All Asia: South & Central
President Karzai sacks security chiefs ahead of NATO exitUnder pressure from Afghanistan's parliament, President Hamid Karzai dismissed Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak and Interior Minister Bismillah Mohammadi.
Pakistan's extremists whip up frenzy over Burma's MuslimsThe exaggerated version of truth about violence in Myanmar propagated by religious groups in Pakistan to recruit and fund their own agendas.- With journalist's arrest, has Afghan election season begun?The arrest of journalist Dr. Hussain Yasa raises concerns that Afghanistan's upcoming 2014 election could see a return of intimidation by all political parties.
India's blackout carries heavy economic and political costsFor the 40 percent of poorer Indians with no electricity access, this week's blackout was nothing new. Economists say power cuts are a reminder of India's need to manage economic growth.
India's big power blackout: Why coal hasn't been a saviorSome 600 million people lost electricity across India this week. The country relies on coal, which is neither helpful with peak power shortages, nor is regulated enough.- Afghan governance: more Judge Dredd than JeffersonMore than a decade into the US-led war in Afghanistan, local strongmen still undermine US and NATO efforts to establish a strong democratic culture in Kandahar.
In India, Anna Hazare again drawing crowds against corruptionThousands are once again assembling around anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare in New Delhi, setting up another major distraction for India's beleaguered government.
How the NATO supply route closure hit Afghan truck driversTruckers in Kandahar lost the biggest part of their business when Pakistan closed off NATO supply routes to Afghanistan.
India riots: Illegal immigration is behind deadly clashes in AssamAt least 45 people have been killed in ethnic clashes between tribesmen and Muslims that started over the weekend in Assam State in northeast India, according to police.
FocusMongolia strikes it rich, but at what cost?Vast mineral deposits are bringing wealth to this country of 3 million. Now Mongolia is in a race to stem the threat of corruption.
FocusMongolia's relationship status with China? Complicated.Mongolia just rushed a law through parliament to make it harder for China to invest in Mongolia.
Pakistan to push out Afghan refugeesPakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than 30 years – one of the longest-running refugee problems in the world – but will cancel their status as 'refugees' by the end of the year.
Dalai Lama visits Kashmir, a disputed land like TibetThe Tibetan spiritual leader urged Kashmiris to follow the path of nonviolence only. Some Kashmiris questioned if it was the government that needed the message.
How to toss an anklebone and shoot an arrow like a MongolianAnklebone tossing and archery are two of the ancient steppe sports showcased this week in Mongolia's capital at a centuries-old celebration of Genghis Khan's empire.- In Kashmir, old torture centers get makeoverIn Kashmir, former torture centers are being refurbished into pricey homes and even an IT hub as the international spotlight grows on India's use of torture.
Once the conflict's center, Kandahar City calmsThe province has seen a 75 percent drop in insurgent attacks and activity compared with the same time last year, according to the Kandahar governor's office in Afghanistan.
Another $16 billion in aid, but Afghan businessmen say help usWorld leaders in Tokyo pledge more aid to Afghanistan. But Afghan businessmen worry that the country is too aid dependent and want help with the private sector.
Afghanistan funding: Local media already feeling the pinchWorld leaders meeting in Tokyo pledged $16 billion in more aid to Afghanistan today. But an overall decline in foreign spending is already squeezing efforts like independent journalism.- Just a 'sorry'? Pakistanis question NATO supply line deal.NATO supply routes through Pakistan to Afghanistan have been reopened after a long-awaited US apology, but Pakistanis question whether their demands have been met.
Pakistan opens NATO supply line in boon to US forces in AfghanistanDespite the cost savings, some analysts worry that coupling the reopening with Clinton’s apology sends the wrong message to Pakistan.
