IRAN-BANGLADESH FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced in a meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Wajid that Iran hoped to expand relations with Bangladesh and increase collaboration in textiles, economics, and energy. Iran also announced plans to grant visas upon entry for Bangladeshi passport holders. (Islamic Republican News Agency September 16, 2015)
PAKISTAN'S FIRST USE OF ARMED DRONE
Pakistan made its first confirmed strike with an indigenous, armed Barraq UAV, killing three suspected insurgents Shawai Valley. The military’s Inter Services Public Relation media arm announced the strike on its Twitter account. The sophistication of the strike exceeded the expected capabilities of NESCOM, Pakistan’s UAV research and development organization, leading many to believe that China provided substantial assistance. (Defense News September 10, 2015)
'PAKISTAN HAS SECOND NUCLEAR STRIKE CAPABILITY'
Pakistan’s former Defense Secretary, Lt. Naeem Khalid Lodhi announced that the country has a “second-strike” nuclear capability against India, effectively allowing Pakistan to return a nuclear strike if its land-based strategic arsenal is compromised by an attack from India. The Defense Secretary mentioned these advanced nuclear capabilities make limited war unlikely if violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir escalated into conflict. (The Asian Age September 16, 2015)
AFGHAN TALIBAN SAYS LEADERSHIP DISPUTE IS RESOLVED
A leadership struggle within the Afghan Taliban has been resolved after relatives of Mullah Omar, the Afghan Taliban’s late leader, announced their support for commander Mullah Mansour. While Omar has been dead for two years, his death was kept a secret to preserve unity within the organization. When Omar’s death was announced some considered, Mullah Mansour, previously Omar’s deputy, as too loyal to Pakistan and likely to take advantage of Omar’s death to increase his own power within the organization. (Arab News September 16, 2015)
SRI LANKA MILITARY TO GET OUT OF BUSINESS
In a move to reform the security sector with the transition of the new government, the Sri Lankan government will prohibit the military from engaging in business and commercial activities. Under the previous government, the military held sway in a variety of economic sectors including hotels, transportation, and tourist activities. The new government will put an end to that and investigate members of the military to ensure that individuals who committed human rights abuses, such as torture, are prosecuted. Lastly, the government plans to overhaul the previous administration’s contentious Prevention of Terrorist Act and transition to “anti-terrorist legislation in line with contemporary best practices.” (Economy Next September 15, 2015)