Iran and Pakistan have been conducting airstrikes into each others territory. The escalation is the result of border disputes and alleged militant activity in Balochistan. Pakistan could be in a vulnerable position considering its major adversary India is on its eastern border. The Taliban came back to power in Afghanistan, which also poses complications. Iran's target was the group known as Jaish al-Adl. The objective of this terrorist organization is the independence of Baluchestan and Sisten province. Jaish al-Adl operates between borders. This is similar to how armed groups operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Pakistan and Iran have a common enemy in armed groups and terrorist organizations. However, bilateral relations are strained by attacking these organizations within certain areas. Iran's strike caused civillian death, which caused much anger in Pakistan. While both are Muslim countries, they follow different sects of the religion. Iran is an Islamic Republic, while Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. The military has influence over government like Thailand or Myanmar. The geopolitics are significant, but one element gets overshadowed. The Baluch people desire national self determination. The ethnic group can be found in Iran, Pakistan, and Iran. Their grievances relate to economic inequality and cases of discrimination. The reason for joining armed groups or terrorist organizations is that Iran and Pakistan do not address their hardships. The situation of the Baluchs parallels that of the Kurds in Iraq, Syria, Turkey , and Iran. Pakistan and Iran are heading for a dramatic decline in diplomatic relations. The fear is a wider war between the two countries.
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