashmir dispute, understanding that progress in other areas cannot be achieved without resolving it first. The Pakistani mindset is deeply entrenched in the Kashmir issue, making it a major obstacle to improving relations with India. On the other hand, India uses the Kashmir argument to its advantage, invoking acts of terrorism and forcing Pakistan to defend its position. This ongoing debate has impeded a rational evaluation and hindered progress between the two neighboring South Asian countries, leading to a state of neither peace nor war. It is astonishing but true that in this modern century, a time characterized by connectivity, mutually beneficial coexistence, and interdependence among modern economies, South Asia remains the least connected region in the world. Trade between the eight member countries accounts for only two percent of their combined global trade.This book reveals Mariam’s intimate knowledge of South Asia, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan. It focuses on two of the major developments: the Shia-Sunni conflict known as ‘sectarianism’ and Islamism (including Afghan. Taliban and Pakistan-based Jihadi groups). In this book, the author attributed more importance to cultural codes and symbols than to theological discourses. For Mariam, sectarianism and Islamism are not religious reserves, they are ideologies that make use of religion as a tool rather than a faith.