I have a long journal article out today at Asian Affairs examining the impact of coronavirus in South Asia. While the death toll and case load have so far been lower than anticipated, the economic, social and political consequences of the pandemic have already been devastating.
COVID & Kashmir Threaten Saudi-Pakistan ‘Special Relationship’
My latest piece examines growing tensions in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Quoted in TRT World about Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & Kashmir
I’m quoted in this story about Pakistan’s tensions with Saudi Arabia over Kashmir in TRT World today:
““It’s certainly possible that Pakistan will participate in a meeting about Kashmir outside of the OIC framework,” says Rupert Stone, a Middle East analyst, adding that a forum of Muslim leaders that met in Malaysia last year can be an option…The Kuala Lumpur summit seemingly pressured the OIC into taking a more proactive stance on Kashmir, showing it is a useful mechanism for raising the issue,” says Stone.”
No, China Is Not Driving India out of Iran
The investment and security deal currently being negotiated between Beijing and Tehran has provoked fears in the Indian media that China is trying to drive India out of Iran. But, in this essay for The National Interest, I argue that India’s Iranian investments are failing due to US sanctions, not Chinese expansionism.
What do US-Iran Talks Mean for Afghanistran?
The US and Iran have been holding quiet talks. That is good news for Afghanistan, I explain here.
Don’t Believe the Hype about China and Iran
China and Iran are reportedly negotiating a $400 billion investment and security agreement, but the deal is far less significant than media reports suggest, I write here.
Taliban Bounties in Afghanistan
My latest piece, available here, looks at allegations that Russia paid bounties to Taliban-linked militants in Afghanistan to target US and coalition forces.
US-China Rivalry in Israel
My latest essay looks at the escalating rivalry between the US and China in Israel, where both states have significant interests.
COVID-19 in Afghanistan
My new essay for the Royal Society of Asian Affairs considers the impact of coronavirus on Afghanistan.
The Coronavirus Could Expand China’s Footprint in Turkey
My new piece for Middle East Eye examines China’s growing role in Turkey, which could increase still further amid the coronavirus pandemic.
