The Indo-Pacific is entering a period of geopolitical flux. As major powers compete and middle powers seek greater strategic autonomy, what futures lie ahead? StrafAsia's 3rd Futures Workshop will explore the possibilities — from regional order and alliance dynamics to #strategicforesight and policy pathways. 📅 8th June 2026 By invite only. #IndoPacific #Geopolitics #MiddlePowerAutonomy #InternationalRelations . . @Aiza_Azam @adilsultan @f_aider

US pressure hasn’t been able to militarily twist Iran’s arm’ — Oves Anwar, Director, Research Society of International Law ‘So how is US pressure going to enforce recognition of Israel in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan?’

⭕️ Palestinian UN ambassador drops vice presidency bid after U.S. pressure Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour is withdrawing his bid for vice president of the U.N. General Assembly, NPR reported, after the U.S. threatened to revoke visas for the Palestinian delegation if he did not stand down. A State Department cable instructed U.S. diplomats in Jerusalem to warn Palestinian officials that Mansour’s candidacy “fuels tensions” and risks undermining Trump’s Gaza plan, adding: “We will hold the PA responsible if the Palestinian delegation does not withdraw its VPGA candidacy.”  The cable noted that visa sanctions previously waived for Palestinian U.N. officials could be reinstated. The Palestinian delegation relayed, through an Arab country, that Mansour would refrain from running for the next two years, in what observers described as a potential reference to the end of President Trump’s term. Lebanon’s ambassador will take his place, the U.N. said.  Mansour had previously withdrawn his candidacy for the full presidency of the General Assembly following U.S. pressure in February, according to Reuters, which obtained the State Department cable. 

@ovesanwar my Brother, Outstanding work 👏 This is easily one of the most insightful and timely explainers on the Strait of Hormuz I've come across. You masterfully break down Iran's layered arsenal, from the lightning-fast Heydar-110 boats and deadly Maham-3 mines to Qader missiles and Shahed drones, and how they all feed into a sophisticated strategy to dominate this narrow chokepoint. The way you connect the military tactics with the broader geopolitical game, especially how the Strait has become central to the US-Iran confrontation, is brilliant. What really stood out was your balanced take on the ‘Tehran Tollbooth’, analyzing its practical effectiveness while rigorously examining its lawfulness under international law. In a world where ~20% of global oil and LNG flows through this strait, your explanation of the massive ripple effects on energy markets, global trade, and everyday economies is both sobering and essential viewing. This isn't just analysis, it's a public service in a time of real volatility. Deeply researched, clearly presented, and urgently relevant. Thank you for producing such high-quality, accessible content! Aag hai Aag 🔥

Everything you need to know about the Strait of Hormuz! Iran’s weapons, tactics and overall strategy to control and choke the Strait. I also discuss the lawfullness of the ‘Tehran Tollbooth’ and what it means for the rest of the world. youtu.be/0PgYpuPliiw?si=HFGM…

A five-member Pakistan Air Force delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed arrived in Dhaka on May 10 for the first-ever Air Staff Talks (AST) with the Bangladesh Air Force. The visit focuses on strengthening cooperation, training exchange, and bilateral military ties.

In my latest, I engaged @ali9119 to discuss #Pakistan #Army #Rocket #Force Command. What does it mean for deterrence and what's the rationale behind it. We also discussed 🇨🇳 & 🇮🇳 youtu.be/v5siyBXTk68?si=anJH… @adilsultan @Haleema_Saadia @m33r_6 @Saima_Sial @Aiza_Azam @khalidbanuri

The biggest problem with the NFC award (which once you include AJK and GB and other payments comes to 62% of the divisible pool) is that as you try to address the federal deficit, who enrich the provinces and impoverish the people even more. For example, to finance a deficit of Rs 10, the federal government has to impose additional taxes on citizens of Rs 25, and give extra Rs 15 (or 60% of taxes) to the provinces, which are already in surplus. This extra Rs 15 then enables provinces to buy private jets, escalate the price of pipeline and road projects and have their leaders build palaces outside Pakistan. And the people of Pakistan have to pay 18% tax on soap, packaged milk, clothing, pencils and edible oil and are getting poorer due to heavy taxation.