All Asia: South & Central
- John Kerry's passage to India. Why is he going now?
The US top diplomat isn't facing a war in his visit to the world's largest democracy. But he's got some serious repair work in the area of trust and cooperation, Indian analysts say.
- Why do Indians like Pakistani soap operas so much?
An Indian television channel is airing syndicated content from Pakistan for the first time. Several of the shows have become surprise hits.
- For Pakistani minority sect, a tentative Eid celebration
The Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, but the state disagrees. A series of attacks, including on three women and children this weekend, has the community downcast. One family quietly celebrates the end of Ramadan.
- NGOs in India on tenterhooks after accusatory government report
The Indian government is scrutinizing NGOs after a leaked report blamed several foreign-funded NGOs for stalling development projects, hurting the economy.
- Kerry in Afghanistan trying to avert a presidential crisis, but will Abdullah budge?
Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to broker a deal to prevent outright conflict over Afghanistan's disputed presidential election. But there are signs that Abdullah Abdullah, who claims fraud stole the presidency from him, is digging in.
- Afghan presidential candidate unswayed by electoral fraud investigation
In a Monitor interview, Abdullah Abdullah called for additional scrutiny of ballots from a contentious runoff vote in June. The election commission has delayed the release of initial results.
- Western powers knocking on India's door for defense deals
French Foreign Minister Fabius is in New Delhi today. He'll be followed by US Sen. McCain, and British officials later this month as India, the world's largest arms importer, tries to reform its defense industry.
- As Pakistanis flee Army offensive, militant-run charities jump in with aid
The government has been ill-prepared to help the more than half-million internal refugees fleeing a military campaign in North Waziristan. Some worry aid camps run by militants could be recruiting grounds.
- Has Afghan election fraud controversy been defused?
Abdullah Abdullah, who is vying to be Afghanistan's next president, has accused the election commission of rigging the vote. The resignation of an election official may quell the controversy.
- Hindi on Twitter: Will Modi start a culture war in India?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials to use Hindi on social media and in official correspondence, sparking controversy. English is also an official language.
- Indian abductions in Iraq pose first crisis for new Modi government
The 40 construction workers are said to be safe and in a known location. Modi took office saying he would be tough on security.
- Pakistan's PM backs army offensive against militants in Waziristan
The military offensive has so far relied on airstrikes against militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal belt, leading to warnings of retaliation against foreigners in the country.
- Pakistan military bombs militants in tribal belt. Will ground troops follow?
One week after a deadly attack on Karachi International Airport, Pakistan's Army said it had begun a major offensive against local and foreign militants in North Waziristan.
- Did over seven million Afghans really vote for their next president?
Two candidates faced off Saturday in Afghanistan's first presidential runoff. The election commission claimed a higher turnout than in April's poll, but doubts remain.
- Taliban attacks in Karachi underscore Pakistan's intelligence-sharing deficit
Two attacks in two days on security forces guarding Pakistan's largest airport point to the need for a better counter-terrorism strategy and intelligence sharing, analysts say.
- Pakistani party leader arrested in London. What does it mean for his Karachi home?
Altaf Hussain, leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement Party, was arrested by British police on charges of money laundering, sending his hometown of Karachi into a tailspin.
- With US leaving, is Afghanistan turning to India?
Afghanistan President Karzai wants to buy spare weapons from India, in a move that risks antagonizing Pakistan.
- FocusFaces of Pakistan's future: From tech entrepreneur to mufti educator
A successful businessman, an artist, an aspiring public servant, and a mufti are all faces of Pakistan's rising generation – the 60 percent of the population that is under 30. Many are challenging what one Millennial calls a 'culture of dependency.'
- Pakistan PM to attend Narendra Modi's inauguration, raising hopes of a thaw
For the first time since India and Pakistan split in 1947, a prime minister from one country will attend the inauguration of the other. A bilateral meeting will follow the ceremony.
- Festering and forgotten, Pakistan's other war burns on
The separatist insurgency in Balochistan Province is overshadowed by the Pakistan Taliban. Reporters often avoid the region, where the Pakistan Army allegedly targets political opponents.