Region
South Asia
Blinken’s India Visit Goes Off Smoothly
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Despite concerns that the Biden administration’s focus on human rights and democracy would entail sharp criticism of New Delhi, Blinken’s visit highlighted the many areas of bilateral synergy.
Oversight After the US Withdrawal From Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
In its latest quarterly report, SIGAR says the withdrawal complicates its mission, but does not diminish the necessity of oversight as U.S. funds continue to flow.
Elections in Pakistan’s Kashmir Highlight Domination by Mainland Parties
By Umair Jamal
The election campaign saw little discussion of Pakistan’s territorial claims over Indian-administered Kashmir.
Coal Mining and Indigenous Communities in India: Conflict or Co-optation?
By Itay Noy
The story of Karampot illustrates how local politics around mining can ultimately result not in resistance but, rather, participation in the economy of resource extraction.
How Far Can Raw Talent Take South Asian Athletes at the Olympics?
By Niha Dagia
The performance of South Asian athletes at the global level is hampered by poor infrastructure and training facilities at home.
US Stepping up Airstrikes This Week to Support Afghan Forces
By Robert Burns
The strikes, which include several conducted last week, indicate stepped up U.S. support after weeks of battlefield gains by the Taliban as U.S. troops complete their withdrawal.
Can the Taliban Play China and Russia Off the United States?
By Catherine Putz
The consensus is that negotiation is the only way out of the conflict for Afghanistan, but that only holds true if the international community is united. It’s not.
Nepal’s Cautious Approach to the Tibetan Question
By Arun Budhathoki and Bindesh Dahal
The presence of Tibetan refugees on its soil makes Nepal vulnerable to Chinese pressure.
South Asia’s Cultural Climate Is at Risk. What Can the US Do?
By Knox Thames
Encouraging South Asian nations to protect their historic multiculturalism will help reduce human rights violations, protect religious and ethnic minorities, and promote peace and stability.
Bhutan’s Vaccination Program Scales New Heights
By Wasbir Hussain and Rishi Lekhi
The Himalayan kingdom fully vaccinated 90 percent of eligible adults within a week.
Project Taliban: An Anti-Pashtun Initiative?
By Bilquees Daud
Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand line have been at the receiving end of some of the most grotesque and intense violence by the Taliban.
Is Securitization of Climate Change a Boon or Bane?
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
Climate-vulnerable nations are calling on rich countries to deliver the $100 billion per annum they promised years ago as climate finance.