Topic: Pakistan

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Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.
Afghanistan: 5 areas of concern after the US leaves

The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan will have profound, direct effects on the country's security, economy, and society. Here are five areas that are likely to see an impact.
Expert Q&A: Who is Hafiz Saeed and why the $10 million bounty?

For a clearer picture of who Mr. Saeed is, the Monitor talked with a noted scholar and author on the region.
Censored: 5 plays and novels banned around the globe

Censorship of the arts has a long history, from ancient Greece to present-day Thailand. Here is a list of five plays and novels banned, for a variety of reasons, in regions across the globe.

All Content

Afghan peace: Karzai, Ahmadinejad in Pakistan for talks

Afghan president Hamid Karzai is seeking help in negotiating a peace deal with the Taliban from his Iranian and Pakistani counterparts in Islamabad today.
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.
Change Agent
Five private companies helping to reduce hunger

Pepsico, Kraft, Cargill, Land O' Lakes, and TNT Express are among many companies that have created nonprofit divisions to help alleviate hunger in developing countries.
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.
Terrorism & Security
Bali nightclub bombings suspect stands trial

Umar Patek, accused of building the bomb used in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, was captured in January 2011 and began his trial today in Indonesia.
Al Qaeda's Zawahiri calls for war to oust Syria's Assad

In a video message, Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called for Muslims to rally for a war to oust Syria's Bashar al-Assad.
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?
Global News Blog
Pakistan Supreme Court rejects prime minister's appeal. What's the next step?

Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani's appeal of his contempt charges was thrown out today, paving the way for indictment. Some say the ruling benefits the powerful military.
Maggie vs. Gorby: the scene that ‘The Iron Lady’ forgot

The scripted and unscripted confrontations between Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev were of such epic consequence they could not be condensed into film. Yet we do Britain’s first female prime minister a great disservice in omitting them.
Terrorism & Security
US drone strikes in Pakistan on rise again

A US drone killed three suspected militants in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, including the de facto leader of Al Qaeda, in the second such attack in as many days.
Huge whale shark sold for $2,200 in Pakistan

Whale shark: A 7.7 ton whale shark was found off the coast of Pakistan. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the sea.
Terrorism & Security
Israel's public campaign against Iran has West on edge

Israel's steady stream of warnings against Iran troubles Western leaders, who worry that Israel will act unilaterally.
Pakistan high court to charge prime minister with contempt

Pakistan’s highest court said on Feb. 2 it would charge Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani with contempt of court for refusing to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Terrorism & Security
Plan for early end to US combat role catches Afghan officials by surprise

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced Feb. 1 that the US could end its combat role in Afghanistan by mid-2013 even as concerns about Taliban strength rise.
Most-wanted terror leaders killed in the Philippines

Philippine officials say they killed members of the group Abu Sayyaf, which has been behind kidnappings, bomb attacks, and beheadings, terrorizing the country for over 20 years.
Taliban infiltrators in Afghanistan? Pentagon warns of 'insider threat.'

Attacks by Afghan police and soldiers against US troops have caused friction and raised the threat that Taliban sympathizers could be joining the Afghan Army to attack or undermine NATO.
Africa asks itself: Where is the aid money?

African nations pledged five months ago to do more to help each other when famine and disaster strike. But so far, they haven't come up with the promised cash.
Why Chinese workers are getting kidnapped abroad

Kidnapped Chinese workers were freed today in Egypt, but as more Chinese workers become easy targets abroad, citizens back home are calling for action.
Rise to Mind's occasion

A Christian Science perspective: The insight and intuition that God, divine Mind, provides will point the way toward healing for individuals and among nations.
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.
Terrorism & Security
Obama admits 'worst-kept secret': US flies drones over Pakistan

For the first time, President Obama publicly acknowledged US drone attacks in Pakistan, which could allow Washington to better explain its strategy to Pakistani critics.
Taliban talks: Another Karzai tiff with the US?

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he will personally attend a meeting with Taliban figures in Saudi Arabia, working around Western efforts to coordinate the peace process.
Wanted Women

What the West can learn from two fiercely intelligent Muslim women who took opposing paths in life.