Central Asia

  1. Was Khamenei Reckless – Or Set Up?

    Central AsiaPoliticsIran

    Claims Iran was plotting to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador on US soil are extraordinary. Would Iran’s leadership really have OK’d such a plot?

  2. Did Iran Really Plan a US Hit Job?

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    The US has accused Iran of planning to detonate an explosive device to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador. The Diplomat asks Iran analyst Michael Rubin for his take.

  3. Why the US Fumbled Afghanistan

    Central AsiaSecurityAfghanistan

    A decade after the Afghan War began, it’s clear the US made a mistake in not working more with India. The missteps then have haunted it since.

  4. Is Iran Ready to Compromise?

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    There are some encouraging signs Iran may be willing to compromise over its nuclear programme. But is the Obama administration willing to listen?

  5. Why All Roads Lead to Mongolia

    Central AsiaEconomyMongolia

    Mongolians have long dismissed their country as a pony between two elephants. But a wealth of natural resources could change that.

  6. India’s Central Asia Soft Power

    Central AsiaSecurityIndia

    India may not have got the airbase it planned in Tajikistan. But hospital and research initiatives offer a chance of influence – without upsetting Russia.

  7. Why Iran Eyes a Syrian Civil War

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    Civil war in Syria would serve Iran well. Backing the Alawites would allow it to undermine Israel and Saudi Arabia at the same time.