Rupert Stone

Can US-China set aside differences and find middle ground?

Political conditions in both countries are quite favourable for the two leaders to build positive momentum and minimise the chances of a bigger conflict between the global powers.

Iran and Russia play double-game in Afghanistan, protecting their influence

With the Taliban yet to convince Tehran and Moscow it is a reliable ally, groups like the National Resistance Front remain politically relevant.

Pakistan seizing “unprecedented” amount of drugs from Afghanistan

The Taliban vowed to ban drugs, but the trade appears to be booming under their rule.

Record-breaking drug seizures point to pandemic narcotics boom

Narco-traffickers defied Covid-19 and now look set to reach new heights, as the stars are aligning for a further expansion of their trade.

'Business as usual': Afghan drug trade continues under Taliban

While the Taliban insisted they would ban narcotic production, major seizures in the region indicate the trade hasn’t missed a beat.

Emerging Afghan methamphetamine trade poses ‘threat’ to Europe

Authorities warn that Afghan meth could penetrate the European market due to its low price and the availability of pre-existing trafficking routes used to smuggle heroin.

China’s approach to the Taliban is more cautious than it looks

Experts tell TRT World that Beijing will adopt a careful approach to economic engagement with Afghanistan.

For China, Afghanistan is more of a problem than an opportunity

Beijing’s preeminent concern is unrest in neighbouring Afghanistan could have a detrimental impact on its economic interests in the region.

Europe's drug trade 'remarkably resilient' to pandemic disruption

In addition to more widespread availability and higher purity, the pandemic has pushed the narcotics trade to become more creative in its distribution.

After decades of war, Afghanistan’s drug trade booms like never before

A large meth industry has rapidly emerged that could eventually rival the country’s massive opium trade, adding yet another dimension to Afghanistan’s spiralling drug crisis.

A tale of two Talibans

The Afghan Taliban's relationship with the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan could come to an impasse as the peace process matures in Afghanistan.

What's behind Pakistan's pandemic-defying remittance boom?

The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged economies globally, but Pakistan has been on the receiving end of a boom that could continue until the end of this year.