Topic: Islamabad

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5 factors for peace in Afghanistan

Given that Afghanistan has been in a state of war for nearly 35 years, only a broad-based reconciliation can resolve the fighting. Peace talks are a vital part of that process. Here are five factors necessary to achieving a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.
50 years after Cuban missile crisis: 5 ways US must promote nuclear nonproliferation

Fifty years after the Cuban missile crisis brought the world to the brink of a nuclear holocaust, the threats posed by the bomb still hang over us all. The next US president must pursue a nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament “stimulus plan.” It should include the following elements.
6 signs of hope in Pakistan

The American imagination can run wild amid Pakistan’s political uncertainties and instability. But any pessimistic view of Pakistan, while endemic in the West, differs considerably from the perspective of Pakistani analysts who cautiously point to more optimistic scenarios. They cite six hopeful developments.
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:
Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Change Agents

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.

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Opinion: Obama must support India-Pakistan rapprochement

Amid all the bad news, there is a bit of hope in South Asia: India and Pakistan have restarted their peace dialogue, with greater economic engagement. The Obama administration should reinforce this effort, which would help US security interests in the region, especially in Afghanistan.
Pakistani PM charged with contempt, job on the line in court showdown

The judges are set to charge Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani with contempt for defying their orders to reopen an old corruption case against his political ally, President Asif Ali Zardari.
In landmark trial, Pakistan prime minister charged with contempt

The indictment of Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani has polarized public opinion, with some seeing a victory for rule of law, but others worried about an antidemocratic precedent.
Global News Blog A cricket game to end all war? Afghanistan takes on Pakistan.

Maybe not, but as Afghanistan played its first major international cricket match today against rival Pakistan, some hoped the goodwill between the players on the field would translate into better relations off it.
Helpers in a hostile world: the risk of aid work grows

Some 242 aid workers were killed in 2010, up from 91 a decade before. Is 'humanitarian space' shrinking, or are aid groups spreading out to more conflict zones than before?
Sanctions on Iran: Iranians face shortages of rice, corn, and cooking oil

US and European sanctions are preventing Iran from buying enough rice, cooking oil, and other staples, say commodities traders. Prices for food are rising in Iran.
New to Pakistan's Taliban-heavy tribal areas: political campaigns

Pakistani President Zardari lifted a 64-year ban on political party activity in the federally administered tribal areas, saying the reforms would help defeat the 'militant mindset' there.
Afghanistan women: 'Give us a seat at the peace table'

Given the Taliban's history, women say it's critical that they're at the table to make sure concessions aren't made at their expense.
Kidnapped US aid contractor reportedly held by militants in Pakistan

Some five months after Warren Weinstein was kidnapped, the US aid contractor is reported to be in the custody of a Pakistani Al Qaeda affiliate, McClatchy Newspapers reports.
Who is Mansoor Ijaz? The US businessman behind Pakistan's 'Memo-gate'

A whistle blowing hero to some, a villain doing the Pakistan military's dirty work to others, Ijaz is above all a mysterious anomaly.
Why US support for sacked Pakistan ambassador is a double-edged sword

Americans have voiced support for Pakistan's former Washington ambassador, under virtual house arrest following the 'memo-gate' scandal. But the atmosphere is so poisonous, the words may do more harm than good.
Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Change Agents

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.
What the execution of 15 kidnapped Pakistani soldiers means

In an apparent surprise to the Pakistan military, insurgents executed 15 soldiers who had been recently kidnapped – a blow to talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban.
US military report shares blame on NATO bombing of Pakistani soldiers (VIDEO)

Relations between US and Pakistan have soured so much that the report on the NATO bombing is likely to have little effect. Instead, Pakistanis fret about rumors of a possible military coup.
US airstrike on Pakistani troops: Both sides to blame, says Pentagon

The Pakistan military fired on US helicopters and gaps in US information lead to a US airstrike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, says Pentagon in report.
Prohibition: India's and America's shared lessons in fight against alcohol

This week's death toll of more than 100 in the Indian state of West Bengal point to India's well-intentioned motives but mixed record in restricting the sale of alcohol.
Pakistan coup rumors: Could the military take over again?

Coup rumors come at a time of great public dissatisfaction with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and growing disenchantment among the military with the US alliance.
Why engage with Pakistan?

The US still needs Islamabad’s help on Afghanistan. Pakistan needs US aid money and global connections to avert international isolation.
After NATO airstrike, Pakistan soldiers given permission to return fire

Pakistan today authorized its border troops to return fire without first seeking permission, in response to last weekend's NATO airstrike that killed two dozen Pakistani troops.
Good Reads: What really happened at the bombed out Pakistani military post?

NATO bombardment of Pakistani military post has pushed US-Pakistani relationship to new low. That's the bad news. It's also fodder for some great news reporting.
After NATO strike, can US-Pakistan relations be patched up one more time? (VIDEO)

Pakistan announced it was closing its borders permanently to the transport of NATO supplies into Afghanistan. The move was one more retaliatory measure in a long-troubled relationship.
In Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, residents see experiment with autonomy as 'illusion'

One area of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir was given limited autonomy in 2009 and hailed as a successful model for the disputed region – but many residents say there hasn't been enough change.
NATO strike on Pakistan military 'couldn't come at a worse time'

US officials are scrambling to avoid a further breakdown in US-Pakistan relations after a mistaken NATO strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
In Pakistan, downturn in major Taliban attacks brings cautious optimism

Pakistan's major cities have seen no large Taliban attacks since May, and civilian casualties are at a four-year low. Some credit better policing and coordination with intelligence agencies.
Pakistan appoints new ambassador to US

Pakistan's civilian government taps Sherry Rehman, a human rights campaigner living under Islamist threats, as the new ambassador to the US. Leaders hope she can soothe strained ties.