By Mohammed Ayoob, The Strategist (ASPI): “The dynamics of Southwest Asia are in many ways distinct from those of neighboring South Asia and the Middle East, although they’re connected to what’s happening both to the east and west of it. The United States is an important part of these dynamics because of its involvement in multifarious ways in the three main countries of the sub-region—Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.”
By David Brewster, the interpreter: “According to recent reports, China may be about to construct a naval and air base near Gwadar, in west Pakistan. This would be China’s second base in the Indian Ocean and indicate that it may be moving fast to establish a network of military bases across the region.”