Comment & Briefs

The defence budget for 2011-12 has not been unduly impacted by the fiscal consolidation process, and reflects the MoD’s ability to spend resources within the stipulated time.

With Turkey’s accession negotiations for EU membership going nowhere, Ankara is pursuing other diplomatic options.

Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto is walking a tight rope with plunging popularity and growing demands for his resignation.

Fears by some analysts that India has recently altered its nuclear doctrine, and particularly its no first use policy, are unfounded.

The success of popular movements in the Middle East has raised the apprehensions of the Chinese Communist Party, which has been reminded of its own weakness.

The United States faces a budget crisis of proportions with no precedent in its recent history. The country’s economic dominance since the end of World War II has supported a military posture with global reach and influence.

Russia has renewed its efforts to reconfirm its territorial claim over the southern Kuril Islands, also claimed by Japan and known as the Northern Territories..

Ground reality rather than fiscal prudence should guide the Finance Minister while finalising the defence budget for 2011-12.

Abduction is a Maoist tactic to arm-twist the government and secure the release of imprisoned comrades as well as make some tactical gains by placing demands that could be projected as pro-people.

2011 began on a sombre note for arms control, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament with Pakistan once again blocking negotiations for a FMCT