Archive
April 2021
Blinken in Afghanistan to Sell Biden Troop Withdrawal
By Matthew Lee
"The partnership is changing, but the partnership itself is enduring,” Blinken said during his unannounced visit to Afghanistan.
Europe’s Troubling Turkmenistan Engagement
By Jade McGlynn and Luke Rawlings
If they are concerned that “democracy is in retreat,” the U.K. and other leading European democracies might want to consider their own retrograde roles in the process.
India’s Biggest Cities Shut Down as New COVID-19 Cases Hit 200K
By Ashok Sharma
The soaring cases and deaths come just months after India thought it had seen the worst of the pandemic.
Should the West Fear China’s Increasing Role in Technical Standard Setting?
By Xirui Li and Dingding Chen
As a newcomer to the process, China will surely bring changes. But fears about China's role are often overblown.
Pakistan’s Police Brave Islamist Violence — Alone
By Umair Jamal
Despite being a frontline counterextremist force, the police in Pakistan suffer from an image problem – and directly bear the brunt of Islamists.
Money Laundering! What Money Laundering? Case Against Matraimov Closed
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz authorities said they were unable to find evidence of Matraimov’s alleged money laundering, despite thousands of words written by investigative journalists outlining it in detail.
What’s Behind the Surge in Violent Islamism in Bangladesh?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Domestic political expediency, history, and ideology have made for a toxic mix in Bangladesh as it celebrates 50 years of independence.
How South Korean Soldiers and YouTube Catapulted a K-Pop Girl Group to Fame
By Jenna Gibson
Brave Girls hit it big after a viral video popularized a four-year-old song.
Bangladesh’s Islamist Challenge Intensifies
By Subir Bhaumik
The violent anti-Modi protests were just the latest sign that the government's outreach to Islamist groups has backfired.
Chinese Militia Vessels Departing Contested South China Sea Reef
By Steven Stashwick
Over 200 Chinese ships occupied Whitsun Reef for several weeks. Only a handful remain.
A Rohingya Girl Stuck Between Three Countries
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The 14-year-old was about to be deported to Myanmar from India when authorities refused to admit her back. Meanwhile, she wants to be reunited with her parents in Bangladesh.
Can Smaller Countries Produce Competitive Fighters?
By Jacob Parakilas
Plenty of countries could use a modern fighter that isn’t the F-35. But building such a fighter and successfully selling it are two very different objectives.