Nepal Elections 2026

Southasia Weekly - 27 March 2026. We cover Southasia like no one else. Help support independent Southasian journalism. Support Himal.
Newsletters
Pakistan’s bid as peace mediator in US-Iran talks – Southasia Weekly #111
By
Raisa Wickrematunge
US presents its peace plan to Iran via Pakistan, India passes Transgender Amendment Bill and more
The BNP government under Tarique Rahman must realise that, in modern Bangladesh, the economy has become the ultimate arbiter of political survival.
Politics
The BNP’s real test lies in Bangladesh’s beleaguered economy
By
Faisal Mahmud
In Bangladesh now, the economy dictates politics and not vice versa – as Sheikh Hasina discovered to her peril
The demise of Buddhist philosophy in Southasia and its journey to the east
Culture
The demise of Buddhist philosophy in Southasia and its journey to the east
By
Shashank Kela
Buddhism’s transformation on its way from India to China, Japan and Korea may offer clues to what was lost when it disappeared from its homeland
Southasia Weekly - 20 March 2026. Your radar on the region and the latest from Himal. Support independent Southasian journalism. Support Himal!
Newsletters
🎥🛕Bollywood’s descent into Hindu nationalism – Southasia Weekly #110
By
Raisa Wickrematunge
On the "open war" between Pakistan and Afghanistan, India's ban on The Voice of Hind Rajab and more
Pakistan appears to believe that its military might, which is far greater than Afghanistan’s, will force the Taliban to bend. But rather than weakening the regime in Kabul, Pakistan’s aggression is fueling Afghan nationalist sentiment and allowing the Taliban to cast themselves as defenders of the nation, effectively granting them a level of popular legitimacy they have long struggled to secure.
Politics
Pakistan’s “open war” on Afghanistan only strengthens the Taliban
By
Hamayon Rastgar
Pakistan’s airstrikes and mass deportations do little to control the TTP, but strengthen a Taliban regime that thrives in conflict and can feed off popular Afghan and Pashtun resentment
Himal Interviews: The threat to Muslims is a crisis for India’s democracy
Politics
Himal Interviews: The threat to Muslims is a crisis for India’s democracy
By
The Editors
Mohsin Alam tells Harsh Mander that anti-democratisation of the economy has had a terrible impact on minorities and Muslims in particular
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