The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran's Global Ambitions

 

Mr. Arash Azizi…provides one of the most fascinating books of 2020 and one of the most insightful – into not just Soleimani, but also Iran’s foreign and security aims in the Middle East. A story that easily could have descended into hagiography is masterfully told by Mr. Azizi, who weaves one of the richest and most complex tapestries about the region I’ve come across in some time, especially in so short of a book. It is not just a biography of Soleimani, but a biography of modern Iran and its role in the Middle East.’

– Diplomatic Courier

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If I am assassinated - Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

 Special Readings 

This book was in response to 1044 pages of white lies (also known as white papers) issued to bind Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to his death. It was in response to allegations that led to the overthrow of his government, the suspension of the constitution, and the enactment of a strong military law. It was a complaint about humanity recorded in a death cell. It was written under the most hostile conditions "confrontation with lies and truth":

The document was smuggled into Bhutto's death cell and eventually banned in Pakistan but printed in India. The appeal in this text shows a strong will ("..but my character is high because it is not made of burning wood") and the personality of our martyr leader facing death. It was written angrily and fearlessly but nowhere did it show a lack of high understanding. He was always referring to history and literature through research and scholarly work.

There was no mercy, in fact, his words were so often so vague that they would pierce and evoke angry feelings about him: “I say again, the solution, even if it is fading, is still visible: (a) The country seeks the Constitution (b) The nation seeks democracy (c) and farmers want the People's Party.

Zia offered Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in exile but on the condition that he would not enter politics for ten years. According to Benazir Bhutto, his father did not accept the situation. I am not sure if Benazir is right or as Pran Chopra (the editor who received this publication) stated in the introduction that Zia withdrew from his offer because he was scared after seeing the power of Ayatollah Khomeini during his exile in Iran, but in any case, the deportation option was removed from history. Zia was right (if that is the line of thought we choose to enter) because if Bhutto was in exile, he would soon overthrow Zia's empire. Bhutto’s charisma can be compared to Pakistani founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah, himself. He had the power of the people and there was no question of winning against it.

Repetition of plant negotiations with France in 1976: It is clear from history now that one of the main reasons the "foreign power" was referring to hell in eradicating Bhutto was related to negotiations with this recycling plant. Bhutto failed to "listen" so an agreement was reached: PNA will oppose PPP to the best of its ability, and they will be given a total of 30 crores if PPP loses. BUT if they can't win the Army will take over. Again and again, the new non-PPP government will end negotiations with France.

PNA failed and Army took over!

Bhutto is locked up for hanging.

The main allegations against him are:

1) Election fraud

2) Political assassination

The supporting “evidence” in the white papers was ridiculous. It sounded like they were just holding on to the grass. For example:

- Use of war names. "It simply came to our notice then. Bhutto that he thought the next election would be a war against the Opposition. Quote: ‘In short, it will be a detailed, non-invasive combat program. We must start a campaign against the enemy, start with our own strength and attack the weak areas of our opponents. "This war-like word occurs and re-emerges in the speeches and programs prepared by Mr. Bhutto and the confident ones". - Page 11, white papers

In reply, Bhutto sums up his feelings with this high level of stupidity: “Only ignorant people can invent images like these unless the intention is to insult and cause prejudice and hatred. Phrases such as "do it or die" and "do not leave anything to chance" are used to show the determination and readiness of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto if he won the election blindfolded and there was no need for fraud as mentioned above, he organized the election by taking advantage of the opportunity. He visited jaggies where the cleaners lived, going to distant valleys sometimes 3 to 4 times just to make sure his voice was heard. There is no chance that he would lose.

Moreover, the case itself was a facade. Mushtaq Hussain was appointed Chief Justice during the trial, the same person who was rejected as a Chief Justice candidate while the PPP was in Government. There were millions of such atrocities identified in the text. Journalists were beaten in public, members of the PPP were detained or killed, the Prime Minister himself was in a horrible death cell without even the basic rights granted to him as a Pakistani citizen, his family members were imprisoned or imprisoned, his wife attacked, his daughter imprisoned - This is how Pakistan's democracy was.

He was brought down in the midst of trials with an offensive tongue. He was always told to "shut up", "get up" and "take this person away until he regains consciousness". Elections were not armed; the entire justice system in Bhutto's case had been thwarted.

Pakistan suffered the untimely death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan also suffered the assassination of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

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Kashmir: A Disputed Legacy by Alastair Lamb

 Current Affairs / Pakistan Affairs / International Relations (Suggested by Publisher)

The Kashmir dispute has dominated Indo-Pakistan relations since the Delegation of Power 40 years ago. The study traces the history of the conflict from its long origins in the early 19th century to the spring of 1990 when Pakistan and India came to the fourth armed conflict with this conflicting legacy. The author gives a detailed account of the history of the North Frontier in the last years of the British Raj, and shows how this could possibly be the basis of British policy in relation to the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir. Part 2 deals with Jammu and Kashmir since 1947.

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The Unholy Trinity : WTO, World Bank and IMF

 Current Affairs / International Relations

All our lives have been affected by three powerful and well-funded, but non-democratic organizations: the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization. These institutions share, with little difference, the same vision. They brutally promote some form of 'corporate' capitalism, neoliberalism, and grant freedom to the world in the interests of a small number of big, non-democratic, and highly controlled corporations.

This book presents the history and basic ideas of these economic ideas. Describing each member of the 'unholy trinity, it shows how neoliberalism deceived the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO in terms of their global, development, and administrative roles. Instead of their initially clearly defined, focused, and risk-free responsibilities, they have now become the financial police of a global economy characterized by a dramatic increase in rich and poor and recurring instability.

The story of the growing opposition to these 'Bretton Woods' institutions is being told. And the book concludes with a bizarre review of the various ideas now empowered not only by their powerful transformations but by different principles that can guide a very different approach to earth-making.

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Capitalism Achilies Heel by Raymond Baker

 Current Affairs / International Relations

For more than four decades in more than 60 countries, Raymond Baker has seen the free market system operate illegally and corruptly, with far more serious consequences. In Achilles Heel of Capitalism, B Baker takes students on an exciting journey through a free global market system and reveals how money, poverty, and inequality are inextricably linked. Students will discover how small illicit transactions lead to big laws and how global income inequality exacerbates the full legitimacy of international capitalism. Drawing on his experience, Baker shows how Western banks and businesses use private transactions and ignore laws while managing $ 1 trillion illegally obtained annually. It also shows how businessmen, criminals, and executives work out similar ways of exchanging money and how these strategies affect individuals, institutions and countries.

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Guess Papers for CSS 2021 (Compulsory Subjects)

Here I have shared the guess papers for the upcoming CSS exams. I have mentioned ten important questions that might be asked. Please remember that it is just a guess, but the topics are most probably to be questioned. Another important thing to consider is that the questions will not be asked in the same manner as prescribed in these guess papers, but the topics will be the same. 

I have not included the paper on General Science and Ability as well as English (Precis & Composition) as these papers are solely dependent on the discretion of the Examiner. 

You are requested to prepare the topics in detail, keeping in view the mentioned dimensions in your mind. 

I pray for your success, wholeheartedly. 

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Indian Chronicles

EU DisinfoLab’s report a deep dive into a 15-year operation targeting the EU and UN to serve Indian interests

India's desire to hurt and divide Pakistan is no longer a secret and, therefore, statements such as “We will separate you. I will work for that,” or India will confirm Pakistan's “complete isolation” don't be surprised. But what Surprisingly, a vast amount of learning methods and time were used to achieve this. The purpose is revealed by a recent report "Indian Chronicles" by Brussels-based NGO Disinfo Lab.

The Indian Chronicles follows a report released in November 2019 that contained opened 265 media outlets in more than 65 countries busy in promoting India's interests. The current report called "Indian Chronicles" is an ongoing and in-depth investigation and unveiled a 15-year campaign to undermine Pakistan's interests and spread India's account of all the corners of the earth.

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International Security in the Modern World by Roger Carey and Trevor C. Salmon

 Miscellaneous Books 

Despite major changes in the global environment since 1989, it remains the case that energy, as well as the threat of energy, remains limited. The scope operates on security, conflict and international cooperation, prevention, disaster risk management and prevention, arms control and warfare, insurgency and counter-terrorism, third-world security, cooperation, and the role of the earth, air, and maritime forces. This book takes the traditional approach in particular but also introduces readers to other ideas and approaches related to the safety and security of the Third World.

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International Security : Human Development Report 1994 (United Nations)

 Human Development Report 1994

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Encyclopedia of Sociology by Edgar F Borgatta; Rhonda J V Montgomery

 Sociology (Suggested by Publisher) Book-01

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Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy by David Rosenbloom

Public Administration (Suggested Readings) Book-02

David H. Rousnboom is one of the most prestigious scholars whose work shapes the field of public administration. This entry shows his significant contribution to the field of public administration during the last three decades. As this entry suggests, Rousnboom is known for its three-lens framework, also known as its "competitive perspective" model, to understand public administration. In this model, Rousnboom indicates that public administration incorporates different approaches, but is capable of overlapping managerial, political, and legal approaches. Each of them emphasizes various values, which inform their priorities for organizational formats, treatment of individuals, decision making, budget, human resource management, and methods of cognition. This model has been used around the world through seven editions of its book, a classic and a milestone in public administration studies. Notably, Rousnblum has made a particularly significant contribution to developing the political and legal approach of this model. Many of his publications focus on investigating important issues regarding political and legal aspects of public administration. These publications greatly enrich the understanding of the principles and practices of public administration in the United States. The entry also includes a brief introduction to Rosynboom's academic and professional career in the field of public administration.

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Public Administration by Denhardt

Public Administration (Suggested Readings) Book-01 

The new public service articulates an integral set of norms and practices that put a strong emphasis on democracy and citizenship as vital pillars of the theory and practice of public administration. This article deepens the essential arguments of the new public service while examining the ways in which these concepts have been applied and analyzed in the last fifteen years. The authors finally conclude that although neither the principles of the new public service nor those of the new public management have been established as a predominant paradigm, the ideals of the new public service and their associated concepts have constantly gained prominence within the areas of scholarship and the practice of public administration. This evolution reflects the importance of democratic commitment and active citizenship in the configuration of effective public governance.

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A Promised Land by Barak Obama

 

A fascinating and deeply personal story about the creation of history, this book reflects on the presidency of the leader who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.

In the first highly anticipated volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama shares his journey from a young man seeking his identity to the leader of the free world. He provides surprisingly personal details about both his political education and the historical moments of his first presidential term, a time of dramatic transformation.

Obama takes readers on a compelling journey, beginning with his early political aspirations and culminating in the pivotal victory of the Iowa Caucus. This victory demonstrated the power of grassroots activism and set the stage for the historic night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the highest office in the nation.

In reflecting on his presidency, Obama offers a unique exploration of both the impressive scope and the limitations of presidential power. He presents insightful ideas about the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Readers are taken inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, as well as to cities like Moscow, Cairo, and Beijing. 

We gain insight into his thoughts during cabinet meetings, as he navigates a global financial crisis, assesses the challenges posed by Vladimir Putin, and overcomes significant odds to secure the Affordable Care Act. We see him confront military leaders over U.S. strategies, authorize special operations, and respond to international crises. Through these experiences, Obama provides a candid narrative of his time in office and the complexities of leadership.

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Indians and Central Asians Are the New Face of the Islamic State - Foreign Policy Report

 Exclusive Report on Indian Sponsored Terrorism Activities

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India Bangladesh Border Disputes by Amit Ranjan

 Current Affairs (Suggested by Publisher) 

This book examines the mental construction of the India-Bangladesh border, exploring how and when divisions among people were created. It emphasises that this mental framework existed before the physical border and highlights the challenges faced by those who had to leave their homes during the 1947 partition of India.
Historically, the absence of formal borders allowed for free movement of people, fostering cultural exchange and economic interaction. However, the establishment of territorial boundaries in the mid-20th century complicated migration significantly. A clear example is the border between India and Bangladesh, drawn during the 1947 partition of British India. This sudden division split families and disrupted social ties, leading to significant displacement and conflict. The new border restricted movement and heightened issues of citizenship, identity, and security for millions caught on the wrong side. This situation underscores the profound impact political decisions can have on people's lives and relationships.
The book asserts that borders shape the identities of individuals and groups. Those who cross borders for various reasons are often categorised and labelled by both the state and the local populace. In some instances, these migrants face hostility from locals who perceive them as threats to the local workforce. Furthermore, after the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, the daily interactions between people from India and Bangladesh have deepened a sense of division and conflict.
In 2015, India and Bangladesh reached an agreement to implement the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA). This book evaluates whether the implementation of this agreement will affect border-related challenges, such as mobility, migration, and tensions. It serves as a valuable resource for political leaders, journalists, researchers, and students.

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History of Westren Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

Philosophy (Suggested Readings) Book-01

This book is a great starting point for anyone interested in philosophy. Russell takes the reader on a journey through ideas from the early Greeks to the mid-20th century, as the book was initially published in 1946. He covers many famous philosophers and ideas along the way.
Russell's writing strikes a good balance between complexity and accessibility. It is clear that he has his own perspectives, and his interpretations help make the rapid succession of abstract concepts more digestible. However, those expecting a different account may find themselves disappointed.
The history of Western philosophy is typically divided into three parts: ancient, medieval (often associated with the Catholic Church), and modern philosophy. I found the ancient philosophers to be the most engaging, while I felt somewhat let down by the contemporary thinkers. This book demands a lot from its readers, and I am fortunate to have navigated through the denser chapters with some historical context.
Upon finishing the book, what did I learn? Did I emerge as an enlightened individual? Not exactly. In fact, I struggle to remember most of the philosophy contained within its pages. However, I do now see that the words of thinkers like Aristotle and Descartes carry a newfound significance for me.

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The Pathans by Sir Olaf Careo

 Pashto (Suggested Readings) Book - 02

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Pakistan Contract Act 1872

 Mercantile Law (Suggested Reading) Book - 3(i)

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Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence By Dr. M. H. Kamali

Muslim Law & Jurisprudence (Suggested Readings) Book-02

Pakistan Penal Code 1860

 LAW (Suggested Readings) Book - 01

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