A member of the Taliban forces stands guard at the gate of the provincial intelligence compound in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Dec. 12, 2021.
A member of the Taliban forces stands guard at the gate of the provincial intelligence compound in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Dec. 12, 2021.

How Dangerous Is the Islamic State-Khorasan?

As a top U.S. military official warns of a growing transnational threat, the group is already wreaking havoc in Taliban-led Afghanistan.

Iranians work on a section of a pipeline linking Iran and Pakistan after the project was launched during a ceremony in the Iranian city of Chah Bahar on March 11, 2013.
Iranians work on a section of a pipeline linking Iran and Pakistan after the project was launched during a ceremony in the Iranian city of Chah Bahar on March 11, 2013.

What the China-Brokered Saudi-Iran Deal Means for South Asia

India and Pakistan have a strong interest in seeing the accord succeed.

People look for their belongings after a fire in the Balukhali refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on March 5.
People look for their belongings after a fire in the Balukhali refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on March 5.

Bangladesh Refugee Camp Fire Compounds Rohingya’s Hardships

The tragedy is just the latest to strike the community, underscoring Dhaka’s challenge in hosting so many refugees.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters in New Delhi on Jan. 16.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters in New Delhi on Jan. 16.

Democratic Backsliding Hasn’t Stopped India’s Rise

New Delhi plays host to foreign officials this week, and its guests’ silence on the government’s crackdowns against critics is striking.

An aerial view shows the Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka, India, on Oct. 11, 2021.
An aerial view shows the Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka, India, on Oct. 11, 2021.

Lithium Reserves Will Give India a Boost—Eventually

The find will help fuel Indian manufacturing and clean energy, but it could take years to pay dividends.

Laborers work at the Karot Hydropower project in eastern Punjab province, Pakistan, on Nov. 19, 2021.
Laborers work at the Karot Hydropower project in eastern Punjab province, Pakistan, on Nov. 19, 2021.

Have China and Pakistan Hit a Roadblock?

Beijing-funded infrastructure projects have slowed, but their longtime partnership remains inevitable.

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland speaks at a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Jan. 30.
U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland speaks at a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Jan. 30.

Why the United States Is Courting Nepal

Beijing’s growing influence in Kathmandu has prompted high-level diplomacy from Washington.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 25.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 25.

On Republic Day, India Looks to Deepen Middle East Ties

New Delhi hosted the Egyptian president as a guest of honor, reflecting growing strategic interests in the region.

New Indian Armed Forces recruits undergo weapons training in Secunderabad, India, on Jan. 10.
New Indian Armed Forces recruits undergo weapons training in Secunderabad, India, on Jan. 10.

China Has Become India’s Greatest Threat

A new poll reveals shifting perspectives as Beijing challenges New Delhi on several fronts.

A health worker collects a swab from a passenger arriving at Prayagraj Junction in Allahabad, India, on Dec. 23, 2022.
A health worker collects a swab from a passenger arriving at Prayagraj Junction in Allahabad, India, on Dec. 23, 2022.

How China’s COVID-19 Surge Shapes Trade With India

Labor shortages and supply chain problems could hamper Chinese exports, but New Delhi also has strategic opportunities.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters take part in a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10, 2022.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters take part in a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10, 2022.

Bangladesh Becomes U.S.-Russia Battleground

A surprising war of words over U.S. actions in the country highlights Dhaka’s tricky balancing act.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the supporters as he arrives for a public rally in Agartala, India, on Dec. 18.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the supporters as he arrives for a public rally in Agartala, India, on Dec. 18.

Trends to Watch in South Asia Next Year

From India’s G-20 presidency to brewing public discontent elsewhere in the region, 2023 could be another up-and-down year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Alexandr Demyanchuk / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Alexandr Demyanchuk / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

South Asia’s Year of Change

Four stories stood out in a tumultuous 2022, from Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to Modi’s pushback against Putin.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party shout slogans during a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10.
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party shout slogans during a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10.

What’s Behind Bangladesh’s Protests?

Poor economic headwinds have given government opponents a long-awaited opportunity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during a Bharatiya Janata Party rally in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 1.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during a Bharatiya Janata Party rally in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 1.

Can India’s BJP Sustain Its Popularity?

A historic victory and a narrow loss in state elections shows the ruling party remains indisputably dominant, but it still has some vulnerabilities.

Load 15 More Articles
Loading graphics