Issue Briefs

Structural Constraints and Strategic Inertia: Rethinking Gulf Security After Israel’s Doha Attack
This Issue Brief analyses the structural limitations of the Gulf security framework in light of Israel’s unprecedented attack in Doha on 9 September, targeting Palestinian Hamas leadership. While the attack marked a dangerous escalation of Tel Aviv’s regional adventurism, it also exposed the enduring structural weaknesses of the Gulf’s security architecture which has been defined by entrenched dependency on the United States.
Beyond Symbolism: Can Pakistan Become West Asia’s Net Security Stabiliser?
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional “security contractor” into West Asia’s net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements....
From Protest to Power: Can JNP reshape Bangladesh’s Political Future?
The Jatiya Nagorik Party (JNP)— born out of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, that steered the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh— is seeking to break the decades-long dominance of the Awami League and BNP, and advocating for a Second Republic through constitutional reform and centrist, pluralist governance. As it navigates entrenched power structures and competing opposition forces, it faces both great promise and uncertain challenges in its quest to reshape the nation’s political future.



Comments
India–Saudi Arabia Ties Today: Emerging Multifaceted Partnership amidst Geopolitical Churning
Mohammed Badrul Alam
Indo-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations are multidimensional and have withstood complex challenges and tectonic shifts amidst contemporary geopolitical tumult, globally and regionally.
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister’s Visit and India's Quiet Pivot to Central Asia
Mohammed Shoaib Raza
India and Uzbekistan deepen ties with ambitious trade targets, critical minerals cooperation, and diversified connectivity, signalling New Delhi’s pragmatic, long-term pivot towards Central Asia’s strategic landscape.
Escalation and Uncertainty: How the Iran War is Reshaping West Asia
Md. Muddassir Quamar
Five months after US-Israeli strikes, the Iran conflict has expanded into a destabilising regional crisis, fracturing Gulf unity and threatening global energy security. Diplomatic resolution remains urgently needed.