In The News

Back to the Great Game in Kazakhstan

Charles Tannock February 29, 2008
Kazakhstan borders two great powers, Russia and China, and lies within Europe’s sphere of influence. Its geography, together with its massive oil reserves and majority Muslim population, make Kazakhstan a point of interest for all three parties. However, the European Parliament has thus far ruled out courting the central Asian state because of human-rights violations. Charles Tannock, member of...

Unilateral Strike Called a Model for US Operations in Pakistan

Joby Warrick February 19, 2008
The US continues to hunt Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan, sometimes without Pakistani approval. Instead, US officials notify Pakistan authorities about air strikes, including the recent attack on Abu Laith al-Libi, a senior al-Qaeda commander, only after missions are under way. “When the autonomous US military operations in Pakistan succeed, support for them grows in Washington in probably the...

Iran: Does Government Fear Educated Women?

Iraj Gorgin February 12, 2008
Iran’s parliamentary research arm has reported on new trends of rising numbers of Iranian women enrolling in higher-education programs. Women in the Islamic society must contend with limited rights in the law and the workplace, and thus many pursue education to become competitive for the limited opportunities available to females, suggests one activist. Increased female enrollment could lead to...

Seeking a Path in Democracy’s Dead End

C.J. Chivers February 4, 2008
While sending US troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, the Bush administration also urged democracy throughout Central Asia, including the former satellites of the Soviet Union. Citizens in Georgia and Ukraine responded, but elsewhere dictators cling to power, relying on violence, corruption and charges of “terrorism” against opponents. The administration was forced to recalibrate its goals, reports C....

After Bhutto, Pakistan on Edge

Ahmed Rashid January 1, 2008
Pakistan grieves the sudden, yet foreseen death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a courageous woman who threatened the status quo. Urged by the US, Bhutto agreed to a power-sharing deal with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, if both won election. She vowed to end appeasement of extremists and cooperate with the US in pursuing all sources of terrorism, in and out of Pakistan. She...

Pakistan's Anniversary Wish – Justice

Ahmed Rashid August 16, 2007
Following a bitter split and violence, Britain's colonial rule over India ended 60 years ago this week, resulting in two independent nations, the Islamic state of Pakistan and the secular state of India. The division left many boundary issues unresolved and institutions in disarray, resulting in fierce nationalism, bitterness and wars. Those challenges, combined with military rule,...

Pakistan at the Crossroads – Part II

Nayan Chanda August 9, 2007
General Pervez Musharraf has been a key ally in the US war on terror, but opposition parties demand free elections as scheduled, even as Pakistan churns with political instability and street violence. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, in exile, is among the candidates ready to return to Pakistan and work for stability and moderation. In an exclusive interview with Bhutto – the second part of...