Pakistan
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Pakistan and the Trump factor
Who pays the piper
The surprise victory of Donald Trump resonated in markets around the world as voters in the USA endorsed his protectionist agenda. Pakistan was no exception. By Afshan Subohi
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Myanmar and the Rohingya
Is Saudi Wahhabism fuelling an insurgency?
In interview with Shamil Shams, ICG's Tim Johnston claims that the Rohingya insurgency is linked to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, but that the motivating force is not so much jihadist ideology as anger at the treatment of Rohingya in Myanmar
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Saudi influence in Pakistan
A perilous road
Saudi-supported ultra-conservative worldviews, abetted by successive Pakistani governments, are changing the very nature of Pakistani society. By James M. Dorsey
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India and Pakistan
Unable to bury the axe
Following the latest attack on an Indian military base in Kashmir, India and Pakistan have yet again locked horns over the disputed region. Now the Indian government says it wants to isolate its Islamic neighbour as a terrorist state. Report by Ronald Meinardus in New Delhi
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Pakistani film ″Dukhtar″
Arthouse with a conscience
Afia Nathaniel's first full-length feature film "Dukhtar", has been enjoying a great deal of success on the international festival circuit – and causing quite a stir in her home country too. By Marian Brehmer
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Mohim: the myth-busting menstruation app
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Pakistan and sectarianism
The enemy within
Pakistan′s generals blame their country′s cycle of political violence, including a recent bombing in the Baluch capital of Quetta, on groups in Afghanistan. The focus on external enemies complicates efforts to reduce political violence, ease inter-communal strains and facilitate easing of tensions with Pakistan′s neighbours. By James M. Dorsey
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Indian sub-continent: 70 years of independent rule
This month while Pakistan marked its independence, its twin India also celebrated its freedom from British rule. Tensions between the two, however, are running high and ties continue to be scarred by mutual suspicion. By Srinivas Mazumdaru
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Pakistani crime writer Omar Shahid Hamid
A nexus of crime
Whatever the reason for Pakistan′s biggest city not being chosen more often as the setting of great crime fiction, it cannot be for a lack of material. The suspense-packed Karachi novels by former anti-terrorism cop Omar Shahid Hamid mesmerise and disturb at the same time, revealing a complex web of relationships, where ″justice″ becomes a highly relative notion. Thomas Baerthlein met the author in London, where he currently lives and works
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Transgender activism in Pakistan
The dynamic third gender
In times of increasing radicalisation, minorities and those who occupy society's niches and in-between realms can become prime targets, as the attack last weekend on a gay nightclub in Florida so painfully demonstrated. Recently, however, on the other side of the globe in South Asia, there have also been some astounding breakthroughs. By Sara-Duana Meyer
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″The Diary of a Hounslow Girl″
Bursting the bubble
British Pakistani actress, playwright and comedian Ambreen Razia is currently touring the UK with her acclaimed one-woman play ″The Diary of a Hounslow Girl″. In it, 16-year-old Shaheeda talks non-stop about running away, her mother who does not understand her, a fight with her friend on the bus and a messed-up Pakistani wedding. Ambreen Razia spoke to Thomas Baerthlein about being a Muslim girl growing up in London, the struggle with ″British identity″ and the importance of Sadiq Khan′s election as Mayor of London
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Album review: ″Sandaraa″ by Sandaraa
Fusion in the truest sense
Klezmer – the music synonymous with the Jewish settlements of 19th century Eastern Europe – and Baluchi, Pashto and Dari, folk music from Pakistan, would appear to have little or nothing in common. In their latest album, Sandaraa, the Pakistani/Brooklyn musical collaboration fronted by Michael Woodgrad and Zeb Bangash, provide a stunning example of how fusion can work. By Richard Marcus