All Asia: South & Central
- Taliban tell Afghan voters to stay home ahead of presidential election
The Taliban have tried to undermine every election since US-backed forces took power in 2001. The Interior Ministry claimed that 95 percent of polling stations will open on election day.
- Protests in Kashmir after 67 students suspended for cheering the wrong team
Kashmiri college students who cheered for Pakistan's cricket team face charges of mischief and 'attempt to cause communal disharmony.' But sedition charges against them were dropped.
- In former Taliban fiefdom, Pakistan's first female council tackles abuses
The first judicial council for women was started in Pakistan's Swat Valley last year. Its founder has now been invited to join a traditional, male-only grand jirga.
- Pakistan grapples with discontent over rape prosecutions
Less than four percent of Pakistan's rape cases result in a conviction, according to activists. Now some political parties are pushing to make it even harder to prosecute rapists.
- Why a Pakistani reporter is suing the CIA for murder
Kareem Khan's son and brother died in a US drone strike. His lawsuit has made waves in Pakistan and overseas, and he was recently detained for nine days.
- Shaky Afghan-Taliban peace talks run into Pakistani obstruction
Recent talks in Dubai may signal a push by Afghan President Karzai to strike a deal with Taliban leaders beyond Pakistan's purview as US troops prepare to leave.
- Delhi chief Arvind Kejriwal resignation: game changer for India elections?
Mr. Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party rode a wave of anticorruption sentiment to power in Delhi last December. Now, he's resigning to focus on the national election.
- Book 'banning' shows rising Hindu nationalism in India's election year
A US academic's 2009 book on Hinduism will be pulped after a four year legal battle between the publisher and a right-wing Hindu group. Writers fear rising intolerance of free speech.
- Nepal's new prime minister raises hopes of democratic momentum
The election of Sushil Koirala brings together Nepal's two largest parties and raises expectations that a lengthy peace process with Maoist rebels could be capped with a new constitution.
- Pakistan's Musharraf skips another hearing in controversial treason court
The former president who faces charges over a 2007 declaration of emergency rule has sought medical treatment abroad, raising doubts over the trial.
- Students protest against racial profiling in India
The beating and death of a university student from the northeast has caused four days of protests. Prominent politicians are pledging support.
- Pakistan Taliban talks delayed. What does each side want?
Prime Minister Sharif says he wants to give peace talks a 'last chance,' while militants are likely to ask for prisoner releases and free passage for its leaders.
- Why Pakistani air strikes on Taliban targets not a gamechanger
Pakistan's military has responded to Taliban attacks with air strikes in the tribal belt near the Afghan border. But it lacks a comprehensive strategy for combating the militant group.
- Troubling questions for India after another gang-rape
Indian police have arrested two in connection with the rape of a Danish tourist in New Delhi. A string of high-profile rape cases has prompted demonstrations and calls for more government action.
- How inept is Afghanistan's government?
Stunningly so.
- Why Pakistan's slain 'super cop' is a tough act to follow
One of Pakistan's most famous police chiefs was killed Thursday by the Pakistan Taliban. A new report says terror casualties were up 19 percent in 2013.
- Indian diplomat heads home, but India's anger is likely to linger
India's Foreign Ministry announced it was expelling a US diplomat from New Delhi. The standoff over an indicted diplomat has exposed deeper US-India tensions.
- Islamic scholars in Pakistan push for hate speech ban
Leaders of major Islamic sects in Pakistan have agreed to curb provocations, but enforcing a voluntary code will be a challenge.
- Bangladesh election could lead to more violence
Bangladesh witnessed high-levels of political violence before today's election. The ruling Awami League won, but an opposition boycott signals tough times ahead.
- Cambodia: garment workers increase pressure for higher wages
Today's clash between striking garment workers and security forces in Phnom Penh underscores a growing push for better wages throughout the region.