What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 :  Terror on the train: on Pakistan and its Balochistan province  

Introduction The attack on the Jaffar Express on March 11, 2025, in a mountainous region of Balochistan, marks one of the most audacious operations by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in recent times. The attack, aimed at pressuring the Pakistani government into releasing Baloch militants, underscores the persistent security challenges in the region. The Pakistani military's response was swift, leading to a prolonged stand-off, highlighting the ongoing conflict between separatist groups and the state.

Key Developments and Impact

1. Details of the Attack
   1. The BLA carried out the attack on the Jaffar Express, leading to a 36-hour stand-off.
   2. Pakistan claimed to have rescued 354 passengers.
   3. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 26 security personnel and passengers, as well as 33 rebel fighters.
   4. Pakistan accused India and Afghan-based handlers of supporting the Baloch separatists.
2. BLA’s Growing Strength
   1. The BLA has become the most powerful separatist group in Balochistan.
   2. It has been responsible for multiple attacks, including a November 2024 suicide bombing at a Quetta train station.
   3. Chinese workers in the province have also been targeted by the group.
3. Pakistan’s Military Response
   1. Islamabad has consistently responded with heavy military action.
   2. The approach has failed to deter further attacks or bring stability to the region.
   3. The military remains uncertain about how to effectively counter the growing insurgency.
4. Political and Economic Concerns
   1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Balochistan’s underdevelopment fuels terrorism.
   2. Baloch separatists claim that the federal government exploits the province’s resources while neglecting its people.
   3. Security forces have been accused of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
5. Regional Dynamics and External Blame
   1. Pakistan has historically blamed India and Afghanistan for supporting Baloch insurgents.
   2. Initially, Islamabad welcomed the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, hoping for regional stability.
   3. However, relations have soured, with Pakistan now accusing the Taliban of sheltering Baloch rebels and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
   4. The combination of Baloch separatists and the TTP poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s security.

Conclusion The Jaffar Express attack and the ongoing Baloch insurgency reveal deep-rooted issues within Pakistan’s governance and security strategy. While military responses continue to escalate, they have proven ineffective in addressing the underlying grievances of the Baloch people. Sustainable peace in Balochistan requires a shift in policy—one that prioritizes political inclusion, economic development, and addressing human rights concerns. Without such measures, Pakistan will struggle to stabilize its restive regions amid broader economic and political challenges.

 

Editorial 2 : Rare success: on the International Criminal Court and Duterte arrest

Introduction The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) represents a rare success in holding senior political figures accountable for alleged crimes. However, this outcome was influenced by favorable political circumstances, including the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration to execute the warrant and internal political conflicts involving Vice-President Sara Duterte. The case underscores the ICC’s dependence on national governments for enforcement, a factor that often hinders its prosecutions.

Key Developments and Implications

1. Arrest and Charges Against Duterte
   1. The ICC issued a warrant for Duterte’s arrest, citing “the crime against humanity of murder.”
   2. The charges stem from his controversial ‘war on drugs,’ which involved state-backed killings during his tenure as Mayor of Davao City and later as President.
   3. The ICC is investigating crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, a period when the Philippines was still a party to the Rome Statute.
   4. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, the Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member.
2. ICC’s Structural and Political Challenges
   1. The ICC was established by the Rome Statute to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
   2. It lacks enforcement power and relies on the cooperation of national governments.
   3. The court has been criticized for disproportionately focusing on African nations and struggling to execute warrants against powerful leaders.
   4. High-profile figures such as Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu have outstanding ICC warrants, but their arrests remain unlikely due to political complexities.
3. Geopolitical and Legal Considerations
   1. Some member states fail to execute ICC warrants when leaders visit their territories, further weakening the court’s authority.
   2. Many political figures, including those from powerful nations, avoid ICC member states to evade arrest.
   3. The United States has historically opposed the ICC, threatening punitive measures if the court targets its nationals or allies.
   4. Despite these challenges, the ICC has made significant rulings on its jurisdiction, including its authority to investigate crimes in Palestine involving both state-party and non-state-party nationals.

Conclusion Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest highlights the ICC’s struggle to hold powerful leaders accountable and the crucial role national governments play in enforcing international justice. While the court faces numerous political and enforcement challenges, its continued efforts to prosecute individuals—rather than states—keep it relevant as an international judicial body. The Duterte case serves as a reminder that political will and cooperation are essential for the ICC to function effectively and fulfill its mandate of addressing crimes against humanity.