Syed Khalid Muhammad

Apr

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Geopolitics, Middle East

US-Syria Negotiatons

As the United States begins its troop drawdown/withdrawal from Syria, they have also informed the Syrian regime, through a mid-level US official during diplomatic meetings in Brussels. The conditions are designed to test the intentions of President Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the self-appointed leader of Syria since the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad government in December 2024. US officials are still very cautious about trusting his regime due to the injustices and attacks that have been carried out by government forces on minorities since he took power.

Apr

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Governance, Interviews, Pakistan

Pakistan’s Central Asian Dream: What’s Standing in the Way of Its Ambitions?

The primary reason on the list of issues is security. With the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP*), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP*), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA* attacking Pakistan's security forces at will, it will keep any investor from bringing business to the country, Syed Khalid Muhammad, founder and executive director of CommandEleven, a foreign policy and national security think tank based in Islamabad, pointed out.

Mar

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Governance, Pakistan, Terrorism

Is The Iron Shield Made of Plastic?

The announcement of the “newly formed high powered committee” comically named “Iron Shield,” is just another failure for Pakistan’s inept national security infrastructure.

Mar

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Geopolitics, Terrorism

How Terrorism Has Matured

The battlespace changed again when the US invaded Iraq and deposed Saddam Hussain. The mistake most make is assuming the battlefield changed on 9/11. That was the instigating event that weakened al Qaeda and created a space for another group to emerge.

Mar

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Afghanistan, Geopolitics, Pakistan, Terrorism

Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Resignation & The Coming Civil War

For the observer, looking at each event in isolation, it won't make sense. When you combine them all, Haqqani's resignation makes a great deal of sense at this time.

Jan

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Afghanistan, Geopolitics, Terrorism

Taliban Lies That Would Make the Nazis Proud

A few days ago, Afghanistan International, a newspaper with a reputation of questionable values and even more questionable reporting, published an article about the “Mir Ali Agreement” that was signed between Sirajuddin Haqqani and various terrorist groups before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Jan

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Afghanistan, Geopolitics, Pakistan, Terrorism

The TTP is an Internal Problem for Pakistan

Let’s assume that Pakistan agrees with the Taliban that the TTP is an internal matter for Pakistan. Following that understanding, Pakistan has the right to strike ANY TTP camp, wherever it may be, including inside Afghanistan’s borders.

Jan

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Geopolitics, Interviews, Pakistan

Imran Khan’s Party Protests in Pakistan

Syed Khalid Muhammad, Executive Director – CommandEleven, spoke with Sputnik India’s Pawan Atri about Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests and their ability to shutdown Pakistan.

Dec

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Afghanistan, Defense Security, Interviews, Pakistan, Terrorism

Pakistan using dual approach of diplomacy, military action against Afghan-based militants

Syed Khalid Muhammad, Executive Director – CommandEleven, spoke with Arab News’s Naimat Khan about the Pakistan Army airstrikes on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Dec

By Syed Khalid Muhammad Geopolitics, Interviews, Middle East, Terrorism

Assad’s Downfall and Its Implications for Pakistan

Israel has carried out over 300 airstrikes decimating Syrian military infrastructure and equipment, while the US has also carried out over 100 bombing missions on Islamic State targets in Syria. There seems to be a fear that the Islamic State or al-Qaeda may use Syria as a foothold, making things unclear enough for any nation to start a discussion on relationships with the new administration yet.