Topic: Central Asia

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How do you contribute to modern day slavery of human trafficking?

You may contribute to human trafficking in ways you're unaware of, suggests the US State Department in a run-down of how what Americans wear, use and consume in daily life can be affected by "modern day slavery."
Opinion Obama speech: Despite foreign policy successes, a need for the big view (+video)

In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, President Obama pointed to foreign policy successes, such as killing Osama bin Laden. But he and GOP nominee Mitt Romney still need to lay out a vision for a changing world. US influence depends on its competitiveness.
Uzbekistan, key to Afghan war drawdown, to ban foreign military bases

Uzbekistan, which is seeking closer ties to the US, may have made the move in a bid to ease concerns of China and Russia, which are both dominant actors in Central Asia.
Kazakh opposition leader on trial for attempting to overthrow government

Vladimir Kozlov faces 13 years in prison if convicted of charges that include orchestrating dissent among striking oil workers. Observers fear the trial could undermine some of the country's progress in developing a multiparty democracy.
Consumer Energy Report Beijing flexes some muscle to protect energy interests

Beijing has boosted its military presence in the energy-rich South China Sea, despite disputed claims by Vietnam.
Opinion America's way out of dependence on Pakistan: Iran

America’s dependence on Pakistan is a key source of regional instability. The only way out is to find an efficient alternative supply route for NATO supplies into Afghanistan. The Chabahar Road through Iran provides that alternative – if Washington will consider its benefits.
Terrorism & Security Syria's top defector says Assad not afraid to use chemical weapons

Syria is believed to have the Arab world's largest stockpile of chemical weapons. An ex-official warned that Assad would use them if backed into a corner.
How to toss an anklebone and shoot an arrow like a Mongolian

Anklebone 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.
Why did Pakistan open Afghan supply lines? (+video)

Following a U.S. apology given by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Pakistan opened supply lines to Afghanistan. Truck drivers in Karachi wer among those celebrating the news.
US apology to Pakistan unlocks NATO supply line (+video)

The US apologized to Pakistan for a deadly cross-border attack in November.
Opinion 4 ways US and Iran can make nuclear talks work

The Moscow talks on Iran’s nuclear program ended in stalemate June 19, as both cynics and optimists anticipated. While low-level experts will meet in July, the next set of sanctions against Iran are scheduled to kick in within weeks, arguably restarting the whole negotiating process. The next time around, the parties should consider broadening their approach in these four ways.
Talks with Pakistan on NATO supply route stalled as US withdraws team

The US has pulled out of negotiations with Pakistan to reopen NATO supply lines. One of the sticking points was the conviction of the Pakistani doctor who helped the US track Osama bin Laden.
US halts talks with Pakistan on supply routes. Could ties get any worse?

A US negotiating team will leave Pakistan without an agreement on the routes, the Pentagon says. Both sides stand to gain from a deal, but 'the over-all crisis in the relationship won out.'
Why China is likely to get more involved in Afghanistan

For the past decade, China has not played a significant role in Afghanistan. But with NATO starting to pull out, Afghanistan's security will affect neighboring China.
Russian activists sound alarm at soaring fines for civil 'disorder'

The Russian parliament is rushing through a bill that will impose large fines for a wide range of protests. Activists say the hikes amount to financial intimidation to chill the protest movement.
Global News Blog NATO will exit Afghanistan as Soviets did, through Central Asia

NATO signs deals with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to truck its military supplies from Afghan war out through Central Asia, giving it options instead of closed Pakistan route.
Keep Calm With Crocker's exit, a chance for a new approach to Afghanistan

Ambassador Ryan Crocker announced he is stepping down as the US ambassador to Afghanistan.
US to Pakistan: reopen supply route and we can leave Afghanistan faster

The US and Pakistan have been unsuccessfully negotiating on reopening Pakistan’s border to NATO supply convoys for the Afghanistan campaign. The issue has been contentious at the NATO summit in Chicago.
Why Pakistan still hasn't reopened NATO supply lines

The government of Pakistan is facing domestic political pressure to keep NATO's supply routes to Afghanistan closed, while the US resists apologizing or paying a high per truck fee.
Briefing DOMA and Prop. 8 struck down: Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Horsehair helps locate the origins of domestication

A new study points to the area made up of Kazhakstan, Russia and Ukraine as the region that was home to the first domesticated horses.
Keep Calm Clinton in India: a gentle reminder about all that Iranian oil (+video)

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wants India to stop buying oil from Iran, given concerns over Iran's nuclear program. But can Delhi stop?
Afghanistan attacks: Were signs of improved US-Pakistan ties just a mirage?

Despite optimism relations were rebounding, the attacks bore the signature of a Pakistan-based group, a reminder, as the US plans to exit Afghanistan, that Pakistan is at best a fickle partner.
Pakistan moves to reopen NATO supply lines, but US ties remain frayed

Parliament outlined how US-Pakistan relations ought to proceed, but gave an unofficial okay to reopening NATO supply lines to Afghanistan.
Why India is trying to expand trade with Iran

The creation of Pakistan cut India off from longstanding trade routes to Central Asia and beyond. India sees Iran as a way to reconnect, despite US sanctions.