Insights

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 Reporting Desk Briefing Papers, Terrorism, Threat Assessments, United States

US Hospital Threat Assessment

The threat assessment presented below is to advise and assist hospitals and trauma centers in preparing for an upcoming terrorist attack orchestrated by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), as a prelude to a secondary attack by al Qaeda.

Apr

By Reporting Desk Terrorism, Threat Assessments, United States

al Qaeda US Homeland Threat Assessment

al Qaeda’s homeland plot is planned for 2025, directed by Hamza bin-Laden and masterminded by Sayf al-Adel. Attackers are already in the United States having taken advantage of lax immigration policies of the previous administration, though their exact number remains unknown. In addition to preparing for attacks, they are actively recruiting, focusing on refugees and insider threats.

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.

Apr

By Mirza Abdul Aleem Baig Artificial Intelligence (AI), Pakistan

Pakistan in the AI Era: Policy Roadmap for Smarter Future

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) marks a transformative period in human history, characterized by the integration of intelligent systems into various domains, including business, healthcare, security, and governance. As Pakistan navigates this rapidly evolving landscape, it must contend with both opportunities and challenges.

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 Salman Lali Governance, Pakistan, Terrorism

Pakistan: Security Challenges and the Hard State Dilemma

Pakistan’s security situation has long evolved as a consequence of the complex intersection of multiple factors, including geopolitical dilemmas, internal dissension, and history. The recently suggested notion of Pakistan being a hard state—one that prioritises security over other aspects of governance and socio-economic development—is being widely debated in drawing rooms, a select few editorials and op-eds, and YouTube vlogs.

Mar

By Salman Lali Governance, Pakistan

Politicisation of Pakistan’s Civil Awards: Honor or Political Gimmick?

The conferral of civil awards in Pakistan has always been a subject of debate, but the investiture ceremony held on March 23, 2025, under President Asif Ali Zardari has sparked particularly intense discussions. This year, the inclusion of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB), as a posthumous recipient of the Nishan-e-Pakistan, has led to accusations of political favoritism, while the recognition of certain journalists has further ignited controversy.

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.

US-Syria Negotiatons

US Hospital Threat Assessment

al Qaeda US Homeland Threat Assessment

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

Pakistan in the AI Era: Policy Roadmap for Smarter Future

Is The Iron Shield Made of Plastic?

Pakistan: Security Challenges and the Hard State Dilemma

Politicisation of Pakistan’s Civil Awards: Honor or Political Gimmick?

How Terrorism Has Matured

Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Resignation & The Coming Civil War

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