Central Asia

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

Iran is getting tired of relying on its neighbours’ deep-water ports. Doing so compromises both its trade and its security.

The former head of the CIA’s bin Laden unit says the US-led coalition has already lost the war in Afghanistan. A shake-up in military leadership won’t change that.

For decades Iran has tried to be an Islamic world leader. With Turkey stealing its thunder, is a clash looming between them?

The violence in Kyrgyzstan has revealed a worrying security vacuum in Central Asia. Is Russia biding its time to step in?

The problem of narcotics flowing from Afghanistan to Europe is well-known. But the issue also has China and the SCO worried.

The Afghan peace jirga has broken up with no breakthrough. But should Karzai even be trying to reach out to the Taliban?

Israel fell into a trap with its decision to raid the flotilla bound for Gaza, says Meir Javedanfar. And Iran will reap the benefits.

Brazil and Turkey should be congratulated for their deal over Iran’s nuclear programme. But the agreement is no magic wand.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has kept a low profile during the Kyrgyzstan crisis. So what exactly is the group for?

Pursuing nuclear weapons makes Iran less safe. It’s putting itself in the crosshairs of its neighbours, the US and al-Qaeda.

A nuclear Iran is no certainty, says Meir Javedanfar. No matter how bombastic the rhetoric from Tehran has been.