Sabena Siddiqui is a foreign affairs journalist, lawyer and geopolitical analyst specialising in modern China, the Belt and Road Initiative, Middle East and South Asia.
Analysis: Pakistan has been plunged into political chaos after prime minister Imran Khan blocked a no-confidence vote by dissolving parliament, but whether he will get away with the unconstitutional move remains to be seen.
Pakistan's controversial Electronic Crimes Act has come under fire after the government passed amendments equating social media comments with defamation. Despite a U-turn, the law points to a worrying trend to curtail freedom of expression.
Nationwide protests have erupted after a number of Muslim schoolgirls were prevented from wearing their hijab in the Indian state of Karnataka. The continued fuelling of anti-Muslim sentiment by the BJP will likely provoke further unrest.
Analysis: Recent reports suggest Riyadh is developing its ballistic missile arsenal with the support of China. What impact could a viable Saudi missile project have on regional geopolitics?
With the aim to make UAE more appealing to global markets, Abu Dhabi has decided to change its weekend to fit with the Western standard (Saturday and Sunday). However, this isn't the first time the UAE has upended cultural norms.
Analysis: Following rare overtures after years of strained ties, a diplomatic process has been initiated which could potentially become a turning point in UAE-Iran relations.
While COP26 brought about some consensus, many activists felt that the summit largely maintained a status quo whereby highly developed countries determine the agenda. But how has Qatar responded, and what initiatives have they implemented at home?
Analysis: Israel's improved ties with Gulf countries have alleviated India's hesitation to pursue open bilateral relations with Tel Aviv, as both countries look to diversify their alliance systems.
