America.gov-South & Central Asia

Singh’s State Visit to Build on U.S.-India Relations

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:05:20 -0500

The state visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is seen by the Obama administration as a new beginning for U.S.-India relations and a window to work on pressing issues, a senior U.S. diplomat says.

Secretary Clinton Interview with Kim Ghattas of BBC

Amor Safi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:32 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participates in an interview with Kim Ghattas of BBC at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Clinton’s Remarks at the Meet and Greet with Employees in Kabul

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:22:10 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks at the meet and greet with employees and their families at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Clinton’s Interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC

Amor Safi — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:35:03 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed in Singapore by George Stephanopoulos of ABC’s This Week.

U.S., Germany Call for Greater Accountability in Afghanistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:04:59 -0500

The United States and Germany called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to implement measures to deliver services for the people of Afghanistan, root out corruption, and increase accountability and openness in the way the government works.

Statement by President Obama on Iran

Amor Safi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:24:29 -0500

The White House releases a statement by President Obama on Iran upon the 30-year anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Obama Congratulates Afghan President and Urges Internal Reforms

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:24:34 -0500

President Obama congratulates Afghan President Hamid Karzai on winning re-election and says the final outcome of the country’s election has been “determined in accordance with Afghan law.” Obama urges Karzai to initiate reforms to improve Afghan governance and end corruption.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Afghanistan Election

Amor Safi — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:11:43 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks on Dr. Abdullah’s decision to not participate in the second round of the presidential election in Afghanistan.

Clinton’s Remarks at Meeting with Pashtun Leaders in Pakistan

Amor Safi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:01:18 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks and answers questions at a meeting with Pashtun leaders in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Clinton’s Remarks in Interview with Women Journalists in Pakistan

Amor Safi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:25:39 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton answers questions in an October 30 “townterview” with prominent women journalists in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Wyatt Andrews of CBS

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:46:45 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Wyatt Andrews of CBS in Pakistan.

Statement on Secretary Clinton’s Three-Day Visit to Pakistan

Amor Safi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:42:12 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s completion of a three-day visit to Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Jill Dougherty of CNN

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:38:56 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Jill Dougherty of CNN in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Margaret Warner of PBS

Amor Safi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:24:07 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participates in an interview with Margaret Warner of the Public Broadcasting Stystem while on her trip in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Clinton Found Pakistani Students Respectful and Challenging

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:02:01 -0500

A portion of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s three-day visit to Pakistan was spent trying to reach young people through a discussion of issues and emotions, and that became clear during a brief exchange with a young medical student in Lahore.

Remarks by Clinton with Senior Pakistani Editors in Pakistan

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:24:47 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton answers questions from senior Pakistani editors in Lahore, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Andrea Mitchell of NBC

Amor Safi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:07:00 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participates in an October 30 interview with Andrea Mitchell of NBC while on a trip to Islamabad, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Kim Ghattas of BBC

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:04:12 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Kim Ghattas of the British Broadcasting Corporation in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Clinton Calls for Strengthened Partnership with Pakistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:59:27 -0500

The United States seeks to be a partner with Pakistan in economic development and trade, education, health care, energy development and regional security, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says as she concludes a three-day visit to Pakistan.

U.S. Law Schools Open Doors to New Generation of Afghan Lawyers

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:15:18 -0500

Three Afghan lawyers studying for advanced law degrees in the United States may be the vanguard of a continuing stream of legal professionals from Afghanistan who will have educational opportunities at several of the United States’ highly ranked law schools.

Secretary Clinton’s Roundtable Interview with Radio Journalists

Amor Safi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:48:16 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton answers questions in an October 29 roundtable interview with radio journalists in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Meeting with Business Leaders in Pakistan

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:45 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participates in a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the governor’s house in Lahore, Pakistan.

Clinton’s Town Hall Meeting at University in Pakistan

Amor Safi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:04:52 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks and answers questions at a town hall meeting at Government College University in Lahore, Pakistan.

Clinton Announces Millions in Assistance for Pakistani People

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:19:49 -0500

As part of her visit to Pakistan, Secretary Clinton announces millions of dollars in U.S. financial support for a range of Pakistani programs and government institutions, including those designed to help people affected by fighting between the government and violent extremists.

Clinton Encourages Use of New Media Communications in Pakistan

Amor Safi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:19:29 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on Secretary of State Clinton’s announcement of U.S. support for the first Pakistani mobile phone-based social network, Humari Awaz, which will be available using the free SMS short code 7111.

United States Supports Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:16:27 -0500

The State Department releases a media note to announce the U.S. contribution of $45 million to the Government of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Car Bomb in Peshawar, Pakistan

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:45:06 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks on the car bomb attack in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Note on U.S. Aid for Pakistan Law Enforcement, Border Security

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:15:19 -0500

The State Department releases a media note to announce the U.S. pledge of $103.5 million in support for the government of Pakistan’s new law enforcement and border security programs.

U.S. Pledges $56 Million for Assistance to Displaced Pakistanis

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:09:46 -0500

The State Department releases an announcement on the United States pledging $56 million for humanitarian assistance to displaced Pakistanis.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:56:09 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi brief reporters October 28 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

U.S. Support for Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Program

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:51:24 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on a U.S. contribution of $85 million to the Government of Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Program, which targets assistance to Pakistani women and families in need.

United States Stands with Pakistan Against Violent Extremism

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:43:24 -0500

Describing those responsible for an attack on a women’s market in Peshawar as “cowardly,” Secretary Clinton says the United States stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Pakistan as it confronts violence. Clinton’s comments come during her first trip to Pakistan as secretary of state.

Clinton Announces Projects to Improve Pakistan’s Energy Sector

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:40:52 -0500

Secretary Clinton announces $125 million to help Pakistan reduce the electrical blackouts that are hampering the country’s economic growth. Funding will support repairs and replacements to thousands of agricultural well pumps, as well as upgrades and repairs to thermal power stations.

Statement by Ambassador Rice on Attack in Kabul, Afghanistan

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:12:26 -0500

Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, condemns the October 28 terrorist attack in Kabul on U.N. workers and members of the Afghan National Security Forces.

Announcement of Pakistan Signature Energy Program

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:39:48 -0500

The State Department releases a media note to announce the U.S. contribution of $125 million for the Signature Energy Program in Pakistan.

Briefing by Secretary Clinton en Route to Islamabad, Pakistan

Amor Safi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:21:54 -0500

The State Department releases a press briefing conducted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton while she was en route to Islamabad, Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Pakistan’s Geo TV

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:17:41 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Pakistan’s Geo TV.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Pakistan’s Dawn TV

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:12:45 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Anwar Iqbal of Pakistan’s Dawn TV.

Deputy Secretary Lew on U.S. Civilians Working in Afghanistan

Amor Safi — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:05:37 -0500

The State Department releases a briefing by Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew on the progress made in civilian hiring in Afghanistan.

United States to Triple Number of Civilian Experts in Afghanistan

Stephen E. Kaufman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:19 -0500

The Obama administration has nearly doubled the number of U.S. civilian experts working in Afghanistan since assuming office, and plans to bring the number up to 974 by the end of 2009, according to Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew.

United States Anticipates Smoother Runoff Vote in Afghanistan

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:43:45 -0500

The United States is hopeful that the November 7 Afghan presidential runoff election will have fewer irregularities than the August 20 vote, but U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke says there should be wider acknowledgement that the electoral process has worked in the face of serious challenges.

Ambassador Holbrooke Briefs on Situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan

Amor Safi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:27:47 -0500

Richard C. Holbrooke, special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, briefs reporters on the situation in the region.

NATO Looks at Boosting Afghanistan Support, Defense’s Gates Says

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:50:10 -0500

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says NATO allies are considering sending more military forces and civilian aid to Afghanistan as President Obama also is considering what course the United States will take there. Gates attended a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Slovakia October 22–23.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Afghan Elections

Amor Safi — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:58:43 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks on the second round of elections in Afghanistan.

Obama Lauds Afghan President’s Participation in Runoff Vote

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:46 -0500

Afghan President Karzai’s agreement to participate in a runoff presidential election scheduled for November 7 is “an important precedent” for the country’s young democracy, President Obama says, and strengthens the country’s constitution and laws as well as the credibility of its electoral process.

Statement by President Obama on Afghan Elections

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:28:28 -0500

The White House releases a statement by President Obama on the Afghanistan elections.

Gates Foundation Announces $120 Million in Grants for Agriculture

Kathryn McConnell — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:06:33 -0500

A major U.S. charity, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is awarding $120 million in grants to nine organizations to help small farmers in developing countries increase productivity. Bill Gates, co-chair of the foundation, announced the grants October 15, World Food Day.

Diwali Lights Symbolize Search for Knowledge and Goodness

Alexandra Abboud — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:43:57 -0500

On the occasion of Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, the Talking Faith blog interviews Anju Bhargava, senior vice president at Bank of America and a member of President Obama's Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Statement on Signing of Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:10:53 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the signing of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act.

Remarks by President Obama at Diwali Event at White House

Amor Safi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:29:46 -0500

President Barack Obama makes remarks at a Diwali ceremony where he signs an executive order to restore the White House Commission and Interagency Working Group to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Assistant Secretary Blake’s Meeting on Situation in Sri Lanka

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:12:57 -0500

The State Department releases a media note summarizing Assistant Secretary Robert Blake’s recent meeting with Sri Lankan-American community representatives on the humanitarian situation and prospects for political reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Under Secretary Burns on U.S.-Central Asia Economic Relations

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:23:26 -0500

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns makes remarks at the Chamber of Commerce on U.S.-Central Asia economic relations.

Ambassador Rice on Attack on U.N. Food Offices in Islamabad

Amor Safi — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:19:40 -0500

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations releases a statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice on the attack on the World Food Program’s office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Rice at Commemoration of International Day of Nonviolence

Amor Safi — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:59:59 -0500

Ambassador Susan E. Rice pays tribute to Mahatma Ghandi’s philosophy of nonviolence at a commemoration of the International Day of Nonviolence in New York.

President Obama on Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary

Amor Safi — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:45:22 -0500

The White House releases a statement by President Obama on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Statement on Construction of New Office Annex in Kabul

Amor Safi — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:25:26 -0500

The State Department announces the awarding of a $209 million contract for the construction of a new office annex and housing in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Obama Facing Critical Decisions in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:47:00 -0500

President Obama meets with his national security team in the White House Situation Room to evaluate the progress that has been made and the challenges that lay ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Among the challenges is shrinking U.S. public support for U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

Pakistan Future Has Stronger Promise for Democracy, Analyst Says

Kelly Daniel — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:56:06 -0500

A leading American observer of Pakistan, speaking to journalists in Lahore, says he believes democracy has a greater chance to take hold in that country now than it did even five years ago, citing greater civilian governance and attention by the international community.

Obama, Rasmussen Consult on Afghanistan Strategy

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:37:57 -0500

President Obama and new NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen agreed at a White House meeting that the important thing to do in Afghanistan is first determine the best strategic approach, and then develop the resources to support it.

U.S. Awards Three Cultural Heritage Preservation Projects

Amor Safi — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:23:58 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on the three partnership-based cultural heritage preservation projects to be financially supported by the U.S. Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Remarks by President Obama and NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:22:09 -0500

President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made remarks after their meeting.

Statement by Co-Chairs of Friends of Democratic Pakistan Meeting

Amor Safi — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:21:26 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on the first Summit of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan in New York, September 24.

Obama Remarks at Friends of Democratic Pakistan Meeting

Amor Safi — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:28:39 -0500

The White House releases prepared remarks by President Barack Obama at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in New York, September 24.

Muslim Americans Mix Old and New Traditions in Eid Celebrations

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:26:54 -0500

Eid al Fitr in America is celebrated by Muslims like many other American faith communities — it combines faith, tradition, communities, families, sales, shopping and children.

Assistant Secretary Blake on Indian and Tajik Bilateral Meetings

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:25:33 -0500

Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake comments on bilateral meetings that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton held with officials from India and Tajikistan in New York.

Press Briefing by U.S. Envoy Holbrooke on Afghanistan, Pakistan

Amor Safi — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:20:11 -0500

U.S. Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, briefs the press in New York.

U.S. Tripling Nonmilitary Aid to Pakistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:46:53 -0500

The United States is tripling annual nonmilitary aid to Pakistan to help the Pakistani people achieve greater security and prosperity, President Obama says. The U.S. Senate approved legislation September 24 to authorize U.S. aid totaling $7.5 billion spread equally over five years.