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Abubakar Siddique

@siddiquea.bsky.social
199 followers 77 following 88 posts

Journalist. I wrote The Pashtun Question.

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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I report on how the Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast could benefit al-Qaida. Experts warn the shift could also strengthen AQAP and al-Shabab, creating what one analyst calls a “dual-shore maritime pincer” around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. alhurra.com/en/43088
alhurra.com
Houthi Red Sea Gains Could Aid Al-Qaida, Experts Warn
Houthi control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab could benefit al-Qaida affiliates AQAP and al-Shabab, experts tell MBN.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Dr. Jonathan Schroden @jjschroden.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Afghanistan War Commission “acknowledged Pakistan’s ‘longstanding role and sacrifices during the conflict in Afghanistan’” Seriously?? 😐 www.dawn.com/news/2033301
static.klipy.com
Boy's Seriously Really Look
ALT: Boy's Seriously Really Look
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Saudi Arabia is being squeezed from both ends. Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz. Its Houthi allies now block Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi oil infrastructure is under attack. Why Riyadh’s defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey may not save it. My latest: alhurra.com/en/40081
alhurra.com
Saudi Arabia Faces ‘Unprecedented Strategic and Economic Squeeze’ as Its Options Dwindle | Alhurra
Since the outbreak of the Iran war this year, Saudi Arabia has built new military alliances, deepened diplomatic engagement with Iran and diversified oil export routes to shield itself from the con…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Twenty-five years after 9/11, no single figure has filled Osama bin Laden’s shoes. A new generation of jihadist commanders is quietly building power across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, often known only by noms de guerre. The Next bin Laden? alhurra.com/en/39472
alhurra.com
The Next bin Laden | Alhurra
A quarter-century after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington killed nearly 3,000 people, a single kingpin of the international jihadist movement is difficult to identify. More than…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Five years after the Taliban swept back into Kabul, it controls Afghanistan. But only one country has formally recognized its government. In my latest piece, I report on why dozens of governments engage with the Taliban while refusing to recognize it formally. alhurra.com/en/35247
alhurra.com
Five Years Later, International Recognition Still Eludes the Taliban | Alhurra
Afghanistan’s Taliban government spent millions to celebrate its “victory day” on Aug. 15, marking its triumphant return to power five years ago, when the pro-Western Afghan republic collapsed amid…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I report on a “historic moment” for Turkey where a new law creates a path to disarm, reintegrate and formally end the PKK’s four-decade insurgency. Yet the Kurdish question is far from settled and stretches from Turkey to Syria, Iraq and Iran. “Time is of the essence.” alhurra.com/en/33375
alhurra.com
An ‘Historic Moment’: New Law Aims for Formal End to Kurdish Insurgency in Turkey | Alhurra
IRBIL/WASHINGTON — For more than four decades, Turkey has sought to crush the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) through military campaigns, mass arrests and the imprisonment of its leaders, amid an at…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Five months after the Iran war began, Washington agrees on one thing: it needs to end. But there is no consensus on how. In my latest piece, I break down the five competing endgame scenarios that are shaping the debate. alhurra.com/en/31120
alhurra.com
Five Scenarios: How Washington Sees the Iran War Ending | Alhurra
The weekend’s news on the Iran war fluctuated between reports of massive U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s infrastructure and President Donald Trump saying he canceled the attacks because of an im…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Pakistan is emerging as a key Gulf security partner as Iran and its allies escalate attacks across the region. What does Islamabad's growing military role mean for Saudi Arabia, Iran and the U.S.? My latest: alhurra.com/en/29541
alhurra.com
As the Arabian Peninsula Slides into Regional War, Pakistan Assumes a Greater Security Role | Alhurra
For decades, Pakistan quietly helped bolster Gulf security by deploying troops, training military officers and cultivating close intelligence ties with the energy-rich Arab monarchies. Now it is em…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Tehran’s military actions, official statements, and symbolic gestures suggest that it is increasingly presenting itself as the dominant power in the Persian Gulf and urging neighboring Arab states to adjust to a regional order dominated by Iran. alhurra.com/en/26388
alhurra.com
Iran Asserts Dominance Over Arab Gulf Neighbors | Alhurra
Iran is indicating that it expects its Arab Gulf neighbors to recognize Tehran as the region’s dominant military power while reducing their reliance on the United States, which has provided securit…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
I report on why Gulf Arab states are pivoting toward direct engagement with Iran, betting that diplomacy and economic ties can reduce the risk of future conflict. A remarkable geopolitical realignment in the making. alhurra.com/en/24724
alhurra.com
Gulf Arabs Seek Reproachment with Iran as Regional Order Shifts | Alhurra
Gulf Arab nations are moving swiftly to repair relations with Iran as Tehran and the United States negotiate a final peace agreement after their devastating war. Rather than relying exclusively on …
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The war did not transform Iran; it revamped the Arab Gulf. From Saudi Arabia to Qatar and the UAE, Arab states are re-evaluating, hedging and rearming and after realizing the limits of the U.S. security umbrella. Read my latest : alhurra.com/en/23761
alhurra.com
Iran War Transforms Gulf Arab Region | Alhurra
For Arab Gulf countries, the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran began with promises to topple a regime they had considered an enemy for decades. Three months later, the battered Shia clerical regime in…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
My latest: Islamabad and Doha leveraged their diplomatic acumen and connections with Washington and Tehran to create a roadmap for a deal that aims to end nearly half a century of hostile relations between the United States and Iran. alhurra.com/en/23562
alhurra.com
How Pakistan and Qatar Brokered the U.S.-Iran Deal | Alhurra
Pakistan and Qatar announced Monday the successful conclusion of an initial summit at a luxury resort overlooking Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, where leaders of the United States and Iran kicked off …
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I delve deep into Field Marshal Asim Munir's pivot toward the Middle East. The move comes with significant risks, while it also promises substantial rewards for the South Asian nation suffering from insurgencies, an ailing economy and political divisions. alhurra.com/en/22178
alhurra.com
Asim Munir and Pakistan’s Pivot to the Middle East | Alhurra
In the tense days following a terrorist attack in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir last year, Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Syed Asim Munir, found himself at the center of an international c…
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
I report on why Western experts and officials are concerned about Iran’s revenge in the form of a new terrorism wave through sleeper cells, proxy operatives and lone-wolf attacks in the West to settle scores for what leasers in Tehran see as a “war of aggression”. alhurra.com/en/20681
alhurra.com
Concerns Remain Over Iran Terror Threat Abroad | Alhurra
In March, at the height of the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, many feared Tehran would trigger a devastating wave of terrorist attacks in the West. More than two months later, the…
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Jim LaPorta @jimlaporta.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
New at @cbsnews.com - As Pakistan positioned itself as a diplomatic conduit between Tehran and Washington, it quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields, potentially shielding them from American airstrikes. Among them, Iranian Air Force RC-130. www.cbsnews.com/news/pakista...
cbsnews.com
Pakistan allowed Iran to park military aircraft on its airfields despite mediator role in conflict with U.S.
The effort potentially shielded Iranian aircraft from American airstrikes, according to U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
I examine how Pakistan is acting out of self-interest as it became a peacemaker in the Iran war. With a large Shia population, reliance on Gulf states, and a tense border with Tehran, Islamabad seeks to mediate the conflict instead of particpating in it. www.turancenter.org/analysis/why...
turancenter.org
Turan Research Center | Why Pakistan Can't Afford to Sit Out the Iran War
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has become the most dangerous conflict in the Middle East this century. Now in its second month, it has also produced an unlikely diplomatic protago...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
I report on one of the largest US military deployments to the Persian Gulf as it builds up its forces after President Donald Trump threatened strikes on Iran if it fails to negotiate a nuclear deal. With insights from Amin Tarzi, David Des Roches, and Brian Carter lnkd.in/dZKK47PB
rferl.org
'Robust' US Military Deployment To Gulf Ahead Of Possible Iran Strikes
In one of the largest military deployments to the Persian Gulf in decades, the United States is building up its forces after President Donald Trump threatened strikes on Tehran if it fails to negotiat...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I report on why the largest separatist attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan Province have called into question Islamabad’s approach to taming the two-decade-old insurrection through violence and political repression. www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-b...
rferl.org
What's Behind The Unprecedented Attacks In Pakistan’s Balochistan?
Pakistan has used violence and political repression to stamp out a decades-old insurgency in Balochistan Province. The largest-ever attacks in the region have called into question that strategy.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Looks like disinformation, fake news and propaganda is winning amid the confrontation and tensions between India and Pakistan.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Is South Asia now on the brink of a nuclear showdown? Pakistan is likely to Respond to the Indian attacks, which might swiftly spiral into unprecedented escalation.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
The Indian armed forces have confirmed it targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of “Operation Sindoor”.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
I report on Mahrang Baloch, a doctor from #Balochistan. Her transformation from being a victim of the #Pakistan's oppression of #Baloch nationalists to becoming an icon for Balochistan's rights is remarkable. www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-m...
rferl.org
Who Is Mahrang Baloch, The Rights Advocate Arrested By Pakistan On Terrorism Charges?
The arrest of Mahrang Baloch, leader of a civil rights movement in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province, draws attention to why members of the beleaguered Baluch ethnic minority are drawn to h...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Regions Key To Ending War, Says US Envoy Witkoff www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-ru...
rferl.org
Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Regions Key To Ending War, Says US Envoy Witkoff
US envoy Steve Witkoff says the status of the Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia is central to ending the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Eye on Afghanistan @eyeonafgh.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
A new immigration policy in Iran is depriving undocumented Afghans of accessing healthcare, education and even housing. #RFE #Afghanistan
dlvr.it
Undocumented Afghans In Iran Face Uncertain Future Amid New Restrictions
A new immigration policy in Iran is depriving undocumented Afghans of accessing healthcare, education and even housing.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
My Latest: Iran is denying undocumented immigrants access to healthcare, education and housing. This policy is part of Tehran's efforts to pressure the over 4 million Afghan refugees and immigrants currently living in the country to return to Afghanistan. www.rferl.org/a/iran-afgha...
rferl.org
Undocumented Afghans In Iran Face Uncertain Future Amid New Restrictions
A new immigration policy in Iran is depriving undocumented Afghans of accessing healthcare, education and even housing.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
My Latest: Iran is denying undocumented immigrants access to healthcare, education and housing. This policy is part of Tehran's efforts to pressure the over 4 million Afghan refugees and immigrants currently living in the country to return to Afghanistan. www.rferl.org/a/iran-afgha...
rferl.org
Undocumented Afghans In Iran Face Uncertain Future Amid New Restrictions
A new immigration policy in Iran is depriving undocumented Afghans of accessing healthcare, education and even housing.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I report on why attacks targeting security forces are increasing in frequency and lethality in #Pakistan’s #Balochistan Province, where a separatist militant group has adopted new tactics amid the absence of a political track to address the insurrection. www.rferl.org/a/violence-p...
rferl.org
What's Behind The New Wave Of Violence In Pakistan's Balochistan?
Attacks targeting security forces are increasing in frequency and lethality in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, where a separatist militant group has adopted new tactics.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Pakistani Troops, Baluch Separatist Fighters Face Off Over Train Hostages www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-b...
rferl.org
Pakistani Troops, Baluch Separatist Fighters Face Off Over Train Hostages
Hundreds of Pakistani troops engaged in a tense confrontation with a similar number of militants on March 12 over more than 200 hostages a day after a separatist group hijacked a train in a remote reg...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
*profile of the..
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I wrote a profile for the Baloch Liberation Army recently. Today it has claimed to have hijacked a train in #Pakistan's restive southwestern province of #Balochistan. www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-b...
rferl.org
The Rise Of The Baloch Liberation Army In Pakistan
Experts say the attacks highlight the growing strength of the Baloch Liberation Army, which has expanded its recruitment efforts and gained access to modern weapons.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Armenian Minority Living In Fear After Violence Rocks Syria www.rferl.org/a/armenian-m...
rferl.org
Armenian Minority Living In Fear After Violence Rocks Syria
The tiny Armenian community had hoped that Syria’s long civil war had concluded with the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad in December. But a deadly bout of violence targeting Assad loyalists has ...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
I report on how the arrest of an Islamic State-Khorasan (#IS-K) militant who is suspected of helping plan an attack against the U.S. forces in #Afghanistan in 2021 marks an upturn in strained ties between #Washington and #Islamabad. #Pakistan #USA www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-a...
rferl.org
Pakistan's Arrest Of Islamic State Operative Signals Renewed U.S. Cooperation
The arrest of an Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) militant who is suspected of helping plan an attack against the U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2021 marks an upturn in strained ties between Washington an...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
My latest: One in three Afghans is already going hungry. The loss of donor funding, particularly U.S. assistance, could hit the most vulnerable Afghans hard. Some aid workers even fear famine-like conditions if the country loses humanitarian aid dollars. storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ef7f...
storymaps.arcgis.com
WIDESPREAD HUNGER IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan is descending toward famine, aid workers operating on the ground tell us. (Warning: Distressing images) Millions of Afghans are already severely food-insecure, and there is fear a permanen...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Deadly Blast Rocks Pro-Taliban Seminary In Pakistan www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-s...
rferl.org
Deadly Blast Rocks Pro-Taliban Seminary In Pakistan
A powerful explosion at a seminary in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least four people, including a top cleric.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
I report on why #SaudiArabia is hosting groundbreaking talks between #Russia and the #UnitedStates to end the war in #Ukraine. Experts see it as part of Riyadh’s effort to expand ties with Washington while staying away from President #Trump’s plan for the #Gaza Strip. www.rferl.org/a/saudi-arab...
rferl.org
Why Is Saudi Arabia Hosting U.S.-Russia Talks? And Why Now?
Saudi Arabia is hosting talks between Russia and the United States to end the war in Ukraine. Experts see the event as part of Riyadh’s effort to assume a central role in international diplomacy.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
I report on why #SaudiArabia is hosting groundbreaking talks between #Russia and the #UnitedStates to end the war in #Ukraine. Experts see it as part of Riyadh’s effort to expand ties with Washington while staying away from President #Trump’s plan for the #Gaza Strip. www.rferl.org/a/saudi-arab...
rferl.org
Why Is Saudi Arabia Hosting U.S.-Russia Talks? And Why Now?
Saudi Arabia is hosting talks between Russia and the United States to end the war in Ukraine. Experts see the event as part of Riyadh’s effort to assume a central role in international diplomacy.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
CIMA @cima-media.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
A new law in #Pakistan that criminalizes online disinformation is raising concerns of subjectivity and abuse @rferl.org.web.brid.gy @siddiquea.bsky.social www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-e...
rferl.org
Pakistan Cracks Down On Free Speech Online
Journalists in Pakistan are up in arms after a new law was passed that empowers the government to punish anyone for spreading what the authorities deem online disinformation.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Ariel J. Blocker @drugdesigns.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Pakistan Cracks Down On Free Speech Online www.rferl.org/a/33297599.h...
rferl.org
Pakistan Cracks Down On Free Speech Online
Journalists in Pakistan are up in arms after a new law was passed that empowers the government to punish anyone for spreading what the authorities deem online disinformation.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
I report on why journalists in #Pakistan are up in arms against a draconian overhaul of #PECA law. The amendments, widely condemned by human rights and press freedom watchdogs, empower the government to punish anyone for spreading vaguely defined fake news. www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-e...
rferl.org
Pakistan Cracks Down On Free Speech Online
Journalists in Pakistan are up in arms after a new law was passed that empowers the government to punish anyone for spreading what the authorities deem online disinformation.
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Reposted by Abubakar Siddique
Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
I write about how the #Palestinian group #Hamas has survived #Israel’s 15-month war in the #Gaza Strip. The militant group is replenishing its ranks now, although restocking its weapons supplies will be more difficult. www.rferl.org/a/hamas-isra...
rferl.org
Diminished Hamas Remains Dominant In Gaza Despite Israel War
Hamas has survived Israel’s 15-month war in the Gaza Strip. Now, the militant group is replenishing its ranks, although restocking its weapons supplies will be more difficult.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
I write about how the #Palestinian group #Hamas has survived #Israel’s 15-month war in the #Gaza Strip. The militant group is replenishing its ranks now, although restocking its weapons supplies will be more difficult. www.rferl.org/a/hamas-isra...
rferl.org
Diminished Hamas Remains Dominant In Gaza Despite Israel War
Hamas has survived Israel’s 15-month war in the Gaza Strip. Now, the militant group is replenishing its ranks, although restocking its weapons supplies will be more difficult.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
I report on why journalists in #Pakistan are up in arms against a draconian overhaul of #PECA law. The amendments, widely condemned by human rights and press freedom watchdogs, empower the government to punish anyone for spreading vaguely defined fake news. www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-e...
rferl.org
Pakistan Cracks Down On Free Speech Online
Journalists in Pakistan are up in arms after a new law was passed that empowers the government to punish anyone for spreading what the authorities deem online disinformation.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim in Syria on first visit by Arab head of state since Assad downfall www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
thenationalnews.com
Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim in Syria on first visit by Arab head of state since Assad downfall | The National
Doha was long-time supporter of armed uprising that toppled former president
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Syria’s new government ends Russian lease of Tartous port www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Syria’s new government ends Russian lease of Tartous port: What we know
The new authorities in Syria ended an agreement with the Russian company managing the key port of Tartous in the latest sign of Russia's waning influence in the country after the fall of the regime.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
@thecynicist.bsky.social: "Weakening Hamas’s core leadership and destroying Gaza is going to fuel other types of militancy.” www.rferl.org/a/middle-eas...
rferl.org
How The Israel-Hamas War Reshaped The Middle East
The 15-month Israel-Hamas war has profoundly altered the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Iran and Russia, once dominant forces, have suffered severe setbacks, while Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Qa...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
I report on how the 15-month war in #Gaza has profoundly altered the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. #Iran and #Russia, once dominant forces, have suffered severe setbacks, while #Israel, #Turkey, #Egypt, and #Qatar have all expanded their influence. www.rferl.org/a/middle-eas...
rferl.org
How The Israel-Hamas War Reshaped The Middle East
The 15-month Israel-Hamas war has profoundly altered the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Iran and Russia, once dominant forces, have suffered severe setbacks, while Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Qa...
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
My latest: Sixty #Afghans are killed or maimed by landmines every month. This number is set to rapidly increase as #demining agencies lose international funding to clear unexploded weapons left behind during the four decades of war in #Afghanistan. www.rferl.org/a/afghanista...
rferl.org
As Land Mines Kill More Afghans, Deminers Face Funding Crisis
Hundreds of Afghans are killed and injured every year by land mines left behind during four decades of wars in their country. Now, reduced international funding is forcing demining agencies to cut the...
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Tanya Goudsouzian @tanyagoudsouzian.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Good piece by @siddiquea.bsky.social www.rferl.org/a/pakistani-...
rferl.org
Pakistan Slides Into New 'Era Of Terrorism'
In 2024, Pakistani security forces suffered the deadliest year in almost a decade. The trend has worried residents, who say the state has failed them.
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Abubakar Siddique @siddiquea.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Exodus Of Doctors Leaves Afghans Scrambling For Treatment www.rferl.org/a/afghanista...
rferl.org
Exodus Of Doctors Leaves Afghans Scrambling For Treatment
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 has fueled a mass exodus of professionals, including doctors. The shortage of medical professionals has affected many Afghans.
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