All Asia: South & Central
Pakistan's venting over Kashmir provides stage for militantsKashmir Solidarity Day, celebrated annually in Pakistan, allows jihadist groups to air their anger over the disputed region. Just last month, the prime minister announced a 'zero tolerance' policy for militancy.
In Afghan capital, schoolgirls embrace freedoms denied to their mothersUnder Taliban rule, almost no Afghan girls went to school. Last year, some 3 million of 8 million students were female. With international forces now leaving the country, consolidating these gains may prove a challenge.
Paved roads a positive legacy of Afghan war. But who fixes potholes?Before 2002, Afghanistan had 50 miles of paved roads. Departing international forces are leaving more than 8,000 miles. Still, the World Bank estimates that a majority of roads aren't suitable for cars because of poor maintenance.
India surprise: After visit, will religious freedom be Obama's legacy?At a time when members of the current Hindu nationalist government are talking about 'converting' religious minorities to Hindu beliefs, Obama's words on free exercise and equality left a ringing sound.
After vote, Afghanistan still can't form working government. Why?Parliament today approved only eight of 25 cabinet nominees. After a year of delay, many nominees fell apart under scrutiny or could not satisfy hurdles like age, education, and anti-communism.
Amid pomp on Delhi's King's Ave., signs of a changing US-India relationshipA trip to New Delhi designed to mend old differences kicks off with a nuclear deal and a big parade. China pooh-poohed the pomp and circumstance as merely symbolic.
Quality junk food in Kabul? Harder to find now at the legendary Bush Bazaar.The Bush Bazaar used to be a groaning table of cheap, authentic American goods in the Afghan capital. But with foreign forces down from 140,000 to 10,000, the place is not the same.
Early in Obama's India visit, a nuclear power breakthroughClimate change and defense issues remain ahead for Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the state visit. Tomorrow, Obama will be the first US leader to be guest of honor at India's Republic Day military parade.
Obama gets high India honor. Are better US-India ties on the way?Obama will be the first US presidential guest of honor at India's grand parade on Republic Day, Monday. While Obama has called the US-India relationship pivotal in the 21st century, divides on trade, energy, geopolitics are deeper than advertised.
Impeached and facing trial: Final blow to Thailand's ousted premier?Thailand's attorney general said Friday that criminal charges would be brought against former prime minister Yingluck Shinwatra over a failed rice subsidy program. A military-appointed assembly separately impeached her.
Is Islamic State penetrating Afghanistan? Rumors swirl.The self-described Islamic State has few cultural or ideological affinities with the Taliban. Scattered reports of its presence appear to have more to do with local militant rifts.- India and Pakistan exchange deadly fire on Kashmir borderSenior officers on both sides blamed the other for a gun battle lasting several hours that left one Indian soldier dead and two Pakistani soldiers wounded.
FocusCan Kashmir move forward after pivotal elections nod to Hindus and Muslims?Part 1: Kashmir at a crossroads. Will the valley inch closer to India? Part 2: Kashmiris can't forget their freedom struggle with India, but want a better life.
Kashmir elections: Is a Hindu-Muslim alliance now in the offing?In local elections, the governing BJP won in Jammu and a local Muslim party won in Kashmir. All eyes are now on Prime Minister Modi and a popular Kashmiri politician named Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Kashmir at crossroads on election eve. Will the valley move toward India?Prime Minister Modi has been steadily stumping in Kashmir despite the antipathy of many locals. He knows he won't win hearts and minds. But could his Hindu party form a governing coalition in a heavily Muslim region?
Kashmir elections: Locals can't forget struggle with India, but want a better lifeThe Hindu nationalist government in New Delhi has brought the first prosecutions of Indian Army misbehavior in Kashmir ahead of local elections that will be finalized Dec. 23.
After school massacre, Pakistan's media point accusing fingersEditorials in English-language media are casting blame on everyone from the prime minister to opposition firebrand Imran Khan to Army leaders. Across the border, Indian media are urging a further crackdown on the Taliban.
Pakistan outraged over school massacre. But will mood tip scales against Taliban?Popular sentiment against the US and West is so strong, and hardline religious ideology so pervasive, that the Taliban attack in Peshawar may not permanently sway public opinion.
Pakistan massacre: Taliban blowback against all-out Army offensive?The killing of 145 or more people, mostly children, at an Army-run school in Peshawar today came amid a six-month Army campaign in North Waziristan.
Secret files on India national hero remain shut. What's PM Modi afraid of?Subhas Chandra Bose defied Mahatma Gandhi, met Adolf Hitler, and raised an army to force the British out of India. Yet despite promises by India's new prime minister to open the archives, Bose's fate remains a mystery.
