Asia

Afghan Taliban Announce the Death of Founder of Haqqani Network

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid issued a statement earlier this week declaring the demise of Jalaludin Haqqani, the founder of Haqqani network. He further added that Jalaludin had been ill and bed-ridden for quite some time and hence, the command and control of the network had been transferred to his son Siraj many years ago.

‘Afghan officials have maintained that Mr Haqqani has been dead for at least four years — an assertion confirmed by one aide to Mr Haqqani in 2015 — and that the Taliban have waited to use that news at some opportune moment. One senior Afghan official said the death announcement now was probably related to a planned visit this week to Pakistan by senior American officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who are seeking an end to the Afghan war.’ Mujib Mashal writes for The New York Times.

‘What does Haqqani’s death mean to the Taliban insurgency and the war in Afghanistan? If he was already dead, then why did the group disclose the news now? The debate is getting intense in media and intelligentsia circles. Many seasoned observers believe his death, following a prolonged illness, will not have any major impact on the group’s operations since he mattered very little towards the end of his life.’ Syed Zafar Mehdi writes for Tehran Times.

India and USA Hail towards a Strong Military Partnership

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis signed a military arrangement with the government of India on their visit following a meeting with Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan. In their meeting with the Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Sawraj and Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement was signed, envisaging strengthened ties in the realm of defense and security.

‘Also absent were any resolutions on two thorny issues: first, whether President Donald J. Trump will provide a waiver to India for its long-in-the-works purchase of a Russian air defense missile system, thus avoiding sanctions that could result from the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) legislation focused on Russia, and second, what will happen with U.S. sanctions and India’s oil procurement from Iran. Despite the dialogue’s progress, these questions will continue to hover over the security relationship for the time being.’ Alyssa Ayres writes for Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

‘But despite the friendly handshakes and flattering remarks exchanged as Mr. Mattis and Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, met with their counterparts in New Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday, the two countries remain deeply sceptical of each other. The United States is worried about how willing India will be to openly counter China as the Chinese expand their influence in the waters between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is also unhappy about India’s reluctance to cut trade relations with Iran. India views the Trump administration as erratic, and it is troubled by the United States’ recent barriers to trade, which threaten to impose tariffs on Indian goods and force New Delhi to import more American products. Still, the agreement won praise.’ Maria Abi Habib writes for New York Times.

‘The India-U.S. 2+2 meeting on September 6 between the Defence and Foreign Ministers of the two countries appeared to be a singularly one-sided affair. Washington was calling the shots, and New Delhi was trying to wriggle out of U.S. pressure without much success. The inaugural round of the 2+2 Dialogue is therefore ‘advantage U.S.’ While carefully analysing the outcomes of the talks and the future direction of India-U.S. relations, it is difficult to get overjoyed by heart-warming American phrases like “India is a consequential emerging partner” or Washington naming and shaming Pakistan. The India-U.S. relationship shouldn’t be allowed to define India’s geopolitical character, strategic future or the limits of its other bilateral relationships. In a world that is far more chaotic than ever since Independence, India must keep its options open and be multi-aligned, even as the U.S. forms a key part in that scheme of things.’ Happymon Jacob writes for The Hindu.

Middle East & North Africa

Idlib Rebels in Syria Targeted by Fierce Raids

Syria and Russia carried out their most intensive air raids on rebel positions in the Northern Province of Idlib. Preceding these raids, Russian and Iranian leaders rejected all calls for Turkish-led cease-fire in the wake of brutal human disaster that was witness over the past few weeks. The province is of immense significance given its access to major highways and its status as perhaps the last stronghold under the occupation of Syrian armed forces.

‘Amid persisting uncertainty, three scenarios are likely to emerge in Idlib: A massive onslaught, a protracted offensive, or infighting between rebels followed by a reconciliation deal with Damascus. But whatever happens, it will be the civilians currently trapped in the densely populated province that will pay the highest price.’ Mariya Petkova   & Farah Najjar write for Al Jazeera.

‘While the scale of the expected exodus concerns Turkish officials, Ankara is also deeply worried about the implications for its interests in the aftermath of Assad being able to claim a decisive victory just south of the Turkish border. As war has ravaged northern Syria, Turkey has taken an ever more visible stake, carving out a zone of influence that it uses as a buffer both against multiple sides in the conflict – but especially the Kurds.’ Martin Chulov writes for The Guardian.

Sub Saharan Africa

China- Africa Summit; Xi JinPing Dismisses All Criticisms Waged on the Belt and Road Project

Chinese President Xi JinPing hosted African leaders from across Africa for the China- Africa Summit and addressed the questions pertaining to debt-criticism and scepticism regarding the performance of the Belt and Road Project in the developing countries. President Xi offered sixty billion dollars in financial support during the summit whilst promising debt forgiveness for the poorest countries of the continent.

‘On the opening day of the summit on Monday, Xi offered $60bn in financial support to African countries over the next three years. He said the debt of the continent’s poorest nations will be written off. The Chinese president said the figure included $15bn in grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans, a credit line of $20bn, $10bn for “development financing” and $5bn to buy imports from the continent.’ Reports the Al Jazeera.

‘The announcement comes as China’s investments and financing in the developing world are coming under increasing scrutiny, with some analysts warning of “debt traps” linked to Chinese projects. In response, Xi said deals between China and African nations came with “no political strings attached”.’ Benjamin Hass writes for The Guardian.

Europe

Swedish Election Results

Sweden had its general election on Sunday. The preliminary results show no clear majority and the Sweden Democrats Party which is an anti-immigration party, appears to be making significant gains.

The often antagonistic campaign was largely dominated by themes of immigration, integration and welfare, with the Sweden Democrats repeatedly presenting the vote as a straight choice between immigration and welfare spending. The election was Sweden’s first since the government allowed 163,000 migrants into the country – the most per capita of any European nation – during Europe’s 2015 migration crisis, polarising the nation’s 7.3 million voters and magnifying popular concern about a welfare system many felt was already under strain. Far-right parties have made significant gains at the expense of the political mainstream across Western Europe in recent years in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2015 refugee crisis, and are now in government in Italy, Austria, Norway and Finland. Jon Henley writes for The Guardian.

Other European countries have seen support rise for anti-immigration parties in recent years. Earlier this year, Italy installed a new coalition government run by the anti-establishment Five Star and the right-wing League. In 2017 the far-right Alternative for Germany won 12.6% of votes, and The Danish People’s Party won 21% in 2015. Reports the BBC.

Oceania

Peter Dutton and the Visa Affair

Peter Dutton has been accused of personally intervening in tourist visa decisions 14 times since taking on the immigration portfolio four years ago. The Senate legal affairs committee is examining whether Mr Dutton misused his ministerial discretion to grant two European au pairs visas in 2015, despite the reservations of border authorities.

Alongside Dutton’s challenges, the prime minister is facing a debate within his own ranks about whether the Liberal party needs more proactive strategies to ensure that more women get preselected in safe seats, and top create more coherent internal mechanisms to deal with dispute resolution. Katherine Murphy writes for The Guardian.

Americas

Mike Pompeo’s Trip to Pakistan

US Secretary of State and Defense visited Pakistan on a rather short trip to meet the newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan. The visit was preceded by dramatic aid cuts days ahead of the meeting. As much as it was being looked forward to, mixed reviews surfaced following the brief meeting between the US secretaries and PM Imran Khan.

Pompeo’s five-hour visit was greeted with skepticism and indignation in many quarters here, especially because it came just a few days after the Trump administration announced it would suspend $300 million in military support funds to Pakistan as a reprisal for sheltering armed militants who stage attacks on Afghanistan. That was the second major U.S. cut in security assistance to Pakistan this year. All week, Pakistani commentators denounced the United States as a hectoring bully that seeks to force Pakistan to do its bidding and fails to appreciate its efforts to fight Islamist terrorism. But officials of the new government headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan tried to maintain a cordial tone during the meetings Wednesday and later pronounced the day a success. Pamela Constable writes for The Washington Post.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the diplomatic stalemate between Pakistan and the United States has ended after Secretary Mike Pompeo’s short visit to Islamabad. Reported The News.