Central Asia

The timing of Gen. Petraeus’s good news on Afghanistan is strangely convenient for Washington—and glosses over the reality of a likely civil war.

The US has long resisted talking to the Taliban. But as the July 2011 drawdown date approaches, it’s running out of options.

Michael Scheuer takes The Diplomat just outside its regular beat for a closer look at Saudi Arabia. Still the biggest oil supplier to Asia’s largest economies, is the kingdom really as stable as its leaders like to make out?

The nomadic Kuchi are being driven from their lands, says Karlos Zurutuza. They’re second-class citizens in their own country.

US bases are becoming a magnet for terrorist attacks in places like Afghanistan. It’s time for a more flexible approach.

A $100 million donation to flood-stricken Pakistan underscores the strategic importance Iran sees in courting its neighbour.

Was there more to the kiss between Mesbah Yazdi and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani than just the usual Iranian niceties?

Nine years after 9/11, frustration and uncertainty prevail in Afghanistan, as the country prepares for its parliamentary elections on Saturday. Karlos Zurutuza reports.

The Diplomat speaks with Matthew Hoh, director of the Afghanistan Study Group, about the group’s report on the future of US forces in the country.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad looks to be grooming long-time ally Esfandiar Rahim Mashai to succeed him. But does he have the authority?

Nations around the Caspian Sea are boosting their navies. With Russia and the West involved as well, it’s getting complicated.

Concerns over the Russia-backed reactor are misplaced. If Iran wants a nuclear weapon it will develop one away from prying eyes.