My latest piece examines growing tensions in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
China
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is China’s Belt and Road Initiative Working?
For my latest story, I interviewed experts at the ADB, OECD and elsewhere on the progress and prospects of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
