The U.S. and Taliban recently announced a deal to institute a partial truce which started February 22nd, 2020. The deal will test whether a lasting peace is possible in the nation without a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces. If the truce succeeds it could lead to a partial U.S. withdrawal which could foreshadow a complete withdrawal at some point in… Read more »
(BBC News) Iran has a growing number of coronavirus cases and there is concern about how the government is responding. With the help of our colleagues in BBC Persian, we’ve been trying to piece together what is happening in Iran. How many have been infected? Iran has recorded the highest number of deaths outside China and a growing number of… Read more »
(Al Jazeera) At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in violence across the Indian capital New Delhi that started on Sunday, according to hospital officials and local media outlets. Police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets in far greater numbers on Wednesday, and swathes of the riot-hit areas were deserted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for calm on… Read more »
(Asia Times) A week-long “reduction in violence” between the Taliban, the US, and Afghan security forces will commence this weekend, an official said on Friday, ahead of the signing of a possible deal between Washington and the insurgents. If the partial truce goes ahead, it would mark a historic step after more than 18 years of gruelling conflict in Afghanistan… Read more »
(Asia Times) The huge crowds that greeted United States President Donald Trump on his first state visit to India seem directly disproportional to the outcome in the end. Both countries announced agreements on three minor areas, signed a deal for more military helicopters and promised a trade deal “soon.” For years touted as “natural partners,” India and the US more… Read more »