Recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan escalate with airstrikes on each other's territory. Iran's actions in Iraq and Syria indicate further problems in the region. The podcast also discusses the resource-rich province of Balochistan and Princess Aiko's plans to work at the Red Cross charity.
Iran and Pakistan have recently conducted strikes on each other's territory, straining their previously cordial relations and raising concerns about regional stability.
The Balochistan region, spanning across Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, has been a source of contention due to demands for autonomy, involvement in separatist movements, and issues of smuggling and drug trafficking.
Deep dives
Iran-Pakistan tensions and recent attacks
In recent days, there have been waves of violence across the Middle East, including in Israel-Gaza, Yemen, the Red Sea, and now in Iran. Iran launched strikes against targets in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan, which are officially its allies. Pakistan responded with a missile attack. These actions have strained the previously cordial relations between Iran and Pakistan. Both countries have accused each other of harboring militant groups, which has been a source of tension between them. Despite the recent attacks, Iran and Pakistan have announced that they are now working on rebuilding their relations.
The complex relationship between Iran and Pakistan
The Balochistan region, which spans across Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, has been a source of contention between Iran and Pakistan. The ethnic Baloch people in these regions have long demanded autonomy and have been involved in separatist movements. Both countries have conducted military operations in this region, citing the presence of militant groups. In the recent attacks, Iran targeted a Sunni militant group allegedly hiding in Pakistan, while Pakistan targeted militant organizations fighting against its security forces in Iranian territory. Smuggling and drug trafficking have also been ongoing issues along the Iran-Pakistan border, leading both countries to enhance border management and security.
Analysis and concerns about the situation
The recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan have raised concerns about the stability of the region. The strikes by Iran and the subsequent response from Pakistan have created unease. While it is believed that both sides have now taken the necessary actions, there is a worry that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences. The already tense situation in the Middle East, with proxy wars and regional conflicts, adds to the complexity and potential risks. It is crucial for both Iran and Pakistan to find peaceful resolutions to their disputes and avoid any escalation that could further destabilize the region.
Last week Iran carried out an airstrike on Pakistan’s territory in Balochistan. Pakistan responded with an attack of its own. Both sides say they were targeting rebel groups rather than each other but it’s an escalation in an area of the world that is already very tense. Iran had also attacked targets in Syria and Iraq. Like Pakistan, both of these countries are technically its allies.
It all can appear very confusing - so in this episode we’re going to give you a basic guide to what’s happened and what it might mean for the region. BBC Correspondent Farhat Javed, gives us some background. Also, Paul Adams our Diplomatic Correspondent and BBC Persian’s Mohammad Vaziri weigh in about what could come next.
Plus, reporter Mariko Oi talks to us about Japan’s Princess Aiko. She’s trading the palace for the office, with plans to work at the Red Cross charity.
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler, Josh Jenkins, Baldeep Chahal and Alex Rhodes
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks
We mentioned an article on the strikes across the Middle East. Here's the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68017051
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