In Afghanistan, the War Goes On

Whether domestic or international, politics in Asia is still the art of the possible.

After 18 years, the United States is still entangled in war in Afghanistan.

Seventy years after the founding of the People’s Republic, significant tasks still lay ahead for China.

The 2017 presidential election touched off a political crisis with much deeper roots in Kyrgyzstan’s polity.

With elections looming, Sri Lanka’s turbulent political landscape offers more questions than answers about the country’s near-term trajectory.

“The BJP’s calculus seems to be that they would be able to contain the domestic fallout of using force and curbing rights and liberties in Kashmir, without much hassle.”

Beijing appears to be gradually winnowing down Taipei’s diplomatic space, both internationally and bilaterally.

Hong Kong continues to convulse and cry out, “Five demands! Not one less!”

Across the region, China has made targeted and strategic investments in major renewable energy projects.

What happens when a local Chinese tycoon establishes a non-state university with private funds?

This year’s show opened with video of the Chinese flag being raised across the country.

Without each other the U.S., South Korea, and Japan would find themselves in strategically more challenging positions.

With less than 24 months remaining in office, it is worth closely monitoring how Abe’s new cabinet appointments play out.

The trip emphasized that Moon’s New Southern Policy is not short on substance.

The conformity that is encouraged in Japanese schools shapes a social consciousness that is suspicious of outsiders.

Insisting that Seoul rejoin GSOMIA may make South Korea more skeptical about Washington’s ability to arbitrate impartially.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term is running into economic headwinds.

In Islamabad’s irregular settlements, the city’s poor struggle just a stone’s throw from posh bungalows.

How will Islamabad adapt to Trump’s latest sudden move?

Kashmir’s Shias feel a particular sense of vulnerability as minorities.

The 2015 Constitution failed to address the demands of Madhesi and indigenous populations.

Pope Francis’ trip, planned for November, will be the first by a sitting Pope since 1984.

With increased funding for the police and military, the budget could rightly be called a “war budget.”

The announcement on moving the country’s capital is only the beginning of one of the most ambitious infrastructure ventures in its history.

The new Malay-Muslim alliance between two major opposition forces could accelerate further polarization of Malaysian politics.

A recent move warrants attention given the government’s previous positions.

The city’s shopping scene warrants attention and appreciation as an alternate stage of political and economic development.

What’s become of the students arrested by Turkmen authorities in 2016-17 at the height of the Gülen crackdown?

What’s on the China-Kazakhstan agenda?

Zere Asylbek’s new single pushes Kyrgyz society to get over its political apathy.

Bipartisan legislation introduced in September seeks to tackle abuse of INTERPOL by autocracies.

The Australian prime minister was treated to a rare honor, a state dinner, when visiting the United States in September.

In a recent visit to Bangladesh, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne took time to tour the refugee camps at Cox’s Bazar.

The pomp and ceremony provided for him during his recent visit to Canberra symbolizes a remarkable transformation for Bainimarama.

Despite differences that remain, there is clear evidence of growing strategic convergence by both countries in the security realm.

Trump’s unpredictability undercut his administration’s chance at a lasting peace deal in Afghanistan. It may have more disastrous results with North Korea.

None of Trump’s Democratic would-be rivals look likely to adopt a softer stance on China.

How will the United States maximize its gains and minimize its losses in the emerging geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific?

China and Russia have enjoyed burgeoning military-ties in recent years; it could culminate in a new military alliance.

It’s time to start thinking about engaging with the digital variant of this favorite Chinese foreign policy dish.

How should the JSDF should adapt to a shrinking population and an aging society in Japan?

Asia’s spacefaring nations eye the Moon as a tremendous strategic asset.

Despite recent controversy, the Indian government is unlikely to make Hindi the “national” language.

Organizers of the 2019 Aichi Triennale, a sprawling showcase of contemporary art, got more publicity than they bargained for.

Long-term solutions may require more severe measures than road signs, namely, wildlife corridors.