Palestine Issue / Arab-Israel Conflict

1. Introduction
Palestine issue dates back to 1882 when Zionist movement began by which European
Jewish immigrated to Palestine to form their own state. Palestinians (Muslims,
Christians, and Druze) were already residing in Palestine. The conflict began as a struggle
over land between the Jews and the Palestinians. The major causes of the conflict were
the competing Jewish and Arab claims to land, conflicting promises by the British in
the forms of Hussein-McMahon Correspondence and the Balfour Declaration of 1917,
and the several breakouts of violence, wars and Intifadas between the Jews and the
Arabs residents of Palestine. Various issues arose out of this conflict relating to final
borders, Jerusalem, Refugees, Security needs, settlements and water resources.
Although various solutions have been recommended to resolve the conflict, yet there
are several hurdles in the way of reaching the solution. Effective steps must be taken to
over these hurdles and to settle the issue that arouse out of the conflict. Arabs, Israel,
US and the UN should take pragmatic steps to resolve this conflict.
2. History of Arab-Israel conflict
 Palestine issue dates back to 1882 when Zionist movement began by which
European Jewish immigrated to Palestine to form their own state. Palestinians
(Muslims, Christians, and Druze) were already residing in Palestine.
 At that time, Palestine was a part of Ottoman Empire.
 In 1915, during the First World War, British made three conflicting promises.
British High Commissioner in Egypt, McMahon promised Husain (Hashemite
ruler) to establish an independent Arab state under Hashemite rule if Husain led
an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Husain agreed and the revolt was
successful.
 In 1917, British Foreign Minister, Balfour issued Balfour Declaration announcing
the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.
 Also a secret Sykes-Picot Agreement between Britain and France took place to
carve up the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire and divided the control of
the region.
 After the war, France took mandate (an authorization to govern over conquered
territory) and Lebanon appeared as a separate state. British took mandate over
Iraq and the second area which now includes Jordan, Israel, West Bank and Gaza
Strip. British divided the second area into Jordan and Palestine Mandate. This
was the first time when Palestine became a political entity.
 Arabs were angered because independent Arab state was not created and that
Jews started migration to Palestine.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

  Between 1920 and 1930, clashes broke out between Arabs and Jews over
religious rights at the Western (Wailing) Wall that was a holy place for both the
Muslims and the Jews and contained sacred places including Temple Mount, Al-
Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock.
 In 1939, Arab revolt was crushed by the British with the help of Zionists. British
also issued White Paper limiting future Jewish immigration and promising
independence of Palestine in 10 years. This antagonized the Zionists.
 Following WWII, hostilities escalated between Arabs, Jews and British army.
 In 1947, UNGA voted partition of Palestine into two states, one for Jews (56%)
and other for Arabs (43%), on the request of the Britain. Jews accepted and Arabs
rejected the partition.
 Fighting began between Arabs and Jews and neighboring Arabs (Egypt, Syria,
Jordan, Iraq) invaded to save the Palestine from Zionists.
 In 1949, Armistice Lines (Green Line) were drawn and Palestine was divided into
three parts: Israel (over 77% occupied by Jews), Gaza strip (taken by Egypt) and
West Bank (taken by Jordan). Over 7,00,000 Palestinians became refugees who
migrated to Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the
world. Those who remained in Israel became second-class citizens.
 In 1967, a war against took place between Israel, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel
captured Gaza and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, Golan Heights from Syria and
West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan. Israel declared Jerusalem its ‘eternal
capital’ and annexed it to Israel. Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Al-
Fatah and Hamas also emerged as political and armed groups. PLO and Israel
refused to recognize each other. UNSC passed Resolution 242 calling for Israeli
withdrawal from lands seized in the war. Israel claimed that it did not occupy but
administered these lands.
 In 1967, Arab states passed Khartoum Resolution calling for no peace, no
recognition and no negotiations with Israel.
 In 1973, Egypt and Syria attacked Israel in Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights to
recover their lost land. In 1978, Camp David Accords were signed with US as
mediator. These include peace treaty and proposal for grant of autonomy to
Palestinian in West Bank and Gaza Strip.
 In 1987, first Intifada took place in the form of civil disobedience including
demonstrations, strikes, stone throwing, boycotts of Israeli products etc. Israel
tried to crush the Intifada with force, power and beatings.
 In 1993, Oslo Accord was signed which gave Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles.
PLO and Israel recognized each other. Israel agreed to withdraw from Gaza Strip
and Jericho. PLO formed Palestinian Authority (PA) in the evacuated areas. Fatah

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

 won for Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and Yasser Arafat became president.
However, Islamic radicals rejected the Israel-PLO negotiations.
 Second Intifada took place in 2000. Israel declared it as war and used tanks,
gunship helicopters, and even F-16 fighter planes. Oslo peace process came to an
end.
 In 2002, Arab states presented Arab Peace Plan, calling for peace, recognition and
negotiations with Israel provided Israel withdrew from all territories it occupied
in since 1967 and establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the West
Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital.
 In 2002, PM Sharon authorized construction of barrier separating Israel and West
Bank.
 In 2002, US president, Bush called for an independent Palestinian state living side
by side with Israel in peace. He gave a road map that included end to violence,
political reforms in Palestinian Authority, withdrawal from Palestine and
settlement freeze by Israel. This road map was to be supervised by Quartet (US,
UN, British, and Russia).
 In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its forces from Gaza Strip but kept its
effective control.
 In 2007, a move was taken by Fatah against Hamas in Gaza. Hamas preempted
the move and controlled Gaza while Fatah controlled West Bank.
 Between 2006 and 2008, secret negotiations between Olmert and Abbas took
place which were published as Palestine Papers. Both agreed on Demilitarization
of Palestinian state, Stationing of international forces on border between
Palestine and Israel, Sharing Jerusalem and international committee to oversee
its holy sites, Return of 10,000 refugees to Israel and compensation for the
settlement of the rest, but territorial disputes continued. Netanyahu succeeded
Olmert and refused to continue the negotiations from where they had left off.

Current situation
 Abbas petitioned for the full membership of the UN for Palestine but could not
get nine required votes.
 West Bank and Gaza Strip are still disputed territories. Al-Fatah controls West
Bank and Hamas controls Gaza.
 International opinion is unanimous for a two-state solution.
 Various incidences of violence and human rights violation take place in West
Bank and Gaza. Rockets are launched from Gaza on Israel and air attacks are
made by Israel.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

 3. Causes of Arab-Israel conflict
The major causes of the conflict were:
 The competing Jewish (right to land and security) and Arab (continued residents
and demographic majority) claims to land,
 Conflicting promises by the British in the forms of Hussein-McMahon
Correspondence (to form Arab state) and the Balfour Declaration (to form Jewish
state) of 1917, and
 The several breakouts of violence, wars and Intifadas between the Jews and the
Arabs residents of Palestine.
4. Possible Solutions of the conflict
Two-state solution, creation of independent Israel and Palestine, is widely accepted by
the international community.
However, alternate solutions are also presented.
 Status Quo: Let the things remain as they are. No deal is better than a poor deal.
 One-state solution: with equal or differential political rights for its inhabitants.
 Three-state solution: formation of Independent Israel, West Bank and Gaza
 Jordan Option: West Bank be controlled by Jordan
 Egypt Option: Gaza be controlled by Egypt
 UN Trusteeship: interim international administration over the future Palestinian state.
5. Hurdles in the way of reaching a solution
 Israel is following the policy of ‘conflict management’ rather than ‘conflict
resolution’.
 Settlements grow apace.
 There is a split between Fatah and Hamas. Al-Fatah follows negotiations strategy
while Hamas follows resistance strategy.
 Palestinian refugees in neighboring Arabs and Palestinian citizens of Israel are
adamant that peace must include them.
 There is lack of political will in Washington.
6. Key Issues that arouse out of the conflict
1. Nature of Palestinian state
Whether Palestine will be one, two or three independent states or under UN trusteeship
or be attached to Jordan or Egypt
2. Jerusalem
Arabs demand that Palestine be recognized as independent state with East Jerusalem as
its capital because Jerusalem is important cultural center for Palestinians. Israel regards

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

Jerusalem as its eternal capital arguing that Judaism’s most holy sites are in East
Jerusalem.
3. Refugees
Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, West Bank, Gaza and elsewhere
claim a ‘right to return’ which Israel rejects claiming that refugees should be absorbed
by the Arab states.
4. Water resources
Arabs want to get control over Sea of Galilee, one of the major Israel’s water resources,
which Israel refuses.
5. Final borders
Arab states want Gaza, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights
back. According to them, Israel cannot keep any land gained by war, no matter the
circumstances. Israel refuses to give back land stating that it had won these in a war of
self-defense and that it has the right to secure its borders.
6. Settlements
Israelis claim to have a right to live anywhere in the historical Jewish homeland. Arabs
regards settlements as illegal because Israelis cannot live on land gained in war.
7. Trust deficit due to lack of diplomatic relations
Arab states passed Khartoum Resolution in 1967 calling for no peace, recognition and
negotiations with Israel which led to trust deficit. Trust deficit is one of the hurdles in
the way of implementing Arab Peace Plan.
8. Security needs
Israel agrees for peace but demands that the West Bank must be demilitarized with no
heavy weapons. Arabs claim that there should not be any restrictions or bans on heavy
weapons in independent Palestinian state.
7. Suggestions to resolve the key issues
1. Two-state option is more viable than other options.
2. Jerusalem may be made joint capital of Palestine and Israel.
3. Refugees may come back to newly created independent Palestine. Israel may
make compensations for the re-settlement of the refugees.
4. Water resources may be shared.
5. Option of land swaps may be used to solve border and settlement issue.
6. Guarantees (international, UN, US) may be given to overcome trust deficit issue
and to ensure peace and security.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

8. Conclusion
Palestine issue is a century-old issue. Its urgent solution is vital for the regional and
global peace. Two-state solution is more viable and is endorsed by the UN and the US.
Arab states and Israel should be realistic and must resolve issues that arouse out of
conflict at the earliest. UN and the US may play the role of mediators and guarantors in
this regard.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

 Kashmir Issue
Introduction
The Kashmir issue has been central to the regional politics of South Asia for decades. The Indian
government’s 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special
status, has led to major political, legal, and demographic changes in the region. Elections
scheduled for September 2024 will be the first since the constitutional changes, but they come
with significant political controversy.
Kashmir: A Core Issue in India-Pakistan Relations
India’s refusal to discuss Kashmir in any future dialogue remains a major challenge. Pakistan has
consistently argued that Kashmir is the core issue and that no peace process can succeed
without addressing it. For Islamabad, Kashmir is not just a territorial dispute but an issue of
selfdetermination for the Kashmiri people.
Historical Context of the Kashmir Conflict
The roots of the Kashmir conflict trace back to the 1947 partition of British India. Kashmir, a
princely state with a Muslim majority, acceded to India under controversial circumstances,
leading to an unresolved dispute. Sheikh Abdullah, the initial leader of Kashmir, was
overthrown by Bakshi Ghulam Mohamad, a pro-India leader, who governed for over a decade.
Abrogation of Article 370 and Its Implications
Article 370 had granted Jammu and Kashmir autonomy within the Indian Union, including the
power to make its own laws and protections against non-residents owning property . The
removal of this article in 2019 by the Modi government not only ended Kashmir’s autonomy but
also bifurcated the state, absorbing it fully into the Indian Union.
Post-Abrogation Repression and Normalization Tactics
Following the abrogation, J&K was placed under a military siege, with communication blackouts
and widespread repression. Modi’s government, however, has consistently claimed that the
situation in Kashmir is returning to normal, despite ongoing human rights violations,
crackdowns on media and civil society, and the jailing of political leaders
Electoral Manipulation: Delimitation and Demographic
Changes
In 2020, India’s Delimitation Commission redrew electoral boundaries to favor Jammu by
allocating six new seats to the region, while Kashmir, despite having a larger population,
received only one additional seat. Alongside this, the Indian government introduced new
domicile laws that allowed non-Kashmiris to become residents and voters, diluting the political
influence of the native Kashmiri Muslim population.
The Role of the Lieutenant-Governor: Central Control over
Kashmir
In the run-up to the election, the Modi government expanded the powers of the Lieutenant-
Governor (LG), appointed by Delhi, giving him sweeping authority over security, administration,
and governance. The elected assembly will have little power, as decisions by the LG will not be
subject to review.
Opposition from Pro-India Kashmiri Parties
Pro-India political parties, such as the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party
(PDP), have openly criticized the Modi government’s actions. Mehbooba Mufti likened J&K’s

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

status to that of a municipality, while Omar Abdullah expressed frustration at the downgrading
of the chief minister’s office.
Recent Elections in Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IoK)
and Victory for Congress-NC Alliance (October
2024)
The recent elections in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) marked a significant development as they
were the first local elections held in the region since its special status under Article 370 was
revoked by the Indian government in August 2019. These elections resulted in a victory for the
Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance, which is seen as a major political shift in the
region.
Here are the key details about the elections and their outcomes:

1. Context of the Elections

• Revocation of Article 370 (2019): In August 2019, the Indian government, led by
the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had
granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status. The revocation allowed New
Delhi to impose laws directly on the region, sparking widespread protests and unrest.
• Direct Control and Lack of Local Government: Since 2019, IoK was ruled
directly by a
governor appointed by New Delhi, and no local government elections had been held. This
election in 2024 was the first time in a decade that the region had a chance to elect its
own regional government.
• Significance of the Election: The elections were viewed by many as a de facto
referendum
on the BJP-led central government’s decision to revoke Article 370 and split the region
into two federally administered territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

2. Political Parties Involved

• National Conference (NC): A major political party in Jammu and Kashmir, led by
Omar
Abdullah, with his father, Farooq Abdullah, being a key political figure. The party has
historically been a proponent of regional autonomy.
• Congress Party: The Indian National Congress (INC), a national opposition party in India,
also contested the elections in alliance with NC. Congress has traditionally had a
significant presence in Kashmir and joined forces with NC to form a strong opposition to
BJP in the region.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The ruling party at the national level in India, led by
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, also contested the elections, mainly from the Hindu-majority
areas of Jammu.
3. Election Results
• Victory for Congress-NC Alliance: The alliance between Congress and NC won a
total of
47 seats out of 90 in the regional assembly, giving them an unassailable lead over the BJP,
which secured 27 seats.
4. Political Implications
Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)
• Rejection of BJP’s Policies: The election was seen by many as a rejection of the
BJP’s
decision to revoke Kashmir’s special status and the subsequent political and military
control imposed on the region. The NC and Congress both positioned themselves as
defenders of Kashmir’s regional autonomy and political rights.
• Restoration of Local Governance: With the victory of the Congress-NC alliance,
the region
is set to have its first elected local government in a decade. However, critics argue that the
new assembly will have limited powers, especially with New Delhi retaining control over
key issues like defense, communications, and foreign affairs.
• Hope for Political Rights: Voters, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, expressed hope
that
the election results would lead to the restoration of their political rights and bring back
some semblance of local autonomy.

5. Key Political Figures

• Omar Abdullah: Expected to become the new chief minister of IoK, Omar Abdullah, a
prominent NC leader and son of Farooq Abdullah, has been a vocal critic of the BJP’s
policies in Kashmir.
• Farooq Abdullah: The president of the NC, Farooq Abdullah, described the election
results
as a “verdict” against the Modi government’s policies in Kashmir and reiterated the need
to restore the region’s autonomy.
• Rahul Gandhi: Leader of the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi’s role in the victory of the
Congress-NC alliance marks a significant boost for his political career, especially after
Congress’s relative decline since Modi came to power in 2014.

6. Challenges Ahead
• Limited Powers of the Assembly: Despite winning the elections, the Congress-NC
alliance
will have limited control over major issues, as New Delhi retains significant powers over
the region. The local government will have nominal authority, particularly in areas such as
education and culture, while critical matters remain under central control.
• Continuing Security Presence: The region remains heavily militarized, with over
500,000
Indian troops stationed in IoK to manage the ongoing insurgency. This military presence,
along with continued unrest and protests, presents a significant challenge to the new
government.
• Kashmir’s Future Political Landscape: The victory of the Congress-NC alliance
may
reinvigorate discussions about the future political landscape of IoK. However, without
significant changes from New Delhi, particularly regarding autonomy and security issues,
the region’s political tensions are likely to persist.
255
7. Voter Sentiment and Public Reactions
• Referendum on Article 370: Many voters viewed the election as an indirect
referendum
on the revocation of Article 370. Social activists and political commentators noted that the
Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)
results reflect the people’s dissatisfaction with New Delhi’s decision to unilaterally revoke
the region’s special status.
• Hope for Restoration of Rights: Voters expressed optimism that the election
results could
pave the way for the restoration of political rights and local governance in the region.
However, there are concerns that the assembly’s limited powers may hinder significant
political progress.

Ways to Strengthen Pakistan's Stance on Indian-

Occupied Kashmir (IoK) Following the Recent
Elections
The recent elections in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), which resulted in a victory for the
Congress-NC alliance, offer an important juncture for Pakistan to recalibrate its approach
towards the Kashmir issue. The elections were the first since India revoked the region’s special
status in2019, and they provide both challenges and opportunities for Pakistan to highlight the
plight of Kashmiris under Indian control. Here are several strategies for Pakistan to strengthen
its stance on the issue.
1. International Diplomacy and Advocacy
• Amplify Human Rights Violations: Pakistan should intensify its efforts to highlight
the
ongoing human rights violations in IoK at international forums like the United Nations, the
European Union, and other multilateral platforms. By showcasing evidence of civilian
deaths, restrictions on political freedoms, and military oppression, Pakistan can keep the
global spotlight on Kashmir.
• Leverage Global Human Rights Organizations: Engage with global human
rights
organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to regularly report
on the situation in Kashmir. Pakistan should provide them with first-hand accounts, data,
and reports to strengthen their advocacy on the international stage.
• Engage Friendly Nations: Pakistan should work closely with countries that have
been
supportive of its stance on Kashmir, such as Turkey, Malaysia, and China. Coordinated
efforts with these nations in international forums could amplify Pakistan’s position on the
Kashmir issue.
2. Strengthening Legal and Political Arguments
• Reviving the United Nations Resolutions: Pakistan should revive discussions
about the
UN resolutions on Kashmir that call for a plebiscite, reminding the international
community that the right to self-determination for Kashmiris remains unresolved.
256

• Challenge Article 370’s Revocation: Pakistan can continue to challenge the

legality of
India’s revocation of Article 370, emphasizing that this move violates international law,
specifically UN resolutions and bilateral agreements such as the Simla Agreement.
• Encourage Diplomatic Dialogues: Pakistan should push for renewed diplomatic
dialogue

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

with India, with a focus on Kashmir. While India's hardline stance may make this
challenging, even the call for dialogue places Pakistan as a proponent of peaceful
resolution.
3. Supporting Kashmiris Politically and Economically
• Engage the Kashmiri Diaspora: Pakistan should engage with the Kashmiri diaspora
worldwide, encouraging them to organize lobbying efforts in key countries like the UK, the
US, and across Europe. The diaspora can play a critical role in advocating for Kashmir at
grassroots levels.
• Highlight Economic Issues in IoK: Pakistan should focus on the economic
struggles of
Kashmiris under Indian rule, especially after the revocation of special status. By
showcasing the economic hardship caused by the bifurcation of the region and the
security lockdown, Pakistan can further its argument that Indian policies have not
benefitted the local population.
• Offer Diplomatic Support to Kashmiri Leadership: Pakistan should support
the political leadership in IoK that stands for Kashmiri autonomy and self-determination.
Ensuring that their voices are heard on international platforms will be critical in countering
India’s
narrative of development and peace in the region.

4. Strategic Media Campaigns

• International Media Outreach: Pakistan should work to shape the international
narrative
by engaging global media outlets, ensuring that the Kashmiri perspective is highlighted.
This includes organizing interviews with Kashmiri leaders, running editorial campaigns,
and utilizing platforms like Al Jazeera, BBC, and others.
• Social Media Diplomacy: Use social media platforms to galvanize support for Kashmir
by
disseminating information about human rights abuses, stories of resilience from
Kashmiris, and countering Indian narratives. Campaigns should target global audiences,
including young activists, journalists, and politicians.
5. Leveraging Regional and Multilateral Institutions
• Active Role in OIC: Pakistan should continue to engage the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) to maintain pressure on India for its policies in Kashmir. Pakistan can
encourage the OIC to issue stronger statements, call for fact-finding missions, and rally
diplomatic support among Muslim-majority countries.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Since both India and Pakistan are
members of
the SCO, Pakistan should use this platform to diplomatically challenge India’s stance on
Kashmir. The presence of Russia and China in this body offers an opportunity for Pakistan
to bring up concerns in regional security discussions.
6. Economic Diplomacy and Regional Connectivity
• Highlighting Economic Isolation of IoK: Pakistan should emphasize how India's
policies
have isolated Kashmir economically, particularly after Article 370 was revoked. By
comparing economic data pre- and post-revocation, Pakistan can argue that Indian
occupation has stunted the economic growth and development of Kashmir.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

• Leveraging CPEC and Regional Connectivity: Pakistan can use the China-
Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) to offer potential benefits to Kashmir in a post-resolution
scenario, positioning itself as a gateway to economic development for the entire region if
a peaceful resolution is reached.
7. Humanitarian Efforts
• Offer Humanitarian Aid: Although logistical challenges make direct aid to IoK difficult,
Pakistan can launch international fundraising and humanitarian campaigns to support
Kashmiris, particularly those displaced or suffering due to the military lockdowns and
curfews.
• Humanitarian Diplomacy: Pakistan should advocate for independent international
organizations to be allowed to provide humanitarian aid to IoK, pressuring India through
global humanitarian channels.

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)

 Globalization
“Globalization is the emergence of a complex of interconnectedness. The central feature of
globalization is that geographical distance is of declining relevance and that territorial borders
between nation states are becoming less significant’’ - (Andrew Heywood, Global Politics)

Exs: Russo Ukraine War, Economic Crash 2007, Arab Spring

Types of Globalization
 Economic Globalization
 Political Globalization
 Cultural Globalization

Economic Globalization
 Increasing Trade and Commerce
 Remittances
 Foreign Loans
 Foreign Aids
 Online Shopping
 Connected Supply Chains

Political Globalization
 Sovereignty and nation state have become irrelevant (Brexit, EU)
 Global Security and Institutions of Global Governance (UNSC, Kosovo War, R2P)
 ICJ and issue of sovereignty (Saddam Hussian )
 Global threat of Global Warming (Kyoto Protocol, Vlimate Change deal 2015)
 Cyber Insecurity and Flux of fake information
 Emerging Challenges such as AI, UFOs need global response

Social/ Cultural Globalization

 Social Media (Fb, Insta, tiktok)….cultural assimilation…dressing….concept of shared

community as a one tribe
 Global Education
 Tourism rising worldwide
 Sports activities
 Global Festivals

Manifestations of De Globalization
Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)
  US-China Rivalry
 Growing Protectionism (Brexit, Sino-US War)
 Global Anti Immigration Rhetoric (Trump Recent Statemets, Brexit)
 Xenophobia and Islamophibia (NZ attack, racism in Australia, George Floyd)
 Growing geo-politcocal and geo encomic clash between the west and the rest 9Global
North and Global South, BRICS, SCO)
 Delibrate forsaking of international norms, Anexxations and wars (Kshmir status, Russo
Ukraine War)

Why De-globalization

1. Exploitative Economic and Polictica Order Set by the West (Confessions of an Economic
Hitman by John Perkins, Unholy Trinity0
2. US Proclivity of imposing Sanctions on rival contries
3. The Neoimperial Theory
4. US-China Coldwar

References:

The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman

Global Politics by Andrew Heywoood
The Globalization of World Polictis by John Baylis
World Politics by Charles Keggley

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 Middle East Crisis
Major Flashpoints
 Syria
 Yemen
 Iraq
 Recent Isreal-Lebanon Flare up

Major Parties
 USA, KSA and allies
 Russia, Iran, China

Saudi Iran Detente 2023

 Deal in March 2023 brokered by China

Background
 Enmity as old as 1979
 New Low Shia Cleric was executed in 2016 (Sheih al NImr)
 Abqaiq Attacks by Houthis 2021
 Iraq mediation 2021

Causes of Détente
Saudi Side

 MBS vision 2030

 Global Condemnation of Yemen War and Role of KSA

Iran Side
 Enervated by global sanctions
 Rocked by continuous riots …Amina Mahsi
 Could not sustain its proxies

China Side

 Energy Security hinges on ME 40 pc oil imports

 Global Outreach Rush Doshi, Kishore Mahbubani

Impacts of the Deal

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)
  Halting of Yemen War
 Peace in Syria
 Sectarian harmony across ME and Muslim World
 JCPOA
 Dismantling of proxy networks gradually
 Collaborative efforts against IS

Challenges
 Israel’s Efforts to Sabotage the deal
 US vis a vis China

WF
 Engage Israel as well

Current Affairs Compiled by: DSP Fahad Rasheed (PMS/CCE-2020)