![Russia’s Taliban pivot signals a strategic gamble, balancing counterterrorism efforts with geopolitical ambitions in a volatile regional landscape. [Image via TASS]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/putinsigns.webp "putinsigns")
Russia’s Taliban pivot signals a strategic gamble, balancing counterterrorism efforts with geopolitical ambitions in a volatile regional landscape.
The California Jirga brings PTM’s role into question with Afghan diaspora influence and anti-Pakistan rhetoric at the forefront.
![US officials diverge on Pakistan's ballistic missile program, with White House concerned and Pentagon focusing on military ties as Trump’s return nears [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/QSDMGRUCAVILTJPRQ3XOPOMPKU-1600x1064.webp "QSDMGRUCAVILTJPRQ3XOPOMPKU")
US officials diverge on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, with White House concerned and Pentagon focusing on military ties as Trump’s return nears
![Union Home Minister Amit Shah vows to eradicate Naxalism by 2026. Does India’s anti-Naxal operations strategy focus on force over reconciliation? [Image via The Hindu]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MaoistRebelsArt.webp "MaoistRebelsArt")
Union Home Minister Amit Shah vows to eradicate Naxalism by 2026. Does India’s anti-Naxal operations strategy focus on force over reconciliation?
![India-Pakistan naval rivalry grows with fleet expansions and rising concerns over military capabilities and China's influence. [Image via Daily Times]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Navy-500-1280x720-1.webp "Navy-500-1280Ă—720")
India-Pakistan naval rivalry grows with fleet expansions and rising concerns over military capabilities and China’s influence.
![Explore how the tragedy of the APS attack shaped Pakistan's fight against terrorism and its connection to the resurgence of militant threats. [Image via Dawn]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/585266752df12-1600x738.webp "585266752df12")
Explore how the tragedy of the APS attack shaped Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and its connection to the resurgence of militant threats.
![Pakistan Navy's CNS discusses strategic partnerships, global maritime security, and future naval plans in interview with Defence Web. [Image via Business Recorder]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pak-navy4-1024.webp "pak-navy4-1024")
Pakistan Navy’s CNS discusses strategic partnerships, global maritime security, and future naval plans in interview with Defence Web.
Billions in aid to Afghanistan raise concerns over accountability, misuse, and the Taliban’s management, casting doubt on international efforts.
![Afghanistan minister for refugees Khalil Haqqani in 2022. [Image: AFP via Getty Images]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/im-14501661.webp "im-14501661")
Who killed Khalilur Rahman Haqqani? ISKP or internal Taliban rivalry? Explore how this assassination deepens Afghanistan’s fault lines.
Explore how Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda impacts election results, voter demographics, policy differences, foreign relations, and more.