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Bashir Ali Abbas
Articles by Bashir Ali Abbas

Eye on the Middle East | The India-Iran bilateral and a test of patience

Given the prolonged efforts in Chabahar and a positive political relationship, the India-Iran bilateral relationship is unlikely to be at risk

Ali Khamenei (Reuters)(HT_PRINT)
Published on Sep 23, 2024 08:00 AM IST

As India-UAE ties wax and wax, a nuclear star on the horizon

While India and UAE (and France) have discussed nuclear energy cooperation before (first in 2022), the ENEC-NPCI deal is unprecedented.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, talks to Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival in New Delhi, India, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(AP)
Published on Sep 17, 2024 07:15 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | Israel's mass protests and Netanyahu's far-right gambit

Even as Netanyahu moved into the politics of self-preservation (of power), it is now well known that the October 7 attacks dented his image as ‘Mr Security’

TOPSHOT - Demonstrators carry symbolic coffins during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, in front of the Israeli Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on September 5, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant Hamas group. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)(AFP)
Published on Sep 07, 2024 05:27 PM IST

Eye on the Middle East | A West Bank watershed

Why did Israel open a fresh front in the West Bank?

Israeli bulldozers move on a street during a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Published on Sep 01, 2024 09:00 AM IST

A Taliban ambassador in the UAE and a double inflection point

In 2011, UAE actively competed with Qatar to court the Taliban to open an office in their state but lost out to Doha.

Afghan Taliban Envoy to the United Arab Emirates Badruddin Haqqani, far right, walks through an Emirates A380's business class on display at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, file)
Published on Aug 27, 2024 08:15 AM IST

Iran’s revival of strategic patience amid slow-burn ceasefire negotiations

Iran can symbolically retaliate with sufficient elements of escalation control or let the pressure from its rhetoric act as an instrument of coercion

An Iranian man, carrying a Palestinian flag, walks to attend the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)(AP)
Published on Aug 20, 2024 08:15 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | In the Middle East, Moscow hedges in the shadow of war

Russia’s principal interest lies in restricting the level of regional conflict to manageable levels, rather than ending it.

A handout picture provided by the Iranian presidential office shows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) meeting with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, in Tehran, on August 5, 2024.(AFP)
Published on Aug 08, 2024 09:22 PM IST

Eye on the Middle East | The politics and geopolitics of Ismail Haniyeh’s death

Haniyeh was more than the public face of Hamas, supplementing former political chief Khaled Mishal whose assassination the Mossad infamously botched in 1997.

Iranians follow a truck, center, carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)(AP)
Published on Aug 01, 2024 04:58 PM IST

Between Israel, Palestine, and US, three divergent views on conflict resolution

Fatah controls parts of the West Bank through the Palestine Authority (PA), and Hamas controls the Gaza Strip unilaterally since 2007.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, fourth left, looks on, while hosting an event of signing of the
Published on Jul 29, 2024 11:11 PM IST

Between ICJ verdict, Knesset resolution, world sees two states, Israel sees one

The Israeli Knesset voted overwhelmingly against the establishment of a Palestinian state. This signals a hardening stance on Palestinian sovereignty

Israelis waving their national flag gather during an anti-government rally calling for early elections, outside the Knesset or Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on June 18, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas movement. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)(AFP)
Published on Jul 21, 2024 08:00 AM IST

Post Pezeshkian’s win, the said and unsaid of Iran’s future foreign policy

Facing economic turmoil and geopolitical shifts, Masoud Pezeshkian aims to improve relations with Europe while strengthening ties with China and Russia

Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian gestures during a gathering with his supporters at the shrine of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in south of Tehran, Iran July 6, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS (via REUTERS)
Published on Jul 14, 2024 08:00 AM IST

Challenges and opportunities in Delhi-Doha ties

While the India-Qatar relationship has seen significant growth, ties between the two countries are marked by complexities and challenges.

Doha, June 30 (ANI): EAM S. Jaishankar meets Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (S Jaishankar X)
Published on Jul 07, 2024 09:00 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | How China-Saudi defence ties are evolving

With a fresh Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in place between both states since 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is also aligned with China’s BRI.

China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun (right) with his Saudi counterpart Prince Khalid bin Salman on June 25(Photo: X/@modgovksa)
Published on Jul 02, 2024 08:00 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | Drones and deterrence in the Israel-Hezbollah dynamic

Hezbollah's unprecedented drone footage over Israel's Haifa Port represents a strategic shift in the use of drones.

An Israeli fighter jet releases flares, and a drone is seen from Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kreem Hana)(AP)
Published on Jun 23, 2024 10:00 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | The BRICS has cemented its position on Israel

For a grouping that resisted any addition of full members since South Africa in 2010, the new members can significantly influence the nature of summit outcomes

BRICS member nations
Published on Jun 16, 2024 11:08 AM IST

Eye on the Middle East | A Damocles’ sword hangs at the Israel-Lebanon border

As the threat of a wider regional war looms, key to understanding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is the question of where the locus of the present conflict lies

(FILES) An Israeli strike illuminates the sky above the southern Lebanese village of Khiam late on April 17, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.(Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)(AFP)
Published on Jun 09, 2024 09:30 AM IST

Under the eyes of two courts, Israel pushes into Rafah as Washington wavers

In its May 24 order, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to “immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in Rafah”.

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)(AP)
Published on Jun 02, 2024 01:56 AM IST

Why President Raisi's death rattles Iran’s leadership succession plan

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi dies in a helicopter crash, marking a sudden end to his controversial presidency and potential succession as Supreme Leader.

Hardliners in Iran have further consolidated power with the 2024 Parliamentary polls having thrown up a conservative majority. (AFP)
Updated on May 21, 2024 07:11 AM IST

Ebrahim Raisi’s death ends a troubled presidency; rattles Iran’s succession plan

Besides the death of Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Abdollahian’s death takes out another skilled diplomat well-seasoned in engaging key neighbours

People hold up posters of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a mourning ceremony for him at Vali-e-Asr square in downtown Tehran, Iran,(AP)
Updated on May 20, 2024 11:30 PM IST

On Chabahar and US sanctions, a litmus test for New Delhi and Washington

Chabahar is arguably a litmus test for how well the US recognises India’s value in deterring China and in increasing Iran’s own stakes in regional stability

Chabahar Port(HT File)
Published on May 17, 2024 12:41 AM IST

Israel's increasingly unpopular war in Gaza is to Turkey’s delight

Presently, the global flow is against Israel, with a ceasefire as the biggest imperative (which is in fact what Turkey has made trade contingent on)

Smoke from an Israeli military strike in the distance seen from al-Mawasi on the outskirts of Rafah, Gaza, on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Israeli Prime Minister�Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel must go into Rafah to finish off the remaining battalions of Hamas, the US-designated terrorist group that killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped about 250 last Oct. 7. Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)
Published on May 11, 2024 12:58 AM IST

Blinken’s 7th Middle East tour, and the Rafah litmus test

While the US continues to support Egypt and Qatar, it is also focused on a greater role for Saudi Arabia to ensure regional stability and reconstruction in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with the families of the hostages, kidnapped in the deadly October 7, 2024 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)(AP)
Published on May 03, 2024 12:29 AM IST

In Chabahar, the city of four springs, India is stuck in a long winter

The Chabahar port’s development has been impacted by geopolitical tensions. Despite challenges, India remains committed to leveraging Chabahar for connectivity

India’s enduring interest in Chabahar port has multiple drivers, including both positive (enablers) and negative (disablers).
Published on Apr 25, 2024 11:43 PM IST

The game of deterrence between Iran and Israel has changed

Iran's attack on Israel on April 13, crossed Tel Aviv's red line. Until it reciprocates (if it does), it is Israel that is caught in a commitment trap

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel. (REUTERS FILE)
Published on Apr 18, 2024 08:10 PM IST

Amidst the Iran-Israel escalation loop, India is not spoilt for choice

While the crew of captured ships have traditionally been released unharmed, the current crisis presents a new frontier for Indian foreign policy

An official slides down a rope during a helicopter raid on MSC Aries ship.(via REUTERS)
Published on Apr 15, 2024 03:48 PM IST

Saudi-Pakistan joint statement on Kashmir shows Riyadh’s balancing act

The recent joint statement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, calling for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute, marks a subtle shift in Riyadh's stance.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa in his palace on the eve of 29th Ramadan, during the holy month of Ramadan, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, April 7, 2024. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY(via REUTERS)
Published on Apr 11, 2024 11:25 PM IST

Eye on the Middle East | Why did Israel attack the Iranian Consulate in Syria?

The longer and wider Israel’s war, the less sympathy it gets internationally, and the lesser the chances of Arab-Israeli normalisation coming back on track

A satellite image shows the Iranian embassy and consulate following a suspected Israeli strike, in Damascus, Syria April 2, 2024 in this handout image. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT CROP OR REMOVE WATERMARK(via REUTERS)
Updated on Apr 04, 2024 10:17 PM IST

With the end of Ramzan nearing, has the UNSC’s call for a ceasefire helped?

As the death toll in Gaza approaches 33,000, the March 25 resolution has so far failed to create binding obligations on Israel to halt its military campaign

FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations Security Council meet on the day of a vote on a Gaza resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo(REUTERS)
Published on Apr 03, 2024 06:13 PM IST

Eye on the Middle East | The Islamic State Khorasan province is coming of age

While the motivations of the IS behind the deadly bombing of Crocus City Hall in Moscow are still unclear, its historic focus on Russia is illuminating

A view shows the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall following the shooting incident in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, on March 22, 2024.(AFP)
Published on Mar 26, 2024 07:26 PM IST

The Indian Navy’s anti-piracy operations are geopolitically vital

The northern Indian Ocean has witnessed a burst of activity recently. However, the Navy’s increasing presence in NIO is driven by more than just anti-piracy.

New Delhi, Mar 21 (ANI): Indian Navy's INS Tir and INS Sujata participate in the second edition of a joint maritime exercise India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri-Lateral (TRILAT) being held from March 21-29. (ANI Photo)(Indian Navy)
Published on Mar 22, 2024 04:16 PM IST
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