Central Asia

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.

The Tehran Stock Exchange is defying gravity. Could Ahmadinejad have a political stake in keeping share prices artificially high?

Is the chance of Israel unilaterally bombing Iran more than 50-50? Steve Clemons argues that no, cooler heads will prevail.

Ultra conservative criticism of Ahmadinejad is growing and Khamenei’s fatwa looks desperate. Will regime in-fighting boil over?

There’s plenty to dislike about Iran’s regime. But the time hasn’t come for an attack on its nuclear facilities.