In a sign that efforts to root out militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan may be making headway, American officials say members of al-Qaeda are beginning to flee the region, heading for places like Somalia and Yemen. David Sanger of the New York Times discusses how these al-Qaeda members might be caught.
South Asia
Al-Qaeda fleeing Pakistan for Somalia, Yemen
Sino-Indian border dispute bogs down Asian economies
China and India have often been portrayed as the major drivers of the future, based on their economic clout. But quite apart from grand economic plans and new global alignments, a different reality is taking shape in both countries. Worldfocus contributor Luv Puri writes about border disputes that are renewing fears of a Sino-Indian confrontation.
Pakistanis run into roadblocks in attempts to get visas
Every year, about 10,000 Pakistanis are granted student visas to Britain, while up to 20 times as many are rejected. Worldfocus contributing blogger Faisal Kapadia describes the difficulties faced by Pakistani students and travelers hoping to qualify for visas.
With ping-pong and puns, soldiers stay sane in Afghanistan
Anup Kaphle is embedded with British and Canadian forces in Afghanistan and describes how soldiers stay sane and find relief and entertainment on a military base in Kandahar.
Pakistani military takes the fight to South Waziristan
Pakistani government forces have stepped up their attacks on Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan. Ahmad Kamal, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United Nations, discusses the offensive and the refugee situation.
Taliban talks peace with Afghan government, U.S. officials
As the battles intensify and suicide attacks increase in Afghanistan, the Taliban is in talks with the Afghan government -- and on some level, with American officials. Charles Sennott of GlobalPost recently returned from Afghanistan and Pakistan and discusses the talks and their chances of success.
Pakistan offensive nears end; refugee crisis just beginning
Pakistan’s military offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat Valley is nearly over, according to the country’s defense minister. However, the offensive has had enormous humanitarian costs, with more than 2 million people displaced as a result of conflict this year. A Worldfocus contributing blogger in Pakistan writes about the growing refugee crisis.
Pakistanis in shock after deadly hotel bombing
On Tuesday, militants stormed the gates of the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshwar, Pakistan, where they detonated explosives that killed at least 11 people. A Worldfocus contributing blogger in Karachi reacts to the recent violence.
Pakistan bombing could be Taliban retaliation
Government officials in Pakistan say a car bomb that killed more than two dozen people and wounded hundreds in the city of Lahore could be retaliation for the Pakistani military's month-long war on the Taliban. Alex Thier of the United States Institute of Peace discusses the bombing and public opinion about the government offensive.
West should buy, not eradicate, Afghanistan’s poppy crops
More than 90 percent of the world's opium comes out of Afghanistan, where the U.S. and its allies have led efforts to eradicate poppy crops. A Worldfocus contributing blogger argues that rather than eradicating poppy crops, the West should purchase crops for use as medical opiate.