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Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Bilawal urges Afghan govt to fulfil commitments under Doha Agreement
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged Afghan interim government to fulfill its commitments under the Doha Agreement to establish peace and stability in the region. Bilawal also urged the Indian government to abandon its confrontational posture and engage in meaningful dialogue for peace and to jointly fight against terrorism for development and prosperity for the people. While addressing at the opening session of an international conference on 'Pakistan Fighting War for the World Against Terrorism,' he said, 'Pakistan supported the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, but instead faced a surge in cross-border terror attacks. Taliban regime was greeted as an inevitable fact. They promised the world stability, they delivered a 40 percent surge in militant attacks on Pakistani soil, and a sanctuary for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and others. We saved Kabul. Sovereignty confers duty. Stop the exodus of fighters, choke the traffic of arms, and honour the blood price of the Doha accord or be judged by the company you keep.' Bilawal said, 'The broken promises of the Taliban regime are destabilising the region. The Afghan interim government should uphold its obligations.' He said, 'Over the past two decades, Pakistan's military force backed by iron-willed citizens have broken the backs of Al-Qaeda networks, dismantled so-called caliphates such as Daesh, and driven the TTP from the fortress to the fox hills.' Bilawal further said that Pakistan military's operation 'Zarb-e-Azab' drained the northern swamp, 'Raddul Fassad' uprooted the sleeper cells in our cities and elsewhere. Today operations in Balochistan sever the connection between separatism and foreign funded terror, he said. He said that Pakistan sacrificed in the war on terror and paid a heavy price in both lives and economic losses, but remained resolute. He also highlighted the rise in militant violence over the past year, saying '2024 was the deadliest year in a decade in which 685 service members embraced martyrdom in 444 separate attacks.' 'Our economy has forfeited more than $150 billion in lost growth, shattered infrastructure, and displaced livelihoods. And still, we fight because the alternative is surrender, and surrender is not a word in the Pakistani dictionary,' he said. He asserted that Pakistan would continue its fight against terrorism to ensure a secure future for coming generations. The PPP chairman also called on India to engage in dialogue for lasting peace, emphasising the need to resolve the issue of Kashmir in line with the aspirations of its people and to end the use of water as a weapon. He called on the international community to learn from Pakistan's experience in combating terrorism and reiterated that extremists have no religion, nationality, or ideology and pose a global threat. The PPP chairman said, 'We asked for structured investment in counter terrorism and counter violent extremism, modern technology and weaponry. No counter insurgency has achieved victory without first winning hearts and minds.' 'Terrorism recognises no law, borders or beliefs,' he added, advocating for united global efforts to eliminate the threat. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afghan rulers must honour Doha deal to ensure regional stability: Bilawal Bhutto
Listen to article Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the Taliban government's repeated breaches of its commitments are contributing to instability in the region, urging the Afghan interim administration to uphold the promises made in the Doha Agreement. Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad titled "Pakistan: A Bulwark Against Terrorism", Bilawal said terrorism is a global challenge and emphasised that Pakistan has paid a heavy price both in lives and resources in the fight against it. He added that Pakistan continues to carry out strong actions against terrorist groups. 'For over two decades, our armed forces have played an effective role in the war against terrorism,' he said, highlighting military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, which he said broke the back of terrorist networks. He described digital propaganda as one of the most complex challenges of the current era. Read: Bilawal urges India to uphold ceasefire 'We never invited terrorism, but when it came, we did not bow—we fought,' Bhutto stated. 'There is no word for surrender in Pakistan's dictionary. We call on the world to respect our passport, our sacrifices, and our resolve.' Bhutto also extended a message to India, saying it should learn from Pakistan's counterterrorism capabilities. 'We are ready to work with India to counter terrorism. Let's talk—about Kashmir, water, and terrorism,' he said. Repeating his warning, Bhutto said the Taliban's broken promises continue to destabilise the region and urged Afghanistan's interim rulers to fully honour the commitments made under the Doha Agreement.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Prime Minister of Qatar to receive Tipperary International Peace Award
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, will receive the Tipperary Peace Award in a ceremony today, Tuesday, July 1, at 3pm, at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary. Qatar has emerged as a significant mediator in international diplomacy, using its resources, neutrality, and strategic positioning to broker peace in some of the world's most protracted conflicts, said Honorary Secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention, Martin Quinn. 'Qatari delegations have facilitated key negotiations between rival factions in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. Notably, Qatar hosted and mediated peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, leading to the 2020 Doha Agreement, which paved the way for the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. 'It has also been instrumental in efforts to ease tensions in Darfur, Sudan, and has consistently played a mediating role in intra-Palestinian talks between Hamas and Fatah. 'In the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Qatar has worked alongside international partners to negotiate ceasefires, coordinate humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages. 'Its diplomatic channels are often open to groups that other states refuse to engage with, allowing it to serve as a unique bridge between opposing parties. 'Beyond negotiations, Qatar contributes to reconstruction and development efforts in post-conflict areas, reinforcing its long-term commitment to peace and stability. 'This sustained engagement reflects Qatar's foreign policy emphasis on dialogue, conflict resolution, and humanitarian diplomacy, making it a respected and necessary player in global peace efforts,' added Mr Quinn. Previous recipients of the Tipperary Peace Award include former South African President, the late Nelson Mandela; former President of Ireland, Professor Mary McAleese and her husband Senator Martin McAleese; the late Senator Edward Kennedy and his sister the late Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith; and Pakistani school girl Malala Yousafzai.
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Realism and shifting tides of international relations
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@ Listen to article In the ever-evolving arena of international politics, the concept of permanent alliances or perpetual hostilities often proves to be a myth. As Lord Palmerston had put it long ago, "We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow." This preposition remains central to realist thought in foreign policy, where national interest overrides ideological consistency or historical ties. Recent geopolitical developments — from the US President Donald Trump's unconventional diplomacy to shifting alliances in South Asia -— demonstrate these powerful illustrations of this timeless truth. Trump recently visited the Middle East and had diplomatic engagements amid scenes of pomp and show. He had interactions with Saudi Arabia - which is poles apart from the US from an ideological perspective. One espouses democratic values and the other Sharia law with a dynastic rule. However, overridding considerations of lucrative arms deals and mutual economic benefits set all those ideals to naught. Trump even declared Saudi Arabia as a model for a reimagined Middle East, emphasising the promise of economic prosperity over instability in a region reeling from multiple wars. Similarly, Trump's brief chat with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, though on the sidelines of his diplomatic initiatives, was widely speculated and analysed. He also announced easing sanctions on Syria to give the country "a chance at peace". Trump's remarks and subsequent actions, however melodramatic in presentation, reflect the primacy of interest over principle. In the complex chessboard of international relations, strategic considerations often overshadow moral judgments. Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of realist foreign policy was observed during the US-Taliban talks culminating in the 2020 Doha Agreement between the two. After nearly two decades of warfare that claimed thousands of lives and cost billions of dollars, the US opted to negotiate directly with its once-archenemy. The very group that had been the target of a massive military campaign post-9/11 was now being recognised as a legitimate stakeholder in Afghanistan's future. This position from combat to the negotiating table, sidelining Ashraf Ghani and finally abandoning his government, was not a reflection of ideological transformation but rather a calculated move to pull out the US troops from a protracted and unwinnable conflict. It was a textbook case of interest-based diplomacy. This trend is not unique to the United States. China's recent diplomatic initiatives further portray the realist approach. The trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Beijing marked a strategic reevaluation in the region. Expressing unanimity of views, the three states agreed to shore up diplomatic and economic engagement, assuring a cooperative stance on counterterrorism. From a Chinese perspective this move would further enhance security along its western borders, ensuring the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, and countering the influence of rival powers in a geopolitically sensitive area. Pakistan's participation in this meeting also reflects a realist recalibration. Once a frontline ally in the US-led War on Terror, Pakistan is increasingly leaning towards regional partnerships that align more closely with its evolving strategic and economic interests. The re-engagement with Afghanistan, under Taliban leadership no less, is a nod to regional stability over ideological divergence. It's a pragmatic choice aimed at containing security threats and fostering economic integration. The meeting has also provided a fair chance to the de facto rulers of Afghanistan to gain legitimacy and economic lifelines. By engaging with regional powers like China and Pakistan, the Taliban seek to break out of international isolation and gain access to trade routes, infrastructure investments and diplomatic recognition. Once again, national interest overrides historical enmities or ideological moorings. All those aforementioned events, underscore the relevance and utility of realism in international politics. Realism postulates that the international system is anarchic and that states primarily follow the law of self-preservation and prosperity. In such a system, moral principles, while not entirely absent, are often subordinated to strategic calculations. Ideological allies may quickly turn into enemies and former foes may transform into partners as dictated by the circumstances. Critics of realism often decry its perceived cynicism and lack of moral compass. However, proponents argue that it is a sober and necessary lens through which to view global affairs. Idealism may inspire, but it is realism that governs the actions of states when stakes are high and options are limited. Moreover, the real-world consequences of deviating from realism can be severe. History is replete with examples where ideological rigidity led to strategic blunders — from the Vietnam War to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Conversely, moments of pragmatic diplomacy — such as Nixon's visit to China or the Iran nuclear deal — have often yielded more sustainable outcomes.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Commentary: Trump caved to the Taliban in Afghanistan. Will he repeat in the Russia-Ukraine talks?
President Donald Trump's campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours once he was elected has proved to be utter nonsense as experts grade his first 100 days in office. One day, he blames the cause of the war on Ukraine, and then, finally, he criticizes Vladimir Putin after a Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed more than 30 people and wounded more than 80 on Palm Sunday. Following Trump's criticism of his favorite Russian, Putin called for a three-day ceasefire in early May, offering a glimmer of hope for progress toward peace talks, but it falls short of a permanent ceasefire and comes from the cunning Russian strongman who has played Trump like a fiddle thus far. One of Trump's conditions for supporting Ukraine's independence and ending the war is to wangle an earth minerals deal out of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump wouldn't even agree to Zelenskyy's request for a security agreement from the U.S. as part of this pact to extract minerals from Ukraine for the U.S. Here is the transactional president in action, seldom weighing the integrity of a decision, instead focusing on how to take credit for the 'art of the deal.' That's the title of the book he used to convince gullible MAGA and independent voters he was more than the guy whose businesses filed for bankruptcy several times over his checkered career. Buried in the news and analysis of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is the failed strategy of Trump and his negotiators that played right into the Taliban's hands. He was outfoxed in the negotiations. To cover it up, he simply shifted the blame to President Joe Biden, who does bear significant responsibility for a chaotic and poorly managed evacuation. But before Biden took office in 2021, Trump and his negotiators in peace talks with the Taliban from 2018 to 2020 approved the Doha agreement, the rules of engagement between the U.S. and the Taliban as the U.S. left an unsuccessful 20-year mission in Afghanistan. Lisa Curtis, formerly a deputy assistant to the president and National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia during Trump's first term, penned an insightful essay for the conservative Hoover Institution that assigns blame where Trump never looks. 'How the Doha Agreement Guaranteed U.S. Failure in Afghanistan' proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trump in 2020 paved the way for the ignominious Afghanistan pullout and the harsh and absolute rule of the Taliban to follow. According to Curtis, the first mistake of the Trump administration was excluding the Afghan government from the peace talks leading up to the agreement, a mistake Trump repeated as he attempted to sideline Zelenskyy in the peace talks over Ukraine. The second mistake occurred when the Taliban, with peace talks in progress, car-bombed Bagram Airfield, a U.S. facility at the time, killing at least two Afghans and wounding 80. According to Curtis, this would have been the moment to halt the peace talks so the Taliban would understand how seriously America took attacks on its mission precisely at the time negotiations were underway. Trump did not suspend talks. To add insult to injury, the Taliban took an American hostage, which should have once again shut down peace talks, but Trump signed Doha a month later — what Curtis calls 'the ultimate signal of U.S. weakness and fecklessness.' The third mistake, Curtis said, was providing the Taliban with everything it wanted without having to concede anything. Trump's Doha strategy forced the Afghan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners who returned to the ranks of the Taliban to mete out more violence in the war-torn nation. One of those released prisoners had killed three Australian soldiers. The Australian prime minister pleaded with Trump not to force the Afghan government to free him. Trump ignored his request. Trump's negotiators claimed success in getting the Taliban to agree to break ties with al-Qaida, but Curtis calls it a flimsy pledge with weak and meaningless language. She claims Trump and Biden underestimated the degree to which the Doha agreement had weakened the Afghan state and divided the Afghan political elite. When Biden took office in 2021, Curtis says he could have changed the course of the peace talks but instead chose to stick with the agreement poorly negotiated by Trump. Biden's performance is left to historians to judge, but Trump's incompetence in negotiating with the Taliban presages how he might end Russia's war against Ukraine. Based on Trump's failure in Afghanistan, let's hope he is on the golf course at Mar-A-Lago during the negotiations where the only harm he can do is to a golf ball. ____ Bob Kustra served two terms as Republican lieutenant governor of Illinois and 10 years as a state legislator. He is now host of 'Readers Corner' on Boise State Public Radio and a regular columnist for the Idaho Statesman. _____
