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.
The Corona Energy Crisis & Pakistan
I have some thoughts here regarding the likely impact of low energy prices on Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Corona Crisis
In this piece (my first for the Royal Society of Asian Affairs), I provide a general overview of Pakistan’s struggle with the coronavirus.
Will Iran Sabotage Afghan Peace Talks? Don’t Bet On It
It has been suggested that Iran might sabotage the Afghan peace process in retaliation for the Soleimani killing. But this is unlikely, I argue here.
How US-Iran Tensions Might Benefit China
My latest essay asks whether rising tensions in the Middle East following the US’ recent killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani could benefit China. The answer: yes, but not in the way you might think.
The Myth of Chinese ‘Debt-Trap Diplomacy’
US officials have repeatedly accused China of ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, swamping poor countries with so much debt that they have to surrender control of strategic assets. But there are almost no real-world examples of this phenomenon, I show in my latest essay.
Pakistan Hits Back at Indian Diplomat’s ‘Israel Model’ for Kashmir Remarks
In my latest story, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey and others respond to recent comments by the Indian consul-general in New York, who suggested recently that India should build settlements in Kashmir like those constructed by Israel in the Palestinian territories.
