Arsalan

From @WSJopinion: Hatred of Israel holds Pakistan back. A country obsessed with the Jewish state is usually a country that is unable to get its own act together, writes @dhume. on.wsj.com/4cogcXm

Second live episode with @Jehad_Zafar and @Fuzail_Z on @TheWideSide We analyzed the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, global geopolitical tensions, and societal shifts. Key discussion themes: Societal Control & Philosophy: We drew parallels between George Orwell’s 1984 (state-sponsored oppression) and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (control through pleasure and comfort), arguing that modern systems are increasingly using AI and mass surveillance to stifle dissent and critical thinking. The Future of AI & Economy: A major segment explores how AI is being used by major tech entities to reshape labor and consumption. We discussed, how the financialization of the global economy, moving away from wealth creation toward money printing and data-driven control, has altered the status quo. Geopolitical Tensions: Our conversation delves into the rivalry between the U.S. and China, specifically focusing on the struggle for technological dominance, the impact of AI on modern warfare, and the role of corporate farming and supply chains in global conflicts. Pakistan’s Context: Throughout the discussion, we related these global trends back to the current political and economic challenges facing Pakistan, including the cost-of-living crisis and the influence of international power dynamics on domestic policy. Key Takeaway: We highlighted that humanity is currently navigating a period where traditional institutions are under threat, and emphasized the necessity of developing specific skills and knowledge to survive and thrive in this rapidly changing technological and political landscape. Youtube >> youtube.com/live/8XPdkEBso…

Dr. Andreas Krieg (@andreas_krieg) | Gulf Security Expert | Institute of Middle Eastern Studies: The UAE doesn't care what the Arab or Islamic world thinks. What matters is how they're perceived in the West. It's an imposter syndrome - wanting to appear more Western than Westerners, less Muslim than non-Muslims. They want to seem less religious, more technocratic, less ideological, more bureaucratic. They do everything to stand apart from other Arab & Muslim states. They don't want to be seen as just another one.

Same as the British left them in 1947, they haven’t even changed the Queen’s photo. x.com/manaman_chhina…

Deep Dive with @Jehad_Zafar at the @TheWideSide Unpacking the Iran‑US Conflict, Trump’s Role, and Fallout for Pakistan & Saudi Arabia Key Takeaways from the Discussion: 1. The “Smokescreen” Nature of the Iran‑US Conflict I described the conflict as not primarily driven by traditional strategic goals but acts as a smokescreen. Powerful lobbying groups and financial interests—rather than national security imperatives—are the real engines behind the escalation. Donald Trump and his inner circle, notably Jared Kushner, are depicted as being heavily influenced by these dynamics. 2. Financialization of War: War as a Casino The central theme of this is the monetization of the conflict, described as a “global game of casino where human lives are chips.” Jared Kushner’s post‑White House ties to Gulf states—securing billions in investment for his private firm—have drawn Senate scrutiny. Meanwhile, Trump’s sons have allegedly used the conflict to profit via prediction markets (e.g., betting on strike timings or escalation events), turning geopolitical violence into a speculative asset. 3. Geopolitical Dynamics – Pakistan The Pakistani establishment’s “fetish for geopolitics,” citing a recent Economist article arguing that such posturing benefits only the elite, not the public. Pakistan’s diplomatic maneuvering is described as precarious and overly dependent on shifting international actors—balancing between the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran without a coherent people‑centric strategy. 4. Geopolitical Dynamics – Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is reframed not as a unified nation‑state but as a collection of tribal entities held together by royal patronage. Its stability is increasingly fragile due to: · King Salman’s failing health (now 88, with reported cognitive decline) · Internal challenges to Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), including dissent within the royal family and stalled economic reforms · Possible role of Pakistani soldiers in the kingdom—not merely for training, but to provide power projection and regime security, signalling internal Saudi challenges. 5. Future Outlook – Why the War Will Continue The conflict is unlikely to end soon for two main reasons: · Domestic distraction: It diverts attention from internal US political scandals, including the long‑suppressed Epstein files (which reportedly implicate high‑level figures across party lines). · Electoral manipulation: The war serves as a tool to shape the US midterm elections (next scheduled for November 2026) by rallying nationalist sentiment, punishing political opponents as “weak on Iran,” and allowing war‑linked donors to influence campaigns. I expect the conflict to persist at least until after the midterms, with further escalation possible depending on electoral calculations. Link>> youtu.be/l6H04wSGjso?si…