My latest story is a long read, with input from various experts, that examines the complicated relationship between the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban (TTP).
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Why Pakistan Should Fear a Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan
My latest essay in The National Interest argues that a Taliban seizure of Afghanistan could be devastating for Pakistan.
Explaining Pakistan’s Coronavirus Remittance Boom
My new story, based on reports and interviews with various experts, examines why remittances to Pakistan defied expectations and increased during the pandemic, despite a slowdown in global economic activity.
The Sino-Indian Rivalry in 2021
2020 saw increased competition between India and China in the South Asia region. My new piece examines how things might play out this year.
Will Biden Bring Iran and Pakistan Together?
My new piece for The National Interest examines the likely impact of Joe Biden’s presidency on Iran-Pakistan relations.
COVID-19 in South Asia: Mirror and Catalyst
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.
