US-Russia relations in context of ISIS and its impact on the

security situation of Middle East

In context of ISIS, the US-Russia relations can be seen as in their random oscillation
between cooperation and conflict. Initially, when Russia started airstrikes in Syria
following the U.S. entry the cooperation was sought in fight against ISIS. Later, both
the power began their separate efforts against ISIS in the Middle East thus finally
parting their ways. Currently, U.S. has almost been knocked out by the Russian
presence in the Middle East under the pretext of fight against ISIS.

US-Russian Presence in the Middle East

Following the rise of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the major powers like U.S sought
another pretext to mark its military presence in the Middle East. This began from Syria
and ended in Iraq. Fearing the rising control of ISIS in Syria, United States led a
coalition of European states to start airstrikes. But that was not only the aim behind this
intervention. Another goal was to topple Syrian government led by President Assad.
Seeing this scenario, Russia jumped into Syria at the request of Assad to cope the
challenge to its favorite government. Russia also came under the pretext of fighting
against the ISIS. This entire development made the fight against ISIS as the center
point of U.S-Russia relations.

U.S-Russia Relations in Context of ISIS

The relations can be understood in three different phases:

Cooperation: Following the entry of Russia into the Middle Eastern chaotic situation,
there emerged its chances of cooperation with the United States. It happened to
some extent. Both the countries shared information about ISIS hideouts and dealt
them with combined airstrikes.
Conflict: In the second phase, both U.S. and Russia began to contend over the
control of the Syrian areas conquered from the ISIS. Both established their separate
zones of influence thus leading the operation to their own separate interests.
Parting of Ways: Finally, both the powers parted their ways in the fight against ISIS.
This led to an apparent rise in Russian influence in Syria. It ultimately knocked out
the U.S or at least marginalized it.

Impact of Relations on the Middle Eastern Security

The U.S-Russia relations adversely affected the security situation in the Middle East.
The rift of interests between them did not help the Middle Eastern governments to act
jointly rather it polarized their action. It further, hampered fight against ISIS except when
the relations were in the first phase of cooperation.

Conclusion
US-Russia relations in context of the ISIS can be understood in three phases of
cooperation, conflict and part of ways. This entire scheme was followed by an adverse
impact on the Middle Eastern security situation.

US-India strategic partnership

Following the recent developments like Logistic Exchange Memorandum of
Association (LEMOA) between India and the U.S; the regional balance of power and
status quo seem to be facing some serious impact. This new strategic partnership in not
only altering the alliances in the region but also leading to the militarization of the Indian
Ocean.

Understanding US-India Strategic Partnership

United States and India have marked an unprecedented proximity in their bilateral
relations. These relations are of strategic nature. First the civil nuclear deal between
both the nations and now the LEMOA; both mark the rise of a new era for them.
Currently, U.S. has helped India to sign Civil Nuclear Deal with Japan thus further
strengthening their strategic partnership. The reasons behind the rise of this partnership
are following:

Mutual effort of India and U.S to contain the Chinese rise in Asia
Urge of United States to use India as a political partner against the Chinese effort to
oust U.S. from Asia
Aim to build a new alliance in Asia in order to counter the non-traditional strategic
threats.

Impacts of U.S-India Strategic Partnership in the Region and in the Indian Ocean
Region
Following impacts can be seen in this regard:

The partnership has led to nearness of India with the Southeast Asian States like
Japan
The partnership has made China, Russia and other regional powers to review their
policies and interests attached with the scenario
It has brought China closer to Pakistan with the formers interest to hold the latter as
a tool to counter balance the Indian presence
Russia is also reviewing its alliance with India after the latter is getting closer to the
United States
Indian Ocean is being militarized amid the Indo-US strategic partnership
Indian ocean is once again being monopolized amid silent yet apparent efforts of new
blocs
 A shift in alliance is being marked i.e. Russia, China and Pakistan are getting close to
counter US-India strategic partnership
There has been marked an increase in Chinese effort to bring Southeast Asian
nations closer along with showing a strict stance on the disputed South China sea
waters.

Conclusion
US-India relations resulting in strategic partnership are not vague or empty for the
region. They are strongly impacting the balance of power here along with increasing the
conflict over Indian oceans control. This unprecedented scenario is for sure the obvious
yet indirect result of the strategic partnership between U.S and India who see
themselves as one against the Chinese rise.

CPEC and security conditions in Baluchistan

Baluchistan is turning out to be the most important link and first destination of the China
Pakistan Economic Corridor. Besides home of the Gwadar Port, it is of vital importance
for success of CPEC. Amid this scenario, the security situation of the province is
becoming an important concern for the Pakistani government and the Chinese
stakeholders. With proper action against the militants and effective dialogue with the
separatists along with giving due share from CPEC to Baloch people; things can be
improved.

Present Security Situation of Baluchistan in Respect of CPEC

Currently, Baluchistan is facing following kinds of threats to its security thus hampering
the successful operation of CPEC:

Hideouts and activities of militants being supported by external powers to sabotage

CPEC.
Separatists opposing CPEC through their violent actions against the government
bodies.
Influx of terrorist from the Afghan border to create chaos in Baluchistan and rest of
the Pakistan.

Security Measures that can be taken in Baluchistan in respect of CPEC

It goes clear that the security measures in Baluchistan are inevitable to secure the
investment coming in the form of CPEC. The project is as vital as is the security of the
province. Amid efforts of external powers like India to sabotage CPEC, following
security measures can be taken:

Military action against the foreign militants using the land of Baluchistan for their
activities against CPEC by damaging the peace in the province.
 Dialogue with the separatists of Baluchistan should be started instead of dealing
them with the military actions. This will enable them to find a proper vent for their
grievances. Besides dialogue, they must be given proper chance to surrender and
must be rehabilitated later through mainstreaming.
Strict diplomatic actions should be taken, against the countries interfering in
Baluchistan to hamper CPEC.
There is need to make the Baluch people aware of their share in the CPEC along
with giving them that share.
If provided education, given jobs and facilities to the coming generations;
Baluchistans security can be improved thus making CPEC successful.

Conclusion
CPEC is the important project which is not possible without improved security condition
in Baluchistan. Proper action against militants and dialogue with the separatists can
help in improving the security situation of the province thus making CPEC to come into
successful practice. Further, effective formulization to bring the Baluch people into
mainstream can greatly help in this regard. If ensured about their share in prosperity
and development, they will truly revert towards nationalism rather than provincialism.

Role of National Action Plan in stabilization of internal

security of Pakistan
National Action Plan a counter terrorism formula enacted following the Army Public
School attack has proved vital, in crushing the terrorist activities within the country, to
a greater extent. The Plan, however, has remained behind achieving the expected goals
as with the beginning of 2017, another wave of terrorist attacks has overwhelmed the
scenario. The outcomes of the Plan have remained mixed: with some stories of success
and other tales of failure.

Understanding National Action Plan (NAP)

National Action Plan is the name of several points anti-terrorism agenda that the civil
and military leaderships of Pakistan, along with all the political parties in opposition,
agreed on following the deadly Army Public School terrorist attack. The Plan was meant
for crushing the terrorism and rooting out their very existence for the internal security of
Pakistan.

The Role of NAP in Stabilizing the Internal Security of Pakistan

National Action Plans role in stabilizing the internal security of Pakistan can be
assessed under following points:

The Plan, with its clear cut outline of action against the terrorists, has enabled the
security forces of Pakistan to avoid feeding any second doubts and act promptly
against the evil masterminds all across the country.
 The plan played its positive role in enabling the military establishment to boost the
Operation Zarb-e-Azb along with starting the strategic operations in major cities like
Karachi.
The Plan has enabled the civil military leadership to be on the same page in terms of
action against terrorism thus making the counter-terrorism measures more effective.
The Plan has brought the major terrorists groups like TTP to knees even though the
latters existence still cannot be undermined
The Plan, however, failed to ignite proper and effective re-invigoration in the non-
military security forces. It remained dependent on the military troops for its enactment
on the ground. Hardly, civilian forces have played any commendable role in
upholding this plan except by supporting it in words.
Owing to the political controversies attached with the Plan, its role has been
undermined. Not all the political parties are in good terms with certain provisions of
the Plan including the operation in Karachi and action against Madrassahs.

Outcomes of the National Action Plan

They can be enumerated as following:

NAP resulted in a boosted and successful operation against terrorists hiding in the
tribal belt of Pakistan
NAP brought the outcome of successful operation against the Urban militia in Karachi
along with igniting action against sectarian groups in the Southern region of the
Punjab
NAP ensured the outcome of civil military cooperation over counter-terrorism
measures
NAP, to a greater extent, lowered the number of terrorist attacks thus strengthening
the internal security of Pakistan.

Conclusion
National Action Plan has proved relatively a good and effective agenda against the
terrorists hiding out and spreading violence in Pakistan. It has helped the internal
security to improve with better outcomes. Beyond that, the Plan remains victim of its
own success. It has been facing political controversies along with limited attention of
civilian government thus undermining the effort to improve internal security.