Complex global Challenges By Zulfiqar Shah It is a political transition in the world. Phenomenal strategic exceptions are happening simultaneously. A wave of popular protectionism in the West against immigrations; the non-resolution of Afghanistan issue; rising challenge of North Korea and China in the Asia-Pacific, and growing influence and strategic initiatives of China in the world balance of power are the features of this transition. Russia-USA relations adversaries are at the core of the affairs that have helped various factors to take advantage of the situation. In the meantime, threats of Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaida have become further heightened exhibited in recent terrorism attempts at UK Parliament and failed attempt in the Brussels. Afghanistan patchwork US at the moment is focused to its internal affairs. The prolonged Taliban violence in Afghanistan and temporary absence of US from the resolution of Afghanistan stability is eyed by Russia and China to lead the process of negotiations for peace in Afghanistan. A dialogue has been invited over Afghanistan in Moscow for which Taliban have indicated their willingness to participate. With the help of China and through new engagements with Pakistan, Russia would attempt to stabilize Afghanistan by engaging with Taliban. Afghanistan, USA, India and some other countries have remained of opinion that Pakistan has been reason behind Taliban phenomena. Afghanistan officials were quoted as saying that IS emergence in Afghanistan would be handled once Taliban are silenced. IS-Taliban nexus with the help of split groups of Taliban, Al-Qaida and Central Asian terrorist outfits is increasing their activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Besides, landlocked Afghanistan as well as Central Asian countries need nearest route to the sea which either can be availed through Pakistan or Iran. In any attempt for connecting Afghanistan to the world through sea and causing Afghanistan stability, the world has to choose out of Pakistan or Iran. At the same time, there is a lot to think out of box for the various matters. There are possibilities of USA engagement with Iran through India since India is interested in developing a port in Iran. An Iran-Israel engagement would be another out of box strategic development for the long term strategic achievement. Pakistan is developing Guwadar and Karachi Ports with support of China through China Pakistan Economic Coordination (CEPEC), which can also connect Afghanistan, Central Asian Countries and Russia with the Indian Ocean although there is Balochistan insurgency and Sindh freedom movement in Pakistan. Terrorism threat IS is becoming a growing security threat to the world. Their continuous recruitment from Iraq, Syria and other West Asian countries, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh through the use of modern means of communication have turned this outfit a serious security risk to the world. They have two-pronged strategy – they are fighting guerrilla warfare in Iraq, and using terrorism in Europe, USA, Afghanistan, India and to some extent Pakistan and Bangladesh. Besides, Al-Qaida is silently working on its resurgence according to some reports. This situation really does not need only the security measures
and a new approach for collectively addressing this threat but also it requires some fundamental initiatives to alter the thinking matrix among the Muslim population in the world. Hitherto a minority Salafi sect of Islam has been the major school of thought behind violent Muslim expression. Sufi Muslim approach is the only way forward to address this challenge. Strategic China China is strategically advancing in so many directions. It is investing in the infrastructure – rails, roads and ports – and business in the Asia, Africa and probably in some parts of the Europe. China is investing $54 billion in Pakistan for CPEC. It is constructing roads and developing Guwadar Port in Pakistan to link Africa and Europe through Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. It is constructing silk rout to the Central Asian Countries and it is developing a rail track to Nepal. China is also making its strong presence in Indian Ocean. In upcoming decade, China would be strategically present in Asia, Africa and Europe along with a bustling economy. Meanwhile, North Korea is increasing its military and strategic activities aiming South Korea, Japan, and USA. China is also enhancing its presence in the region. Besides, China is trying to induct new members in their economic-strategic alliance of BRICS to counter balance India in the forum and extend its outreach in the world. Engaging with Russia In the patchy nexus of strategic and security developments in the world, and slow paced response from NATO and allies in the context, the situation is further giving agency to various elements to groom. The new situation has been visible after row between Russia, EU and NATO over Crimea. West has to see the things out of box and need to take foresighted steps to create further stability for our generations. An engagement with Russia and Iran as well as other actors offering more cushions is required besides adopting out of box approach to address the strategic challenges that are posed to the world today. Would USA, UK, and EU work together with Russia and some other countries to achieve this? Shah is Sindhi refugee journalist, analyst and activist currently staying in New Delhi, India. Email:
[email protected] Published in Daily Kathmandu Post, Nepal: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2017-04-18/complex-global-challenges.html
