Rupert Stone

US-Iran tensions could benefit China, but not in the way you think

China's increased power and influence has primarily come through economic means, but the rising power might be forced to change its approach.

China's 'debt-trap' diplomacy is little more than a fantasy

Beijing is often accused of using loans to entrap economically vulnerable countries, but on closer inspection, it doesn't come across as a predatory lender.

Pakistan hits back at Indian diplomat's 'Israel Model' for Kashmir remark

Pakistani officials and Kashmiris have slammed the notion that an 'Israel Model' be applied in Kashmir saying it only confirms the true nature of India's recent actions in Kashmir.

Pakistani Senator: Kashmiris 'will hit back' at India's untenable lockdown

Former Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, speaks out about allies abandoning Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, accusations of sponsoring terrorism and the terrible lows of Pak-US relations.

Is China's Belt and Road Initiative working?

Global experts assess the progress and prospects of China’s ‘New Silk Road'.

China's silent foray into Nepal

Chinese premier Xi Jinping visited Nepal recently, where China’s influence has grown rapidly, prompting Washington to push back – but is it ‘too little, too late’?

Exclusive: 'He will be indicted, and Netanyahu is finished' - Ehud Olmert

The former Israeli prime minister believes that a government without Benjamin Netanyahu will be less provocative and an ‘improvement’ for Palestinian-Israeli relations. He also thinks leaving the Iran nuclear deal was a mistake.

The risk of a Saudi-Iran proxy war in Afghanistan

The Saudi-Iran feud risks spilling over into Afghanistan as both countries push for greater influence with competing groups in the war-torn country.

The odd couple: China's deepening relationship with the Taliban

China's first engaged the Taliban to protect its interests in Afghanistan in the 90s. Decades later, history repeats itself.

The Taliban is killing fewer civilians but a worrying new trend is emerging

Pro-government forces in Afghanistan have killed more civilians than the Taliban in the first months of 2019 as all sides claim they are working actively to prevent civilian deaths.

Don't underestimate Pakistan's relationship with Iran

While Pakistan's ties with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf are more concrete than their Iranian ties, Pakistan still marches to its own tune.

Weapons that the Taliban capture don't need to be fired to wreak havoc

Images of Taliban fighters acquiring enemy weaponry have been shared on social media and the fact is that the Taliban gets its arms from different sources for years. But what impact does this have on the war.