Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

Gaza

Trump’s Gaza Takeover and the Chaos That Will Follow

And then there’s Israel, which might be celebrating now but could soon regret this whole thing. Sure, the Israeli government loves a plan that involves fewer Palestinians in Gaza, but at what cost? If Hamas gets stronger, Hezbollah gets bolder, and international condemnation reaches new heights, Israel could find itself more isolated than ever. Even its European allies, who have been fairly tolerant of Israeli policies, might start pulling away. Because, let’s face it, even the most pro-Israel European leaders will struggle to justify a U.S.-led eviction of Palestinians. At some point, the international community might have to draw the line, and when they do, Israel could find itself in a diplomatic mess of its own making.

Read more
Categories: America / Central Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia
USAID

Amena’s Fight for Hope in the Wake of USAID’s Retreat

Even in Bangladesh, where USAID had played a critical role in disaster relief and development, its programs were not free from controversy. Some agricultural initiatives led to environmental damage, while governance projects were accused of undermining local institutions by favoring foreign NGOs over national efforts. The 2025 funding suspension only reinforced the notion that USAID’s presence was as much about American strategic interests as it was about humanitarian assistance. For Amena and her community, the suspension is a stark reminder of their vulnerability, their dependence on the goodwill of a distant power that can withdraw its support at any moment.

Read more
Categories: Africa / America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
AI

The Rise of AI and the Future of Geopolitical Inequality from Bangladesh’s Perspective

Bangladesh’s economy stands at a junction where AI could become a game-changer. With targeted efforts in textiles, healthcare, defence, and agriculture, the country could unlock new efficiencies and innovations. Developing AI systems tailored to local languages and cultures would amplify these benefits, turning linguistic diversity into a geopolitical asset. However, infrastructure gaps, skill shortages, and limited R&D investments are roadblocks that cannot be ignored. Addressing ethical concerns, such as data privacy and algorithmic fairness, will also be key to ensuring that AI’s benefits are equitably distributed.

Read more
Categories: America / China and Pacific region / South Asia
ICC and Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Legal Sovereignty vs. ICC’s Western Strings

The ICC’s geopolitical bias not only affects the credibility of its operations but also has diplomatic consequences. Countries with associations to ICC interventions face the risk of diplomatic fallout, affecting their global standing and relationships. For Bangladesh, submitting to ICC scrutiny can have far-reaching effects beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing its trade, aid, and diplomatic engagements.

Read more
Categories: America / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe
Bangladesh Politics

Why do Politicians Fail in Bangladesh? The Kettle, the Slogans, and the Weight of Broken Promises

To break free of its cycles of failure, Bangladesh must confront its challenges head-on. Strengthening democratic institutions is essential. An independent judiciary, fair elections, and a vibrant but not power-hungry civil society can serve as pillars of accountability. Corruption must be rooted out with the same determination that built bridges and cities, and nepotism must give way to a meritocracy that values competence over connections.

Read more
Categories: South Asia
Pakistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan and Afghanistan Locked in a Spiral of Strife

In this increasing chaos, there are glimmers of potential solutions. Diplomatic engagement remains a vital avenue. Recent initiatives, such as the visit of Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan, signal a willingness to address shared concerns. However, dialogue must be sustained and substantive, focusing on practical measures like joint border management and intelligence sharing. The involvement of regional powers like China and Russia could also provide a neutral platform for negotiations. China, with its investments in Pakistan and security concerns in Xinjiang, has a national stake in regional stability, while Russia’s historical experience with Afghan insurgencies positions it as a potential mediator.

Read more
Categories: Central Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
Bangladesh

Can Sazia’s Winter Reverie Forge Bangladesh’s Path Beyond D8’s Broken Promises?

Despite these shortcomings, dismissing the D8 entirely would be shortsighted. The organisation serves as a platform for dialogue, fostering diplomatic goodwill among its members. Initiatives in food security and industrial collaboration, though limited in tangible outcomes, have at least sparked conversations about shared challenges. For Bangladesh, the D8 represents a symbolic connection to the global south and an affirmation of its aspirations to collaborate with peer nations.

Read more
Categories: Africa / China and Pacific region / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
Bengal

The Fragility and Resurgence of Bengal’s Glory in the Garden of Time

The question now is: Can the grandeur of the Bengali deltaic civilization be revived? The short answer is that reviving the glory of a declined civilization, such as the Bengal deltaic civilization, requires not only a deep understanding of its historical strengths but also a strategic alignment with modern realities. Harnessing its rich cultural heritage, intellectual legacy, and natural wealth can serve as the foundation for renewal. Prioritizing ecological restoration in the delta region, fostering sustainable agriculture, and leveraging its waterways for trade can rebuild its economic backbone. Emphasizing education, innovation, and cultural diplomacy can reestablish its intellectual and artistic prominence on the global stage. Most importantly, encouraging inclusive governance and societal unity ensures resilience against both internal and external challenges. With blending the wisdom of its past and the opportunities of the present, a once-fading civilization can bloom anew.

Read more
Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
India and U.S.

Shadow Waltz: India, the U.S., and the Dance of the Alleged Deep State

Ultimately, whether or not the U.S. deep state is truly scheming against Modi, the BJP’s claims reflect a broader reality: in our interconnected world, politics is never confined to national borders. Every dossier, every leaked document, every investigative report carries the potential to shift narratives and unsettle governments. And while the deep state remains an elusive figure in this news, its ability to quietly shape global events is undeniable.

Read more
Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
Syria

Another Syrian Quagmire in the Making

Israel, sensing an opportunity in the growing chaos, will likely intensify its military activities in Syria, particularly occupy full of Golan Heights and establish a mighty strategic presence in Syrian battlefield. With Russia and Iran distracted or scaling back their involvement, Israel could press forward with its encroaching strategy, seeing the instability as a chance to further secure its borders and push against Iranian influence. While the US may align with Israel’s goals in curbing Iranian expansion, Israel’s unilateral actions could further complicate the broader regional balance.

Read more
Categories: Central Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia