With a narrow focus on security and a desire to perpetuate Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistan, Islamabad has failed to recognise the Taliban’s new regional ambitions and geopolitical strategy
The sports journalist discusses the lazy marketing of ICC Women’s World Cup, pay disparities between men and women cricketers and the change to the game in recent years
This week in Himal
Sanjoy Hazarika writes about the unifying legacy of Assamese musical icon Zubeen Garg, bringing together Hindus and Muslims, and the rich and poor across India in
The editor of Zan Times describes the racism underlining Iran’s maltreatment of Afghan refugees during deportation and the crisis they face back in Afghanistan
This week in Himal
This week, Zahra Nader writes about the escalating deportations of Afghan refugees in Iran, with Afghans navigating growing hostility, systemic neglect and violence while being forcibly
Nearly a million Afghan refugees have been deported from Iran in 2025 – many after brutal detention and abuse – to face uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
While trying to secure their competing interests, India and China will both help bring investment into Afghanistan and legitimacy to the Taliban government
The abrupt and cruel cutting off of USAID without a timeline for its withdrawal is designed to create complete instability and chaos in recipient countries, including in Southasia, says the development economist
This week in Himal
This week, Burhan Majid writes that India’s left liberal elite have worked to obscure Kashmir’s assertion of political rights and autonomy through a focus
India wants to normalise ties with Afghanistan even with the Taliban in power, which threatens Pakistan’s security and fight against cross-border militancy
