America.gov-South & Central Asia

Ambassador Urges Robust Afghan Debate on Women’s Issues

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:46:17 -0400

Afghan women want candidates running in the August 20 provincial and presidential elections to discuss issues of concern to them, a State Department official says. Their concerns range from the need for protection against violent attacks to improved health and greater economic and social inclusion.

Military Leaders from U.S., Gulf States Discuss Security Threats

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:01:57 -0400

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates tells military leaders from the Gulf region that today’s security environment in the Gulf poses dilemmas and opportunities that span all borders. Gates adds that facing these issues has been easier because of widespread cooperation and collaboration.

Clinton Calls for an Upgrade in U.S.-India Relations

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:34:46 -0400

The United States and India need to upgrade cooperation between their governments in the same way that the people-to-people and economic ties have advanced, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says. “Our official ties are past due for an upgrade,” she says.

Innovative Activists Save Trafficking Victims in Jordan and India

Jane Morse — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:47:02 -0400

In India and Jordan, innovative women are working to prevent the exploitation of women and children. Their efforts have earned them the honor of being named as “Heroes Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery” by the U.S. Department of State.

Support for Pakistani Refugees Is Critical, U.S. Envoy Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:08:25 -0400

U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, warning that Pakistan’s refugee situation is “a major, major crisis” and the longer it continues, “the more critical it’s going to be,” urges the international community to join the United States in providing funding for relief aid.

State’s Burns Says India a Crucial Partner for the United States

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:49:29 -0400

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns says India “is a major foreign policy priority” for the United States. Burns comments come as he starts a four-day visit to hold the first direct U.S. talks with Indian officials since the country’s May 16 parliamentary elections.

Obama Calls for a New Beginning with Muslims Around the World

Merle David Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:11:08 -0400

Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims worldwide, President Obama tells an audience in Cairo that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship must end, and he seeks a new start based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

United States Welcomes End of Sri Lankan Conflict

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:23:05 -0400

The United States welcomes the end of fighting in Sri Lanka and the conclusion of a 26-year-old civil war that has cost tens of thousands of Sinhalese and Tamil lives, uprooted countless Sri Lankans from their homes, left thousands maimed or wounded and had brutally divided the island nation.

U.S. Provides $110 Million in Emergency Aid to Pakistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:45:36 -0400

The United States is providing $110 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to help Pakistan with a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by a conflict between Pakistani forces and a Taliban insurgency that has forced approximately 2 million people to flee their homes.

Obama Calls for Halt in Sri Lankan Fighting

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:15:44 -0400

President Obama calls on all sides in the Sri Lankan civil war to cease hostilities and allow the safe evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians trapped in a 2.5-kilometer conflict zone. Obama says that without urgent action the current humanitarian crisis could turn into a catastrophe.

Online Maps Enable Citizens to Report, Track Events

Michelle Austein Brooks — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:09:46 -0400

Online mapping tools like MapQuest and Google Maps are known for helping people get from Point A to B. With the help of some technical experts, these maps can also be used to track and monitor critical events in real time.

Recognition Grows of Pakistan, Afghanistan as Regional Problem

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:51:55 -0400

There is a new recognition that challenges to Afghanistan and Pakistan from Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents are a regional problem and require a common front, U.S. National Security Advisor General James Jones says after President Obama’s meetings with his Afghan and Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistan’s Security Seen as Vital to U.S. National Security

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:59:20 -0400

The hallmarks of U.S. engagement with Pakistan must be constancy and consistency to assure a strong partnership in the fight against the Taliban, State’s Richard Holbrooke tells a House panel ahead of talks in Washington involving President Obama and the presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Obama Seeks Close Coordination with Afghan, Pakistani Leaders

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:48:32 -0400

President Obama’s meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan in Washington May 6 are expected to be “very productive” as the three leaders seek to improve trilateral cooperation in the face of common security and economic challenges.

United States Must Do More to Help Pakistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:27:13 -0400

The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff says he is concerned about the progress the Taliban insurgency has had in Pakistan and believes the United States must do more over the next two years to help the Pakistani government and armed forces succeed.