Rupert Stone

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.

Slowly but surely, China is moving into Afghanistan

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, China looks to make Afghanistan a bigger part of its regional ambitions.

Has Pakistan come out on top in the war in Afghanistan?

The war in Afghanistan is drawing closer to a political settlement as the Americans, Afghans and other powers find their way to the negotiating table. Viewed by some as a destabilising force in Afghanistan, is Pakistan now getting what it wants?

The US is greatly downplaying the size of the Afghan Taliban

Official estimates of the Afghan Taliban's manpower are wildly off the mark and the Taliban is likely as strong now as it was at the start of the Afghan war in 2001.

Should India talk to the Taliban?

India’s reluctance to engage with the Taliban not only jeopardises its long-term interests in Afghanistan but also puts it at odds with the international community

As Saudi-US relations hit rock bottom, could Saudi turn to Russia or China?

The Khashoggi affair could result in a dramatic rift between America and Saudi Arabia. But it would not isolate the kingdom as Russia and China wait to pick up the pieces.

Can Saudi Arabia play peacemaker in Afghanistan?

The Saudis are making moves in Afghanistan, courting the Taliban and trying to cement its role as a dealmaker. Will Saudi's vested interests trump its role as a mediator?