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The Diplomatic Insight Weekly

The Diplomatic Insight Weekly: 20th-26th Feb

Published 14 days ago • 3 min read

The Diplomatic Insight Weekly

The world changes within seconds; And it's been a week!

Hello Reader

On the global chessboard, every move matters!

Pakistan hit back at cross-border militancy, making it clear that safety isn’t optional.

Meanwhile, US-Iran uncertainty and Türkiye’s deepwater drilling off Somalia are shifting global strategic calculations.

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

Top Stories of the Week

1. ‘National Security Is Non-Negotiable’: Danyal on Afghanistan Strikes​

Zero tolerance for threats to our nation!

Pakistan’s parliamentary secretary reiterates Islamabad’s unwavering stance reflect a core doctrine of defending national security and territorial integrity.

2. Trump’s State of the Union Leaves US Policy on Iran Ambiguous​

Uncertainty, carefully calibrated!
​
In his 107-minute address, President Trump touted recent strikes against Iranian nuclear sites but offered no concrete diplomatic roadmap.

3. UN Flags Ethnic Cleansing Concerns Over Israel’s Gaza, West Bank Operations​

Humanitarian concern deepens for Palestinians!

The United Nations warned that Israel’s military operations in Gaza Strip and the West Bank risk crossing into ethnic cleansing territory.

4. Mexico Strikes Major Blow Against Cartels, Killing ‘El Mencho’​

The "Kingpin Strategy" claims its biggest trophy, and its heaviest price!

The elimination of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes in a joint Mexican-US intelligence operation has effectively decapitated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

5. Indian Air Force Grounds Tejas Fleet After Another Jet Lost​

Indigenous ambition meets operational reality!

The Indian Air Force temporarily grounded its HAL Tejas fleet following another crash, raising urgent questions about maintenance protocols and pilot safety.

6. In a First, Türkiye Begins Deepwater Oil Drilling Off the Coast of Somalia​

Energy exploration reshapes geopolitics in the Horn of Africa!
​

Türkiye launched its first deepwater oil drilling operation off Somalia’s coast, marking a strategic expansion of Ankara’s resource-driven foreign policy.

From DiploTV

In this thoughtful interview, H.E. Mr. Aamir Shoukat reflects on his early inspiration to join diplomacy, the evolving realities of a diplomat’s life, and the discipline required to sustain excellence in public service.

This episode goes beyond official titles and protocols to explore the passion, perseverance, and purpose that define diplomatic service.

video preview​

Pakistan-Focus

​PM Shehbaz Holds Talks with Rubio, Addresses Gaza Peace Forum

PM Shehbaz Sharif, during his recent Washington visit, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for international cooperation on Gaza and efforts to advance dialogue on bilateral economic, security, and investment ties.

​Azerbaijan Invites Pakistan to World Urban Forum in Baku​

Azerbaijan’s invitation to Pakistan for the World Urban Forum signals expanding bilateral cooperation into urbanization and development policy circles.
​

​6th International Students Convention and Expo Coming to Islamabad​

The 6th International Students Convention & Expo, set to convene in May, will gather thousands of students, academic leaders, and innovation stakeholders from Pakistan and abroad.

​Thai Embassy Hosts Iftar Dinner to Celebrate Unity and Shared Identity​

The Thai Embassy’s iftar dinner in Islamabad highlighted the shared cultural and religious bonds between Pakistan and Thailand.

​OIC-COMSTECH Announces 70 Fellowships for Yemeni Scholars​

The OIC’s COMSTECH Phase III initiative will award 70 fellowships to Yemeni scholars, enhancing scientific collaboration and capacity-building across the Islamic world.

​UAE Ambassador’s Cup Ramadan Football Tournament Kicks Off​

The 14th UAE Ambassador’s Cup Ramadan Football Tournament commenced in Islamabad as a flagship sports-diplomacy event.

A Deeper Look

​Will the US Attack Iran? High Risk of Military Action and Likely Targets​

A million dollar question & Mideast on edge...

"Given the current troop deployments, intelligence reports & Washington’s warnings, the chances of a US strike on Iran appear high" which "could trigger rapid & unpredictable responses from Iran."

writes Farkhund Yousafzai

​When Desires Turn into Analogies: Why Comparing Brufut to Dubai Misrepresents the Point​

A political statement & a storm of memes...

"Brufut does not need to transform into another Dubai to have a chance to be successful... Localized development is more real & pragmatic than imported imagery..."

argues Ebrima Ceesay

​Madagascar and the New Contest Between Russia and France​

First visit abroad, and the interim president of Madagascar chose Moscow.

"This diplomatic recalibration is closely tied to the October coup, which revived long-standing resentment toward France."

Writes Cameron Cayer

​The Role of Listening and Understanding in Diplomatic Communication​

Between what is said and what is implied...

"Body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and even body adornments can strongly influence how messages are perceived. Diplomats must pay close attention to their nonverbal cues..."

writes Catalina Bora

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