Southeast Asia
All countries-
Rahman Abbas' "Zindeeq"
Who's learning lessons from the Holocaust?
Set in a dystopian future, Rahman Abbas’ new novel “Zindeeq” draws on the Indian author’s worries about recent trends in his home country, where aggressive identity politics have been – and still are – gaining momentum. Almuth Degener read the book
-
Elizabeth II and the Muslims
"To be there for our fellow human-beings"
When she ascended the throne, millions of Muslims still lived under British rule. Later, Elizabeth II appealed for tolerance in a multi-religious society. She was the first British queen to visit a mosque
-
In Pakistan, a 'disaster of epic proportions'
Floods have killed more than 900 people in Pakistan and destroyed about 220,000 homes. The government speaks of a "climate-induced humanitarian disaster of epic proportions". By Philipp Boll
-
Lives swept away
Rescued tourists recount Pakistan flood horror
It was midnight when Yasmin and her family were ordered to urgently evacuate their room at the Honeymoon Hotel, perched above the picturesque ice-blue waters of the Swat river. Swapping the sticky Lahore summer for the cooler climes of the northeastern mountains last week, they became embroiled in one of Pakistan's worst disasters
-
Indian democracy at 75
Narendra Modi’s damaging dominance
In office for more than eight years, Narendra Modi’s high popularity across India and formidable electoral clout make him nearly invincible. But, while his success in amassing political power is unquestionable, his ability to use it for the benefit of the vast majority of citizens remains very much in doubt. By Shashi Tharoor
-
Pakistan turns 75
Islamabad has serious issues
Seventy-five years ago, Pakistan emerged, along with India, from the British Raj. A country with potential – were it not for the ongoing tensions with India and many home-grown economic problems. Haroon Janjua reports from Islamabad
-
India and Pakistan – 75 years of independence
A pair of troubled nations
On 14 August 2022, Pakistan marked the 75th year of its founding. One day later, neighbouring India celebrated its own independence with much pomp. Despite the historical and cultural similarities, the sense of estrangement between the two countries could hardly be deeper, writes Mohammad Luqman
-
Pakistan
Climate crisis impacts Pakistani cotton industry
Pakistan is one of the world’s five major cotton-growing countries. Production has, however, been dwindling in recent years. Global warming is one of the reasons. Experts are currently working on how to rise to the challenges. Imran Mukhtar reports
-
Environmental jihad
Can "green Islam" save Indonesia from climate collapse?
Calls for an environmentally-conscious form of Islam are growing in Indonesia, as climate change poses enormous ecological challenges for the country. Experts say it could change society's approach to climate efforts. Enno Hinz reports
-
Which country will be next?
Lebanon and Sri Lanka share economic collapse
Lebanon and Sri Lanka may be a world apart, but they share a history of political turmoil and violence that has led to the collapse of once-prosperous economies bedevilled by corruption, patronage, nepotism and incompetence. By Zeina Karam and David Rising
-
Menstruation in Pakistan
What every girl should know
Pakistan needs to start removing the stigma society attaches to menstruation, argues Mahwish Gul. She has been instrumental in developing #HelpSaira, a new digital app aimed at teenage girls that offers constructive and value-free information and advice
-
Climate change in Southeast Asia
India's severe heat wave a risk to millions
As the scorching sun beat down on his fruit cart, Mohammad Ikrar dreaded another day of tossing out dozens of rotting mangoes and melons – a regular practice now, as India grapples with an unprecedented heatwave.