Baloch insurgency

By sending its top army official to Pakistan on the anniversary of a prominent separatist leader's death, China risks inadvertently fanning the flames of anti-China resentment in Balochistan.

For South Asia in particular – a region plagued with insurgency and cross-border tension for several decades – Hamas' devastating attack on Israel presents numerous lessons in warfare. 

There is a widespread belief in Balochistan that the authorities in Pakistan have deliberately allowed Islamic fundamentalism to flourish in the province in general – and in Mastung in particular.

Gulzar Imam, who was in charge of insurgent operations in Balochistan and financial operations abroad, is the first top Baloch militant to be nabbed alive.

Unlike previous phases of the insurgency, the current wave is lethal, resilient, and not dependent on a single charismatic leader.

Pakistan’s CPEC is a case study in Chinese investment further disenfranchising ethnic minority groups – in this case, the Baloch.

For over three weeks, Baloch students in Quetta have been demonstrating against the suspected abduction of two of their own.

Past initiatives have given Balochs plenty of reason for skepticism.

An attack on a luxury hotel in the heart of Gwadar proves that Pakistan's military-centric approach is failing.

Pakistan needs effective counterterrorism strategies to maintain strong bilateral ties with China.

CPEC, Balochistan, and unresolved political issues are a potent mix.