The Karnataka law to protect illegal religious structures is poorly thought through and has politics written all over it. It risks incentivising newer encroachments, sparking tensions and presenting a future government with a similar fait accompli. Religion is sensitive but Karnataka has set a bad example in these fraught times.
Biden promise to replace wars with diplomacy only good on paper. US focus is now on a different foe
US President Biden’s ‘America is back’ speech promising to replace the era of endless wars with endless diplomacy is good on paper. But US withdrawal from Afghanistan coincides with Washington’s refocus on a different foe and geography. A localised hot war is being replaced by a globalised new cold war.
Islamabad demanding Taliban in SAARC makes things complicated. Time to revisit its purpose
SAARC has been hostage to India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir and terrorism, and a summit hasn’t been held for seven years. Islamabad has made it more complicated now by demanding Taliban’s participation in a foreign ministers’ meeting. Deep divisions aside, it’s time to revisit or remake the very purpose of SAARC.