Author: Ghulam Abbas

Ghulam Abbas

Ghulam Abbas is an Islamabad-based journalist specializing in current affairs and the evolving dynamics of the China-Pakistan bilateral relationship. His reporting provides in-depth insights into the geopolitical, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations, making him a respected voice in regional journalism. Views expressed here are his own

• Oil prices plunged after Trump predicted the Iran war could end sooner than expected• Markets erased the geopolitical “war premium” that pushed crude above $119• Traders now watching risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz• Analysts warn volatility may persist as Middle East tensions continue The global oil market moved with breathtaking speed on Tuesday. Less than 24 hours after surging past $119 per barrel—the highest level since 2022—crude prices collapsed by roughly 7%, wiping billions from the energy trade in a matter of hours. The sudden reversal followed remarks by Donald Trump suggesting that the war involving…

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A U.S. Iran Strike is logistically hampered by the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s refusal to provide airspace or territorial access. The USS Abraham Lincoln has entered CENTCOM waters, carrying F-35C Lightning IIs and Super Hornets for potential operations. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Pezeshkian have engaged in rare diplomatic calls to de-escalate tensions. Potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten to send global oil prices into an unprecedented inflationary spike. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Indian Ocean on January 26, 2026, marks a critical juncture in the burgeoning Middle…

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Download U.S Observer Daily Briefing President Trump’s “total access” Greenland framework stirred global attention, triggering NATO calls for stronger Arctic defenses amid Chinese and Russian influence. Spain’s rejection of Trump’s Board of Peace underscores fracturing allied support, while EU officials warn U.S. unpredictability strains transatlantic relations. Denmark and NATO are accelerating Arctic security cooperation in response. Markets reacted sharply, with the U.S. dollar dipping amid geopolitical uncertainty. Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia aim to address ongoing territorial disputes, highlighting Washington’s balancing act between diplomacy and power projection. Analysts note that Trump’s Greenland reversal…

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Download U.S. Observer Weekly Briefing The signing of the Board of Peace charter today marks a definitive break in the post-WWII international order. By establishing a parallel structure to the United Nations, the Trump administration has institutionalized “transactional diplomacy.” The board’s immediate focus—a technocratic blueprint for Gaza featuring luxury seaside resorts and a unified territory—signals a shift where economic development is the primary lever for peace. Simultaneously, the Greenland “framework deal” represents a new era of territorial security. By securing “total access” without a formal purchase, the U.S. has effectively neutralized Russian and Chinese Arctic ambitions while bypassing traditional Danish…

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Iran-U.S. affairs have entered a delicate phase as President Trump adopts a “wait-and-see” posture regarding protest executions. Financial sanctions are being tightened against IRGC commanders and prison officials. Reports suggest a temporary halt in death sentences for protesters in cities like Karaj. Economic grievances remain the primary driver of the most violent unrest since 1979. The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is currently defined by a fragile, high-stakes standoff between Washington and Tehran. Following the most violent domestic unrest since the 1979 Revolution, a tentative de-escalation appears to be taking shape. U.S. President Donald Trump has pivoted from immediate…

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World Liberty Financial’s recent high-level engagement in Pakistan marks a watershed moment for the nation’s burgeoning fintech landscape. The visit of a delegation led by Mr. Zachary Witkoff, CEO of the leading global Fintech firm, to call on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, underscores a powerful shift in global investor sentiment. This meeting is not merely a diplomatic courtesy; it is a strategic validation of Pakistan’s trajectory toward a digitized, transparent, and robust economy under the steady hand of its current leadership. For a nation at the crossroads of economic transformation, the interest of…

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JF-17 Thunder serves as the primary choice for Bangladesh to replace its aging fighter inventory with combat-proven hardware. The Block III variant provides the Bangladesh Air Force with advanced AESA radar and superior long-range engagement capabilities. Pakistan and Bangladesh have established a new framework for pilot training and technical support to ensure operational readiness. The procurement of these multi-role jets marks a historic departure from previous regional defense dependencies and security alliances. The geopolitical tectonic plates of South Asia are shifting as Bangladesh decisively moves to recalibrate its defense posture, signaling a historic thaw in its long-dormant relationship with Pakistan.…

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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrives in Islamabad on Friday, Dec 26, for his first official state visit. The visit aims to strengthen trade and energy ties, following the signing of several MoUs earlier this year. A “silent” visa freeze has seen thousands of Pakistani applications rejected since October 2025. PM Shehbaz Sharif is expected to discuss the visa issue, which has seen rejection rates for Pakistanis climb as high as 80%. As the winter chill settles over the capital, Islamabad is preparing for a diplomatic event of immense proportions. On Friday, December 26, 2025, the President…

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China’s strategic military flex is highlighted by a leaked Pentagon report revealing over 100 DF-31 ICBMs are now operational in Mongolian border silos. Tensions with Japan have spiked under Prime Minister Takaichi, following a December 2025 incident where Chinese J-15 jets locked radar onto Japanese aircraft. Analysts suggest the missile buildup is a direct response to US-Japan naval drills and the “existential threat” rhetoric regarding Taiwan. Beijing maintains a “no first use” policy but emphasizes that its modernized arsenal ensures an opponent will never get a “second shot.” WASHINGTON D.C. – December 2025 – A seismic shift in the global…

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Chinese Electric Vehicles remain the core of the dispute as Beijing retaliates against EU protectionism China implements a “do good and have good” policy, demanding total reciprocity in global trade. Provisional duties of up to 42.7% have been slapped on European dairy products like Roquefort cheese. Beijing signals that even “friendly” nations will face stern reactions for discriminatory trade actions. For over a decade, the global trade narrative was defined by China’s role as the “world’s factory,” a partner that often absorbed Western protectionism with measured, bureaucratic complaints. That era is officially over. In a move that signals a fundamental…

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