Unlike Europe, the debate about multiculturalism in Asia revolves around the question of how postcolonial states rife with ethno-nationalist debates and conflicts centered around the questions of language, ethnicity, and religious identities can become cohesive multicultural nations
Zoroastrian Bhandara family-owned Murree Brewery is Pakistan’s only distillery and one of the country’s most successful firms and biggest taxpayers, which hit the headlines in 2007 when it produced the Muslim world’s first 20-year-old malt whisky that a handful of distilleries produce globally
Westernized elite founded Pakistan and helmed it for decades before Zia-ul-Haq sought to recast the state and society and provoked artistic resistance with poets such as Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Jalib rallying against it to foster a vibrant culture, music, and literature
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030 aims to redefine life in Saudi Arabia through economic diversification, women’s empowerment, and a commitment to moderation and zero tolerance for extremism to foster social and economic opportunities, and collaboration for stability and prosperity
Rebels attack Aleppo, reigniting the civil war, Israel continues assaults in Gaza despite expected talks for a ceasefire with Hamas, the latest on protesters demanding the release of Imran Khan, a new carbon-absorbing powder offers hope for climate efforts and record online holiday shopping
The nomination of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense and Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel signaled a boost to the US’s unconditional support for Israel’s expansionist policies, including the annexation of Palestinian territories driven by Christian nationalist ideologies that view Israeli control over Palestine as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy
Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud reflected on the 40th anniversary of the National Council on US-Arab Relations in November 2023 and highlighted Palestinian suffering and the need for international intervention, human rights recognition, and a two-state solution for lasting peace
Indian pilgrims reinstalled Hindu deities at Lahore’s Krishna Temple in 2007, marking a significant moment during a thaw in India-Pakistan relations (2003-2008) which also coincided with the restoration of Katas Raj temples and cross-border pilgrimage to Mata Hinglaj amid willingness to move beyond past conflicts for peace
The Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s and Israeli threats have shaped Iranian military capabilities including advancements in missile technology, asymmetric warfare, and integration of foreign military insights into strategies for deterrence
Bangladesh has lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami while an offshoot of the party originally founded in British India has fielded five independent candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, marking its return to electoral polls in the Himalayan region after 37 years and turning the spotlight on the organization that was among the most vocal in its opposition to Pakistan’s creation
