All Asia: South & Central
Pakistan's political crisis: Is democracy endangered?The Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Prime Minister Ashraf, sparking heated debate about the future of Pakistan's democracy.
Pakistani stock exchange on edge after court orders prime minister's arrestAs the news broke of the order to arrest Pakistan's Prime Minister, the Karachi Stock Exchange fell by several hundred points. By the end of trading hours, it had fallen by 525 points.
Pakistan's court order to arrest the prime minister unsettles nationThe Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Prime Minister Ashraf, sparking rumors of a conspiracy against the country's democracy. But analysts are calling for calm.
What is Pakistan's 'million-march'?Though only about 40,000 Pakistanis descended on Islamabad at the behest of a little known Sufi cleric from Canada, analysts see the march as a sign that the military is once again getting involved in politics.
Back in Afghanistan, Karzai shifts tone on US troop immunityFailure to agree on an immunity deal in Iraq ensured that US forces pulled out completely by the end of 2011, further diminishing America's influence there.
Protests spread in Pakistan over Shiite killingsMinority leaders and even mainstream politicians are growing more bold in calling on the country's military to crack down on anti-Shiite militants.- Afghanistan: The challenge of 'good' vs 'bad' militiasGunmen in northern Afghanistan want the Karzai government to make their local unit an official part of the security force that will take over after US withdraws.
Can India and Pakistan ease tensions after recent flareup?Analysts worry that recent violence along the line that divides disputed Kashmir could develop into the worst crisis in relations since the Mumbai attacks of 2008.
Afghanistan: Taliban may be 'weak,' but fear remainsAs President Karzai discusses his country's future with President Obama in Washington, many Afghans continue day-to-day fight against extremist intimidation on the ground.
Karzai meets Obama: How will they shape a post-2014 Afghanistan?Few appear to believe the Taliban can regain power after 2014, when the US withdraws most of its troops. What's key, some say, is developing a US-Afghan partnership that will survive.
Border raids give India-Pakistan peace process a reality checkBorder skirmishes between India and Pakistan have grown unexpectedly hot in the past few days, prompting US comment.
India gang rape: Why was everyone so slow to help?India has no ‘Good Samaritan Law’ to give legal protection to people who step in, and Indians tend to avoid getting tangled with police.- How well do you know India? Take the quiz.
India is the world's largest democracy, the birthplace of four world religions, and the crossroads of South Asia. The region was home to some of the world's earliest civilizations and its history includes ancient kingdoms, vast empires, European colonialism, and modern reinvention. How much do you know about India?
Could gang-rape protests mark beginning of an age of activism for India?India's youth bulge and its disillusionment with political leaders may have helped drive recent post-rape protests and an anticorruption movement. But it's not clear the new activism will sustain itself.
Good Taliban, Bad Taliban? Pakistani commander's killing exposes blurry linesAnalysts say the US drone killing of a 'Good Taliban' commander in Pakistan could unleash new violence by anti-government insurgents - or undo peace talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
5 female teachers killed: Pakistan aid work imperiledThe daylight killing of the five teachers and two health workers stokes worries that public health campaigns will suffer and lead to a resurgence of diseases like polio.
After 'peaceful' 2012, Kashmiris urge end to war-time measuresGovernment tallies in Indian-controlled Kashmir show a drop in violence, fueling more calls for a loosening of the military presence here.
Protesters march for women's safety in India on New Year's EveProtesters in India's major cities demanded safety for women in the wake of the death Friday of a 23-year-old woman who was gang raped in Delhi.
Secret cremation for gang-rape victim sparks anger against Indian governmentA young woman who died after being gang raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated Sunday amid an outpouring of anger by Indians demanding greater protection for women.- How much do you know about Pakistan? Take this quiz.
Pakistan is home to more than 180 million people, making it the sixth most populous country in the world. Situated in the Indus Valley, an area that sheltered some of the oldest civilizations, the area underwent invasions from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. Since Sept.11,2001 the US has given more than $11 billion in economic and military aid, and Pakistan has become a key ally against terrorism. But how much do you know about this country?
