British Empire

Curry: a figment of the British colonial imagination?

In South Asia, the word curry doesn’t really describe much, but is rather an anglicised version of an indigenous word which doesn’t mean ‘curry’.

Afghanistan: A graveyard of empires, or of its own people?

Several empires have invaded Afghanistan and left with their tails between their legs - but it has always been the Afghan people paying the heaviest price.

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.

Suez Canal marks 150 years of troubled history

An idea first explored at the time of the Pharaohs 3,000 years ago, the canal was finally built by a French diplomat, but its strategic importance and ability to generate revenue saw it become a flashpoint for influence and power.

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’?

Turkophobia is behind the Saudi-washing of Ottoman history

Saudi Arabia's revision of its history curriculum is politically motivated and a swipe at present-day Turkey.

How the British Empire abandoned its most vocal Muslim supporter

Abdullah Yusuf Ali wrote perhaps the most famous translation of the Quran but he also supported the British against the Ottomans and died a lonely man.

India celebrates independence day despite Kashmir being under lockdown

Free from the British rule on August 15 1947, India faces criticism for becoming a ‘coloniser’ in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Does Britannia still rule the waves in the standoff with Iran?

The UK's marginally increased naval pressure on Iran is not likely to make waves in the Gulf, but it does serve as a good example of a shifting tide in global influence.

Boris Johnson as British prime minister would be catastrophic

Boris Johnson's record is riddled with lies and racism and could further encourage the xenophobic wave sweeping Europe.

Kashmir group seeks UN probe into torture by India troops

International rights groups accuse Indian troops of using systematic abuse and unjustified arrests to intimidate residents opposing India's rule in disputed Kashmir. New Delhi denies its forces strategically use abuses to control the population.

A century later, the UK still hasn’t apologised for the Amritsar massacre

British leaders have expressed ‘deep regret’ but have not issued an apology despite being urged to do so by the UK opposition.