Finally, the dice seems to be loaded against Iran as it faces multiple setbacks in just two weeks of ‘triumph’ in terms of closure of the second oil channel – the Bab el Mandeb after the Straits of Hormuz. Six key factors relevant to the contemporary and emerging scenarios in the Middle East and state of play of stakeholders, Iran Saudi Arabia, the Mecca Alliance and Yemeni forces covered herein.

Growing contestations over Afghan Taliban support to the Tehreek Taliban Pakistan or TTP between Kabul and Islamabad appears to be moving beyond air and drone strikes and border clashes to support the anti-Taliban resistance forces by Pak ISI, here is how the cookie may crumble…

Today the camera, algorithm and influencers are everywhere snapping the unusual in public while this may be useful for building up political profiles, there is need for caution by Indian military commanders picturised in religious settings that question the secular credentials of the armed forces and faith can be seen transcending professionalism and rationality.