Topic: Central Asia
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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.
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Briefing
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.
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International Women's Day: How it's celebrated around the globe
International Women's Day has served for more than a century as a day to honor the achievements of women globally. Here are some ways people are celebrating:
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How do key countries rank on corruption?
Every year, the group Transparency International releases its Corruption Perception Index, which measures the perception of corruption – misuse of public resources, bribery, and backdoor deals, to name a few - in countries worldwide.
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Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 03/22
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John Kerry as secretary of State: expect a more traditional style (+video)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with her late-night dancing and talks with children, was known for her 'people to people' style. John Kerry is expected to adopt a more traditional version of diplomacy.
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Editor's Blog
Managing the 'water planet'For most of history, there were always new lands to discover, explore, and exploit. Resources like water were taken for granted. But an important shift has occurred as we've looked back at our planet from space: We've become more conscious of preserving our rare, blue-green island in the universe.
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Progress Watch
Poland takes top honors for 'most improved' in cutting red tapeIt's getting easier to do business in many countries, according to a World Bank report, with Eastern Europe and Central Asia making significant strides this year.
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Energy Voices
Georgia installs soccer star as energy ministerThe prime minister-elect of Georgia announced earlier this week his choice of soccer sensation Kakha Kaladze as his new energy minister. The soccer star has played for top Italian clubs Milan and Genoa, according to OilPrice.com.
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Kremlin to pull out of Russia-US nuke lockdown program
Russia's plan to end the Nunn-Lugar program, in which the US aided Russia in handling post-Soviet weaponry, is just part of Russia's shifting policy regarding international cooperation.
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Editor's Blog
How poor is poor? How rich is rich?Everyone from the US Census Bureau to the United Nations has a definition of poverty. A reasonable income is unquestionably important. But income alone doesn't determine whether someone is poor. Or rich.
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Russia keeps door open to Pakistan after Putin cancels trip
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Islamabad yesterday in an apparent effort to smooth feathers ruffled in Pakistan by Putin's last- minute cancellation of his own scheduled visit.
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Opinion: Beware Russia's hand in elections in Georgia, Ukraine, Lithuania
A top priority of Russian President Vladimir Putin is the reintegration of former Soviet republics – based on tighter economic links and culminating in a political and security pact centered around Russia. Meddling in Eastern European elections is one way to fulfill Putin's regional ambition.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Consumer Energy Report
Beijing flexes some muscle to protect energy interestsBeijing has boosted its military presence in the energy-rich South China Sea, despite disputed claims by Vietnam.
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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.
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Terrorism & Security
Syria's top defector says Assad not afraid to use chemical weaponsSyria 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.
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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.
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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.
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US apology to Pakistan unlocks NATO supply line (+video)
The US apologized to Pakistan for a deadly cross-border attack in November.
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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.
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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.
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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Global News Blog
NATO will exit Afghanistan as Soviets did, through Central AsiaNATO 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.
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Keep Calm
With Crocker's exit, a chance for a new approach to AfghanistanAmbassador Ryan Crocker announced he is stepping down as the US ambassador to Afghanistan.
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