South Asia Brief
News and analysis from India and its neighboring countries in South Asia, a region home to one-fourth of the world’s population. Delivered Thursday.
The Taliban’s Urban Warfare Is a Dangerous Escalation
Insurgents are advancing into some of Afghanistan’s largest cities, signaling a new phase of the war.
Can India Make a Play in Afghanistan?
Antony Blinken’s visit to New Delhi underscores a new regional “Great Game.”
Pakistan’s Regional Diplomacy Dilemma
Islamabad wants to shift its focus to trade and investment, but challenges loom.
How COVID-19 Has Shaped South Asia
The region has become a pandemic hot spot.
Will the End of the U.S. War Create More Afghan Refugees?
With the Taliban insurgency expanding, the U.S. withdrawal could provoke a major humanitarian crisis.
Why Did Modi Meet With Kashmiri Leaders?
India’s prime minister is conciliatory to rivals while saving his firepower for domestic challenges—and China.
Top Afghan Leaders Visit the White House at a Low Moment
With the situation in Afghanistan rapidly deteriorating, expect the mood to be grim when Ghani and Abdullah meet Biden.
Turkey Looks to Expand Footprint in Afghanistan
Ankara is well positioned to play key roles after the U.S. withdrawal.
U.S. Withdrawal Constrains Counterterrorism Options
Biden’s pledge to maintain U.S. capacity in Afghanistan without boots on the ground appears easier said than done.
Pakistan’s Press Enters a Dark Era
Attacks on journalists and a proposed law increasing government media oversight do not bode well for democracy.
The U.S.-India Relationship Has a New Top Priority
The Indian foreign minister’s U.S. visit shows the partners are primarily focused on tackling the coronavirus—for now.
What Does the Gaza Crisis Mean for South Asia?
The latest Israeli-Palestinian clashes could pose security risks in the region.
Terror Attacks Surge in Afghanistan as U.S. Withdraws
Washington hopes to reduce spiraling Taliban violence, but it is losing its most potent leverage: troop presence.
India’s Coronavirus Crisis Plays Out on Twitter
Social media is serving as a proxy for a collapsing public health system. That isn’t good news for Modi and the ruling party.
Will Washington’s Slow Crisis Response Damage U.S.-India Ties?
The countries have built up goodwill over the decades, but the delay in U.S. COVID-19 assistance exposes lingering concerns about the partnership.
Follow FP
