South Asia Brief
The Coronavirus Reaches Rural India
Data shows the world’s biggest democracy hasn’t flattened the curve—it’s only delayed its peak.
Why India and China Are Sparring
The two nuclear powers have long had their differences. But the pandemic has led to some frayed nerves—and revealed longer-term ambitions.
First the Pandemic. Then a Killer Cyclone.
India and Bangladesh reel after Cyclone Amphan kills dozens and displaces thousands, creating conditions for the coronavirus to renew its spread.
Afghanistan’s ‘Cradle to Grave’ Cycle of Death
The U.S.-Taliban peace deal is dealt yet another blow as Kabul moves its security forces into “offensive mode.”
The Pandemic Is Enabling Big Brother
India’s new contact tracing app leads to concerns over privacy, security, and surveillance.
A Coronavirus Mystery: Why Are There So Few Cases in South Asia?
India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population but account for only 2 percent of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Why Facebook Is Betting Big on India
Facebook is making its single biggest investment in India’s Reliance Jio. The move could impact the online future of the world’s largest democracy.
Lockdown or Starvation? Poorer Economies Weigh Impossible Choice
As India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh extend their nationwide coronavirus shutdowns, policymakers examine whether one-size-fits-all measures make sense for the months ahead.
Islamophobia Is Making the Coronavirus Crisis Worse
Communalism is dividing India right when it needs unity.
India’s Lockdown Helps Its Rich but Ignores Its Poor
The coronavirus crisis will disproportionately harm the millions of migrant workers and homeless people at severe risk of being exposed.
South Asia’s Looming Disaster
India has announced a complete lockdown for 21 days. But with community spread of the coronavirus already underway, is it too late?
South Asia’s Coronavirus Cases May Be the Tip of the Iceberg
When community spread begins, social distancing will hardly be effective in a region with one-fourth of the world’s population.
How Will South Asia Deal With the Coronavirus?
The number of cases is likely far higher than the reported data. The question now is how far COVID-19 will spread and what its impact will be.
Delhi’s Violence Could Presage Something Far Worse
After last week’s riots, experts say that police complicity could breed impunity among Hindu mobs across India.
How Trump’s Trade Strategy Met Its Match in India
The U.S. president departs New Delhi without delivering on an “incredible” trade deal despite years of high-level negotiations.
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