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You're receiving The Diplomatic Insight right when the world seemed to have abandoned all diplomatic protocols.

New year, new rules. The US sets the trends in international political practice.

And it has normalized raiding, kidnapping, and "special operations" if you have a powerful military.

But US isn't the whole world. Plus, middle powers in complex regions can't really afford to follow suit.

This same week. we've seen de-escalatory measures and diplomatic steps in Saudi vs. UAE conflict over Yemen.

So what's the state of international order and role of diplomacy in our world now?

We explore these themes in this week's curated news and in "A Deeper Look"

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

​What’s Behind the Quick Saudi-UAE De-escalation Over Yemen?​ Amidst the current saga in Yemen, not many observers recognized the quick Saudi-UAE de-escalation as the diplomatic feat it is. The story is still ongoing, Yet, it is worth a question: How did the ambitious & divergent middle powers de-escalate so timely?

​It Is Not Over: The Flip Side of the Generational Divide in Pakistan​ It started with a deleted article; and the all-encompassing generational divide is back in discussion. Abdul Momin Rasul takes a different take here and argues: "The highlight that Gen Z sees through everything is an overstatement. Access to information does not automatically translate into wisdom."

​What Does the Capture of Venezuela’s President Mean for the World Order?​ No UNSC authorization sought, Dr. Danny Singh compares & contrasts US' actions in Venezuela with previous adventurism. "One can question whether there is a difference between Trump’s military action in Venezuela and and Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and annex four oblasts in late September 2022," he writes.

​The Sinking Statehouse: Climate Finance and the Geo-economics of Survival in Banjul​ "For the people of the Half Die and Tobacco Road, the geography of their city is not to be discussed in terms of maps, but in terms of tides," Adama Faye unpacks the geo-economics of climate adaptation in the capital city of the Gambia.

Want to be featured in our Op-ed section? Send your insights, opinions, and articles!

Pakistan-Focus

• ​Pakistan Pledges Training Support to Bangladesh Air Force​

Pakistan and Bangladesh have enhanced cooperation in several areas; and defense is a priority sector.

We've covered Pakistan-Bangladesh diplomatic engagements: here, here, and here. There's too many to mention here, the bilateral ties have witnessed true breakthroughs since last year.

• ​Pakistani Senate Delegation to Visit US in Historic Engagement​

Bangladesh is not the only up Pakistan's been warming up to. Relations with the United States are an all time high. A senate delegation can deepen government-to-government ties.

• ​Turkish Maarif Foundation to Open First School in AJK​

The prestigious Turkish school system is spreading its welcome branches into Pakistan's Azad Kashmir region.

An example of education diplomacy apart from scholarships and grants - directly benefitting the children.

• ​Sadiq Calls Handshake with Jaishankar ‘Surprising’​

While India's cricket players refuse to shake hands with Pakistani counterparts, a handshake by India's foreign minister Jaishankar with Pakistani speaker IS rather "surprising".

But a positive surprise for those valuing peace and diplomacy, even under strains and tensions.

• ​Islamabad Opens Skies for UK’s Norse Atlantic Airlines​

More options for international travelers to and from Pakistan to UK. Norse Atlantic Airlines has entered the competition.

And it may trigger other airlines to improve their services to attract you.

• ​Pakistan Pushes for Diplomacy to End Yemen Standoff​

Pakistan has supported efforts of dialogue and diplomacy over Yemen.

Any escalation between UAE and Saudi Arabia - both Pakistan's essential allies - can put Pakistan in another costly dilemma.

• ​UN to Help Pakistan With a Clean Energy Transition Plan​

Pakistan's clean energy transition requires more helping hands. And the UN is willing to offer some.

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