Mahmood Hasan

Mahmood Hasan

FROM A BYSTANDER

Former Ambassador and Secretary

Nobel peace laureate will defend genocide

The Myanmar military and the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi are literally between a rock and a hard place. Two cases of violation of the Genocide Convention filed against Myanmar have shaken its leaders.

4y ago

Hongkongers’ search for an identity

Protests and demonstrations are not new in Hong Kong. Even before returning to Chinese control in 1997, Hongkongers had demonstrated on different demands. When Chief Executive Carrie Lam wanted to push an extradition bill—that would allow both Hong Kong residents and visitors to be sent to China for trial—through the Legislative Council in March, it immediately triggered criticism and protests, particularly from the millennials of Hong Kong, demanding immediate withdrawal of the law. It is not surprising that the current protests that began in June continues with violent weekend street battles with the police.

5y ago

Recounting the Brexit drama in five acts

It’s been more than three years that the Brexit drama is being enacted in Britain—dividing the country, its political parties and the parliament.

5y ago

Will the US-Iran relations ever normalise?

It is amazing that the United States and Iran have maintained an extremely bellicose relation for the past four decades, much to the anxiety of nations of the Middle East. It all began when the Islamic Republic of Iran was proclaimed under Imam Ayatollah Ruhollah

5y ago

G7 Summit: Semblance of unity

The two-day 45th G7 Summit concluded recently at the French resort in Biarritz. What was unusual this time was the fact that the summit ended without issuing a final communique, essentially because there was hardly any consensus on any of the major issues

5y ago

Beijing’s Catch-22

It’s been just 22 years since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, after 156 years of British colonial rule. Recent events in Hong Kong suggest that the long British rule has left considerable English influence on the ethnic Chinese of the region. Though the older English-speaking generation is on the wane, the young English-speaking millennials seem to be spearheading a political movement for democracy and social justice.

5y ago

Will the Rohingyas ever return to Myanmar?

Since the massive exodus of Rohingyas from Rakhine to Bangladesh in 2017, a lot has been written and said about the plight of these unfortunate people. After nearly two years, it appears that the outraged world community has forgotten about this persecuted ethnic minority.

5y ago

Dawn of the second phase of Arab Spring

The second phase of Arab Spring has dawned on the Arab world. It is not a surprise that people in Algeria and Sudan have risen to demand changes in the leadership in their countries, while Libya is also locked in serious conflict over who should rule the country.

5y ago
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017

A test case for Modi?

It is ballot time for five Indian States to elect Legislative Assemblies. Elections are being held in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar

February 6, 2017
February 6, 2017

The changing world order

Isn't this refugee migration the creation of the West? Hasn't the West-imposed wars on the Middle East and North Africa that have totally destroyed the socio-religious fabric of Muslim civilisation in these parts of the world? The result - millions are now at the doors of the West as refugees.

January 29, 2017
January 29, 2017

Who will be second?

Donald Trump in his inaugural speech thundered that from now on it will be “America first”.

January 23, 2017
January 23, 2017

The two-state solution is the only way to go

The long awaited solution to the Palestinian conflict appears to have been abandoned by Israel. With the collapse of US-sponsored negotiations in April 2014, there has been no direct contact between the Palestinians and Israelis.

January 16, 2017
January 16, 2017

Russian shadow over Donald Trump

As we approach January 20, 2017, all eyes are fixed on the inauguration of one of the most talked about President-elects of America – Donald Trump. What is appalling is that the shadow of Russia looms large over Trump's presidency.

December 19, 2016
December 19, 2016

Rigging the Presidential election in America

Shocking details about election fraud in America were reported recently. As one of the oldest democracies, America prides itself in having perfected its election process, which is free and fair.

December 13, 2016
December 13, 2016

A bizarre shift in South Korean politics

South Korean President Park Geun-hye has been impeached on December 9, 2016, following a bizarre scandal.

December 5, 2016
December 5, 2016

Keep the pressure on Myanmar

Hatred against Muslims, particularly Rohingyas, has been smouldering in Myanmar since it obtained its independence from Britain in 1948. Besides fighting 15 insurgent groups along its borders, Myanmar has never been at peace with itself.

November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016

President Obama's TPP is as good as dead

Nobel Laureate President Barack Obama wanted to leave behind three foreign policy legacies – the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal (TPP), the Iran nuclear deal and the normalisation of relations with Cuba. Sadly, TPP is now as good as dead.

November 19, 2016
November 19, 2016

Modi's war on blackmoney

Midway Through his tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared war against blackmoney holders. On November 8 he declared Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination were no longer legal tenders.