Michael Kugelman

Michael Kugelman is the writer of Foreign Policy’s weekly South Asia Brief. He has been an analyst of the region for nearly two decades.

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Articles by Michael Kugelman
Afghan security forces conduct a military operation.
Afghan security forces conduct a military operation.

Biden’s Withdrawal Plan Sets the Clock Ticking in Afghanistan

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pose for a picture during a meeting in New Delhi on April 6.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pose for a picture during a meeting in New Delhi on April 6.

Russia Makes a Power Play in South Asia

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to a meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to a meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.

India Faces Tests From Its Neighbors

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
People hold a large national flag during Victory Day celebrations at the National Monument in Savar, Bangladesh, on Dec. 16, 2020.
People hold a large national flag during Victory Day celebrations at the National Monument in Savar, Bangladesh, on Dec. 16, 2020.

Bangladesh’s 50th Anniversary Raises Cause for Celebration and Concern

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Soldiers unload bags at a U.S. base.
Soldiers unload bags at a U.S. base.

It’s Time to Prepare for U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Argument
Michael Kugelman
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris enter the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 8.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris enter the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 8.

What to Expect From Lloyd Austin’s Trip to India

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A general view shows tents at a camp for internally displaced families in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 7.
A general view shows tents at a camp for internally displaced families in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 7.

Washington Makes a Last-Ditch Effort for Peace in Afghanistan

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A Pakistan army soldier stands guard on the Line of Control in Abdullah Pur, Pakistani-administered Kashmir on Feb. 5.
A Pakistan army soldier stands guard on the Line of Control in Abdullah Pur, Pakistani-administered Kashmir on Feb. 5.

Can India and Pakistan Capitalize on Their Border Cease-Fire?

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Security personnel walks past a wall mural with images of Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, and and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on July 31, 2020.
Security personnel walks past a wall mural with images of Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, and and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on July 31, 2020.

Biden Has No Good Options in Afghanistan

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
PEARL-PAKISTAN-ACQUITAL
PEARL-PAKISTAN-ACQUITAL

A U.S.-Pakistan Reset Just Got a Lot Harder

Argument
Michael Kugelman
China's President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan
China's President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan

Imran Khan’s Silence on Uighurs Undercuts His Defense of Muslims Worldwide

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Supporters of the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement carry their parties' flags during an anti-government rally in Quetta on Oct. 25.
Supporters of the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement carry their parties' flags during an anti-government rally in Quetta on Oct. 25.

Pakistan’s Anti-Government Movement May Hit the Brick Wall of the Security State

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on Aug. 5.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on Aug. 5.

Imran Khan Isn’t Going Anywhere

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Kaneez Sughra, the wife of abducted Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan, displays a photograph of her husband on her mobile phone next to her son in Islamabad on July 21.
Kaneez Sughra, the wife of abducted Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan, displays a photograph of her husband on her mobile phone next to her son in Islamabad on July 21.

No, Mr. Prime Minister, Pakistan Does Not Have a Free Press

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Muslims maintain social distancing as they offer a special Taraweeh evening prayer ahead of the first day of the holy month of Ramadan at the Grand Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on April 24.
Muslims maintain social distancing as they offer a special Taraweeh evening prayer ahead of the first day of the holy month of Ramadan at the Grand Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on April 24.

Pakistan’s Government Is Caught Between a Mosque and a Hard Place

Argument
Michael Kugelman
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