All Asia: South & Central
- Why Afghanistan is nervous about the US troop withdrawal
By December 2014 the Afghan National Security Forces that have been built by the US and NATO will be left to largely stand on their own.
- Why insider attacks are down in Afghanistan
No one claims the problem is solved, but officials are cautiously hopeful that the lower number of 'green-on-blue' killings in Afghanistan this year means preventive measures are having an impact.
- US, India dance awkwardly around the man who might be India's next leader
If Narendra Modi wins India's elections next year it would inject discomfort into the deepening relationship between India and the US.
- Pakistanis hopeful as Nawaz Sharif makes a political comeback
Center-right politician Nawaz Sharif appeared set to return as Pakistan's prime minister on Monday, his third time in the job.
- The twice and future prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, garners big Pakistan vote
As counting continues in Pakistan's historic elections, Mr. Sharif's party has pulled away from its two main rivals. But the process of building a coalition will take time.
- As Pakistan goes to the polls, many see a key milestone
This is the first time in Pakistan's 66 years that a democratic government has been able to complete its tenure without being toppled by the military. But change is slow, say analysts.
- Of elections and extremes: Pakistan's Pamela Anderson takes on a mullah
The parliamentary race between pinup-film-star-turned-politician Musarrat Shaheen and a man described as a powerful, Taliban-tied cleric highlights the dual nature of Pakistan.
- Pakistani fertilizer grows both Taliban bombs and Afghan crops
The Pakistani government is working with the US to make sure a key ingredient for bombs stays away from insurgents in Afghanistan, but that effort may be having an unintended casualty.
- From military protégé to critic, Nawaz Sharif eyes power in Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif is the strongest contender for prime minister as Pakistan heads to the polls Saturday. The twice-elected prime minister's career has been rocky, complete with economic wins and exile.
- In Bangladesh, deadly protests raise questions about strength of secular government
Thousands of hardline Islamists in Bangladesh demanded anti-blasphemy laws and more restrictions on women, clashing with security forces and leaving at least 30 people dead this week.
- Could India's polio eradication success story be a model for its other health issues?
A large, unprecedentedly coordinated campaign in India has eradicated polio. If no new cases are recorded by the end of this year, India will be officially considered polio-free.
- Pakistani women hit the campaign trail to get out the vote
Women, nongovernmental organizations, and a council of conservative Muslims are doing their best to avoid a repeat of the poor 2008 election showing among women.
- Are Indian-Pakistani relations in jeopardy after prisoner death?
A Pakistani prisoner in an Indian jail was attacked and seriously injured in a tit-for-tat assault one day after the death of an Indian man in a Pakistani prison.
- Rock the vote? Pakistan's politicians court a younger crowd.
As a crucial vote for Pakistan's new civilian government looms, candidates are trying to sway a sizable and politically active generation – but one whose sentiments are unclear.
- Bangladesh united in grief over a failed rescue from collapsed factory
Many hundreds have been rescued so far. But a fire broke out today amid the rubble of the collapsed building, ending hopes of saving a known survivor named Shahina Akhter.
- Day after cracks were found, Bangladesh factory collapse leaves 125-plus dead
Concerns about safety conditions in garment factories sourced by Western retailers were revived when a factory collapsed after serious cracks were found in the building yesterday.
- China tests its borders again, this time in the mountains
India is alleging a Chinese border incursion in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, putting diplomatic pressure on an otherwise warming relationship between the two Asian giants.
- Climate change sends India's apple farmers up the Himalayas
Apples in the Himalayan foothills are seeing the worst effects of climate change already, according to farmers. Orchards are shifting upland as winters shorten.
- Pakistan's Musharraf slips treason charges, but is held incommunicado
Pakistan's caretaker government has refused to bring treason charges against the detained former military leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, saying it was beyond its mandate.
- After rape of 5-year-old girl, India debates even stricter punishments
India recently passed tougher sentences for rape convictions. After this latest case, protesters want even harsher penalties put in place, but analysts argue police reform is more critical.