Asia | Banyan
Pakistan and China find they have little leverage with the Taliban
Hopes of greater influence after the departure of the Americans have remained unfulfilled
When america beat a sudden, ignominious retreat from Afghanistan and the Taliban surged to power, there was much cheering in next-door Pakistan. In China, America’s withdrawal was considered a great propaganda coup.
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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Be careful what you wish for”
From the January 7th 2023 edition
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Prabowo Subianto is drastically cutting Indonesia’s budget
The cash saved is going into a new fund he controls
The election in Tajikistan is unlikely to be democratic
Instead it will be a way for Emomali Rahmon, the president, to cement his rule
How overt religiosity became cool in India
The Maha Kumbh Mela shows how tradition has become trendy
The trouble with ancient Indians
India is rapidly ageing. It’s in for some surprises
Singapore’s leader of the opposition is convicted of lying
The city-state’s usually dull politics have taken a turn
Only Asia can help America counter China’s shipbuilding prowess
But will Donald Trump let it?