Ali Ahmed

MJ. Akbar brings his English literature background, writing skills and experience as a journalist with a notable body of work behind him to bear on a topic that has been and remains central to the story of the subcontinent—the past and future of Pakistan. That he prefaces his title with tinderbox reveals his pessimism regarding Pakistan's future. For him, Pakistan can plausibly be characterised as a ‘toxic jelly’.

• Ali Ahmed |
• January 2012 |
• Strategic Analysis

The Indian Army can be expected to deliver on the strategic challenges it faces, although how it does this depends on how it measures up to internal change.

• Ali Ahmed |
• December 07, 2011 |
• IDSA Comments

The Indian Army can be expected to deliver on the strategic challenges it faces, although how it does this depends on how it measures up to internal change.

• Ali Ahmed |
• December 07, 2011 |
• IDSA Comments

The Indian Army’s Doctrine for Sub Conventional Operations does an admirable job in balancing human rights protection with operational demands. However, there is a degree of dissonance in the approach to human rights brought about by the perspective that protecting human rights is a means to an end.

• Ali Ahmed |
• November 14, 2011 |
• Policy Brief

There is considerable interest in a possible conflict with China. However, little discussion exists in the open domain on conflict possibilities. This Brief attempts to fill this gap by dilating upon conflict scenarios along the spectrum of conflict. It brings out the need for limitation to conflict and the necessity for a grand strategic approach towards China as against a military driven one.

• Ali Ahmed |
• October 24, 2011 |
• Issue Brief

Pakistan’s ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations) in a press release in April announced the development of the Nasr (Hatf IX) a ‘Short Range Surface to Surface Multi Tube (sic) Ballistic Missile’. According to the release, ‘the missile has been developed to add deterrence value to Pakistan’s Strategic Weapons Development programme at shorter ranges’. The Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Kidwai stated that it will help in ‘consolidating Pakistan’s strategic deterrence capability at all levels of the threat spectrum.’

• Ali Ahmed |
• October 2011 |
• Journal of Defence Studies

Since the infliction of unacceptable damage may not deter Pakistan from breaking the nuclear taboo, a ‘tit for tat’ strategy in case of lower order nuclear use is worth considering.

• Ali Ahmed |
• October 03, 2011 |
• IDSA Comments

Talmiz Ahmad is an Indian Foreign Service officer who has seen extensive service in West Asia. It is apparent his long stint there gave him an opportunity to observe, learn and reflect. The book is an outcome. His thesis is that there has been considerable influence of historical and cultural factors in their interplay on the contemporary situation in West Asia, explained best by his choice of title for his book.

• Ali Ahmed |
• September 2011 |
• Strategic Analysis

The commentary addresses the pros and cons of Pakistan’s development of Nasr and concludes that it can be neutralised by India through innovative measures.

• Ali Ahmed |
• August 17, 2011 |
• IDSA Comments

In a positive movement, ISAF’s peace enforcement operation over time will have to shift to peacekeeping. Thinking through the idea of UN-SAARC hybrid peacekeeping mission now could help catalyse the peace process eventually.

• Ali Ahmed |
• June 06, 2011 |
• IDSA Comments